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Tailgate Desserts

Tailgate desserts featuring brownie bars, no-bake cookie bites, and rice krispie squares—made to be sturdy, portable, and cooler-friendly. The brownie bars are baked, while the rice krispie squares and cookie bites are cooked briefly on the stovetop and then pressed/rolled for grab-and-go texture.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
cooling/firming 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Brownie mix
  • 1 box brownie mix Use the type that includes the box add-ins (eggs/oil/water); bake as directed.
  • 1 eggs Add only if required by the brownie mix box.
  • 0.5 cup oil or melted butter Add only if required by the brownie mix box (oil or melted butter).
  • 0.5 cup water Add only if required by the brownie mix box.
Rice krispie squares
  • 2 cup rice cereal Use plain rice krispies for classic crunch.
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows Mini marshmallows melt to bind the cereal.
  • 0.25 cup butter Butter helps prevent sticking and adds richness.
No-bake cookie bites
  • 1 cup peanut butter Creamy or chunky works; choose what you prefer for texture.
  • 1 cup oats Rolled oats add structure to the bites.
  • 0.5 cup chocolate chips Stir in after the peanut butter so chips keep their shape.
  • 0.25 cup honey Honey helps everything bind without baking.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Bake the brownie bars
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake brownie mix according to the box instructions, using the eggs, oil or melted butter, and water required on the package, until the center is set.
  2. Let the baked brownies cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes, before cutting into bars so they hold their shape.
Make rice krispie squares
  1. Melt the butter and mini marshmallows together over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and fully melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the rice cereal until evenly coated, then press the mixture into a pan and pack it firmly for clean, sliceable squares.
Make no-bake cookie bites
  1. Mix the peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and honey together until thick and scoopable, about 2 to 4 minutes.
  2. Roll the mixture into bite-size balls or logs, then arrange so the surfaces aren’t touching while they firm up.
Cool and pack for the cooler
  1. Chill all treats in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes so the bars slice cleanly and the no-bake items hold texture.
  2. Store each dessert in individual containers or wrap tightly, then pack in a cooler (keep the cooler dry with a paper-towel barrier under the ice) for transport.

Notes

Pro tip: press the rice krispie mixture very firmly to prevent crumbling in transit. Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days; freeze yes—freeze brownie bars separately for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight. For a dietary swap, use honey-roasted or dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter for a peanut-free option if desired.