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Good Morning Sunshine Bars

March 7, 2013

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Good Morning Sunshine Bars

The other day, I told you how I love to eat breakfast for dinner.  I love it so much, I had it again the other night.  Today I have another confession.  A much worse confession.  I like to eat dessert for breakfast.  I know.  I’m all messed up.  Breakfast for dinner.  Dessert for breakfast.  What’s next?  Dinner for lunch?

In the morning, sometimes a muffin doesn’t sound good.  But a leftover piece of pie or cake is just calling my name.  Or maybe it’s more like screaming.  Last week, it was the last piece of blueberry buckle, waiting patiently in the freezer to be eaten.  It was freezing and snowy and totally terrible outside.  I needed a reminder that the weather will get nicer.  So I turned toward a berry filled cake, all warm and moist right from the oven.  It was the best breakfast a girl could ask for.  And it had fruit in it, so it was a totally acceptable breakfast, right?

Good Morning Sunshine Bars

Good Morning Sunshine Bars

There is some method to my madness.  I always eat a healthy dinner.  Protein and vegetables, yummy, good for you foods that keep me feeling good.  After all that healthy food, sometimes I’m too full for dessert.  Gasp!  Such a travesty – no dessert!  In the morning this is clearly not an issue, my body ready for a treat to fuel the day.

Speaking of which, eating dessert in the morning also gives me all day to work it off.  Running, elliptical-ing, going up and down the stairs, creaming butter and sugar by hand.  Each time I move, I’m, burning the calories I ate for breakfast.  Eating dessert after dinner, the only calories I burn come from my heart racing during the latest plot twist on The Americans.  I think I’ve convinced you eating dessert for breakfast is a good thing.  Oh, you didn’t need convincing?  Well, then I’ve helped you explain it to others not in the know 😉

Good Morning Sunshine Bars

Good Morning Sunshine Bars

I was looking through the awesome Baked cookbooks Mom and Dad got me for my birthday when I came across these Good Morning Sunshine Bars and knew immediately I had to make them.  When the amazing Sydney over at Crepes of Wrath whipped up a killer batch of her own, they moved up on the do to list, as they looked so good.  These are quite the decadent breakfast treat, but even the cookbook authors note they are the perfect wake-up meal, as they’re name suggests.  I ate one for breakfast and one for dessert and can attest to the fact that they make any part of the day better.

Much like Triple Peanut Butter Puppy Chow, Momofuku Peanut Butter Cookies, and homemade Marshmallows, these are destined for regular rotation in my kitchen.  Chex and peanuts (I used Planters dry roasted unsalted because I don’t like salt, but feel free to use what you like) are coated in a peanut buttery concoction that has serious peanut butter flavor and a sticky, chewy consistency almost like a rich taffy.  I used Skippy peanut butter because I didn’t want to have any issues with the more volatile homemade.  In the book, they’re coated in ribbons of chocolate, but, as you know, that’s not a possibility for me, so I drizzled mine with both white and peanut butter chips.

Good Morning Sunshine Bars

The cereal and peanuts stay crunchy, while that chewy peanut butter coating adds a different texture and depth of flavor.  The drizzle adds a bit of sweetness, as these bars are not overly sweet.  Now, these are insanely tasty at room temperature, all the flavors and textures melding perfectly, but they are outstanding, irresistible, eat the whole pan good when warmed just a little.  The white and peanut butter chip drizzle starts to melt, as does the peanut butter coating, but the cereal stays crunchy.  I even topped mine with a melty homemade marshmallow.  Let’s just say I had to be torn away from the pan. 

So whether you eat these for breakfast or dessert, just be sure to make this easy, no bake treat.  You might find you want to eat them for all three meals a day.

Good Morning Sunshine Bars

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Good Morning Sunshine Bars


★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 20 1x
Print Recipe
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups Corn Chex
  • 1 cup peanuts (I used Planters dry roasted unsalted)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup dark corn syrup
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (I used Skippy)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup white baking chips
  • ½ cup peanut butter chips

Instructions

  1. Butter a 9 by 13 inch pan. Line it with parchment. Butter the parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, combine Chex and peanuts. Mix together with hands just to distribute.
  3. In a medium saucepan, cook brown sugar and corn syrups over medium heat until they come to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add the peanut butter, salt, and vanilla. Stir until fully combined. Immediately pour onto cereal mixture. Stir until all of the cereal and peanuts are coated with the peanut butter mixture. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Allow to cool completely.
  4. When cool, place the white baking chips in a small bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second increments, stirring in between to promote melting, until fully melted. Drizzle over the bars. Repeat with the peanut butter chips. Allow to cool until the drizzles have hardened. Cut into bars.
  5. Bars may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this recipe. When ready to serve, microwave individual bars for 15-30 seconds until warm and slightly melty for an even better eating experience.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Baked Elements

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins

Did you make this recipe?

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Filed Under: Bars, Cereal Treats, No Bake, Nut Butter, Snack Tagged With: Bars, Breakfast, Cereal, Dessert, Peanut Butter, Peanuts, Snack, Vanilla, White Chocolate

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Comments

  1. Becky @ Olives n Wine says

    March 7, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    I’m ALL about dessert for breakfast! I always wake up with such a sweet tooth and try to find healthy ways to satisfy it. Your breakfast-dessert looks amazing – I am going to have to try it out!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 12:03 pm

      I have a sweet tooth all day long 🙂 It is great to eat healthy sweet treats, but sometimes something a little more decadent is just needed. Please let me know if you try these – I know you’ll love them! Thanks, Becky!

      Reply
  2. Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen says

    March 7, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    I had eggs and an english muffin for breakfast and 20 minutes later I had leftover salted caramel apple cake! Ha needless to say I am right there with ya sista! I could definitely eat these bars for breakfast, lunch or dinner! 😉

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 12:01 pm

      A multi-coarse breakfast! Love it! I already want to make these bars again I loved them so much! Thanks, Elizabeth 🙂

      Reply
  3. Ruby @ The Ruby Red Apron says

    March 7, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    What a perfect breakfast treat! Dessert for breakfast has me convinced!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 12:00 pm

      Thanks, Ruby! Oh yeah, dessert for breakfast is a must!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says

    March 7, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    Yum – these sound awesome!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:59 am

      Thanks, Jennifer 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jackie says

    March 7, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    I really enjoyed these Laura. Everything about them was fantastic and my peanut butter addiction was satisfied. Thank you for sharing.
    I am also a big “dessert for breakfast” person. Especially at Christmas when I can eat my Mom’s sugar cookies with my coffee. YUM!!!!
    🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:59 am

      Yay! So glad you liked them that much, Jackie 🙂 They satisfied my pb addiction too! Sugar cookies sound like an amazing breakfast. I’ll have to make a batch to try that.

      Reply
  6. Lendon says

    March 7, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    These were great. I’m a fan of the desserts that don’t require baking, cause it’s probably something that I can make. Thanks!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:58 am

      I like no bake desserts, too, Lendon! It’s nice to have an amazing treat very quickly!

      Reply
  7. Linda says

    March 7, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    Allen and I shared and both agreed that this is something we will be making because we enjoyed it so much. Thank you for the treat.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:57 am

      I’m so glad you both enjoyed it, Linda! Please let me know if you make it and how it goes 🙂

      Reply
  8. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says

    March 7, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    Ahhhh my dear Laura. If I could always have dessert for breakfast I’d be a happy camper.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:56 am

      I think we could solve the world’s problems if everyone ate dessert for breakfast 🙂

      Reply
  9. Natalie says

    March 7, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    Yum! They look crunchy, sweet and salty, all such a great combination!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:56 am

      They are exactly crunchy, sweet, and salty, and taste so yummy! Thanks, Natalie!

      Reply
  10. luv what you do says

    March 7, 2013 at 11:00 pm

    I know they are called good morning bars but I would love one right now…I’d call it a sweet dreams bar : )

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:55 am

      These would definitely lead to sweet dreams and probably lull you right to sleep.

      Reply
  11. Debbie Eccard says

    March 8, 2013 at 9:43 am

    These look wonderful. I’m sure they would be good anytime!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:53 am

      Thanks, Debbie! They are wonderful!

      Reply
  12. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

    March 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

    These look like the perfect treat for a good morning 🙂 Love these, Laura!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:52 am

      Thank you so much, Anna! These bars for sure start the day right and lead to a good rest of the day 🙂

      Reply
  13. Jeff says

    March 8, 2013 at 10:19 am

    How can you go wrong with Chex, peanut butter, brown sugar and vanilla. They are great. Thanks

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:51 am

      I love all of those ingredients too, Jeff! So glad you liked them 🙂

      Reply
  14. The Café Sucré Farine says

    March 8, 2013 at 11:05 am

    Hehe, done the whole dessert for breakfast thing! The only problem is that carbs like that make me so tired, I’m then ready to go back to bed ………….. not always such a bad thing ………….. 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 8, 2013 at 11:49 am

      A little nap after breakfast is never a bad thing 😉 Carbs give me energy, so it really helps to get me through the day!

      Reply
  15. Katy @ Katyskitchen says

    March 8, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    I secretly love having dessert for breakfast. After my regular, yummy breakfast of course. I just can’t resist those delicious treats, they seem to be calling out my name. Glad I’m not the only one 😉

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 9, 2013 at 11:37 am

      Two breakfasts sound like a great way to start the morning 🙂 Thanks and thanks for visiting, Katy!

      Reply
  16. Summer @ Mallow and Co says

    March 8, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    I’m so happy right now! I totally have a box of chex sitting in my cupboard!!! How can you go wrong with peanut butter, white chocolate, sugar….! Just wanted to let you know that I nominated your for the Liebster Award this week! If you want to head over to my blog you can check it out 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 9, 2013 at 11:33 am

      I love these bars, and I know you would too, Summer! Thank you so much for the award! It means so much that you thought of me 🙂

      Reply
  17. Rick says

    March 8, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    These where great…I’m not a fan of chex mix so I was really hesitant. The sweetness and peanut butter flavor made these a big hit. Easy to make …good to eat…right up my alley. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 9, 2013 at 11:32 am

      These are definitely not your average chex mix! Glad you liked them, Rick 🙂

      Reply
  18. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

    March 8, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    That coating mixture, with the PB + corn syrup, that’s the coating mixture I use in a few fave cereal bar recipes Ive blogged about, and in some recipes in my book. Not those exact ratios, but in general, corn syrup, brown sugar and PB, heated and mixed with cereal creates the most amazing bars! And yours look to be something I would LOVE! So dense, soft and chewy, and packed with flavor! And with white choc too. Amazing! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 9, 2013 at 11:31 am

      I am really looking forward to trying more bars like these. They were so easy, yet one of my favorite treats, and that is a baker’s dream! Thank you so much for pinning, that is a serious complement coming from you 🙂 Thanks, Averie!

      Reply
  19. Mike says

    March 8, 2013 at 4:50 pm

    This tastes like a creative variation of puppy chow. It’s more convenient too, no powder sugar evidence leftover.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  20. Carol says

    March 8, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Great taste, nice texture and so easy to make…mornings can’t get any better!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 9, 2013 at 11:29 am

      These definitely make mornings better! Thanks, Carol!

      Reply
  21. stan the man says

    March 8, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    I thought I was eating a Snickers bar, peanuts and chocolate, and what tasted like caramel. It is good anytime!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 9, 2013 at 11:29 am

      Ooh, now that I think of it, they are kind of like a Snickers bar. Thanks, Stan!

      Reply
  22. kristy says

    March 8, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    Um, YUM!!!! Good Morning Sunshine Bars, where have you been my whole life?!?!?!!! Lol! Yes, these are the perfect treat, and then you had to mention adding marshmallows to yours……are you insane?!!! I wish I woulda thought to dothat myself! I definately think marshmallows woulda sent this over the top. So anyways……did I mention I liked these???? 😉

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 9, 2013 at 11:27 am

      I’m so glad you liked these, Kristy! You could totally make these yourself too! And yeah, marshmallows make them pretty crazy awesome 🙂

      Reply
  23. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says

    March 9, 2013 at 2:07 am

    These sunshine bars look so wonderful! But, you know, I usually can’t eat dessert for breakfast – my blood sugar gets way too low way too fast. And then I feel shaky. 🙂 So, I usually eat something pretty healthy and full of protein for breakfast. I’ll take these bars in the evening though!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 9, 2013 at 11:26 am

      Thanks, Julia! You’ll just have to call these Good Night Moon Bars 😉

      Reply
  24. Dad says

    March 9, 2013 at 11:27 am

    Great combination of ingredients. Great taste.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 9, 2013 at 11:37 am

      Thanks, Dad! Glad you liked them 🙂

      Reply
  25. sal says

    March 9, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY VERY NICE SNACK,.

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 10, 2013 at 3:30 pm

      Glad they were a hit, Sal!

      Reply
  26. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

    March 9, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    I’m a huge advocate of dessert for breakfast. Besides, who could resist chowing down on one of these bars for breakfast? Not me!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 10, 2013 at 3:30 pm

      These may be my favorite breakfast ever! Thanks, Jennie 🙂

      Reply
  27. Eric says

    March 10, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    Great breakfast treat. Good for you and it taste great.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 10, 2013 at 3:21 pm

      Thanks, Eric! I’m not sure if it’s good for you, but I think I’ll use that as an excuse to eat two the next time 😉

      Reply
  28. Jessica says

    March 10, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    I have always been a big fan of breakfast for dinner but now you have conviced me that dessert for breakfast is the only way to go 🙂 These were delightful!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 11, 2013 at 3:12 pm

      I’m glad your a dessert for breakfast convert, Jessica 🙂 And I’m glad you liked these!

      Reply
  29. Sydney @ Crepes of Wrath says

    March 11, 2013 at 10:53 am

    These look awesome! I’m glad that you also found them to be delicious and irresistible!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      March 11, 2013 at 3:07 pm

      Delicious and irresistible to be sure! Thanks, Sydney 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Peanut Butter Honey Banana Bread | Pies and Plots says:
    December 9, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    […] Momofuku peanut butter cookies, flourless peanut butter cookies, puppy chow, easy to make fudge, Good Morning Sunshine Bars.  And sometimes I stir it into oatmeal or smear it on a banana.  My food life kind of revolves […]

    Reply

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Welcome to Pies and Plots. I’m Laura Dembowski, writer, baker, and fashionista sharing recipes, reviews, and tips to inspire you to enjoy life both inside and outside the kitchen.
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