Lately I’ve been crazy for cocktail-inspired desserts. Classic cocktails and desserts are two of my favorite things, so when they’re paired together I can’t resist! These adult-only White Russian Cereal Cocktail Bars are the dessert of my dreams.
The cereal layer is made by combining Cocoa Puffs with espresso powder, coffee liqueur, marshmallows and dark chocolate. The combination is decadent, rich and tastes remarkably like the base of a White Russian cocktail. But what really makes these bars complete is the frosting. Made with melted vanilla baking chips, powdered sugar and vanilla vodka, the frosting is smooth, creamy and balances out the rich cereal layer perfectly.
Like their cocktail namesake, these spiked Cocoa Puffs squares are best served cold.
Keep ‘em in the fridge.
White Russian Cereal Cocktail Bars
Ingredients
Cocoa Puffs Cereal Bars
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon instant espresso coffee powder or granules
2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
6 cups Cocoa Puffs cereal
Vanilla Vodka Frosting
3/4 cup white vanilla baking chips
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons vanilla-flavored vodka
1/8 teaspoon salt
Garnish: Chocolate shavings or unsweetened baking cocoa, if desired
Directions
Grease 9-inch square pan with shortening. In large microwavable bowl, microwave 3 tablespoons butter uncovered on High until melted. Stir in espresso powder and coffee liqueur until well combined.
Add marshmallows to butter mixture. Microwave uncovered on High 45 to 60 seconds or until marshmallows are melted. Stir in chocolate chips until chocolate is melted and marshmallows are smooth. Stir in cereal until well combined. Press mixture in pan. Refrigerate 1 hour or until set.
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In 2-quart microwavable bowl, microwave vanilla baking chips uncovered on High about 60 seconds or until melted. Stir; if chips are not completely melted, microwave 30 seconds longer, then stir until all chips are melted. Add powdered sugar, 1/3 cup butter, the vodka and salt; beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread frosting over cereal bar base. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
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Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store in the refrigerator.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Total Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes | Makes: 16 bars
