Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars

I've had an incredibly busy last couple of weeks and have had very little time for cooking let alone blogging.  Finding myself in a break from the action, I decided to make some cereal bars for my daughter as a special treat.  These are so good!  My little sous chef absolutely loves them.  After devouring 3 bars  more than I care to admit, I'll have to be careful not to overindulge the next time but these are definitely going in my treat rotation list!  

Bar Ingredients:
Yields 8 to 12 bars, depending on how you cut them

• 3 tbsp butter 
• 4 c mini marshmallows 
• 6 c Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed very slightly   

Vanilla Cream Center:

• 1/4 c butter 
• 1 c confectioners' sugar 
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 

Vanilla Glaze:

• 1/2 c confectioners' sugar
• 1 tbsp evaporated milk 
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract 

Directions:  

Make the bars.  Melt the 3 tbsp of butter in a large pot over medium-low heat.  Add the marshmallows and stir with a spatula until smooth with no lumps.  Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cereal until well combined.  

Meanwhile, make the vanilla cream center.  In a medium bowl, combine the 1/4 c butter, 1 c confectioners' sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.  Mix well until the mixture is thick and smooth.  

Pour half of the cereal mixture into a lightly greased 8 x 8 inch pan.  Wet your fingers with water and press the cereal down firmly in the pan.  Spread a thin layer of the vanilla cream mixture evenly on top.  Pour the remaining cereal mixture over all.  Wet your fingers with water and press down firmly.  

Place in the refrigerator to chill. 

In a small bowl, prepare the vanilla glaze.  Mix together the 1/2 c confectioners' sugar, evaporated milk and 1/4 tsp vanilla. 

When the cereal bars are set, cut with a sharp knife into bars and drizzle the vanilla glaze over all. 

Enjoy!