Yum Yum Bars: A Nostalgic Journey in Every Bite

The scent of melting butter and sugar always takes me back to my childhood kitchen, a place filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of treats coming to life. Among the many treasures I learned to create, these Yum Yum Bars hold a particularly special place in my heart. They represent those carefree afternoons spent experimenting with simple ingredients, the pure joy of a no-bake creation that was as easy to assemble as it was utterly delightful to devour. Even now, the thought of them conjures up memories of shared moments and the sweet satisfaction of a perfectly executed, unbaked confection.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes (for the base)
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Servings: 12-16
• Yield: 1 nine x thirteen pan
• Dietary Type: No-Bake

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delightful bars to life:

For the Base:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 – 2 1/4 cups butter, melted (use the lower end for a firmer base, the higher end for a slightly richer one)
• 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1/2 cup nuts, chopped fine (walnuts or pecans are excellent choices)
• 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut

For the Frosting:

• 1 (6-ounce) package butterscotch chips
• 1 (6-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter

Equipment Needed

To craft these Yum Yum Bars, you’ll want to have the following on hand:

• A large saucepan for the base mixture
• A whisk or sturdy spoon for stirring
• A 9×13-inch baking pan
• A double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water for the frosting
• A spatula for spreading the frosting

Instructions

Creating these no-bake wonders is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

1. Begin by preparing the base. In a large saucepan, combine the 2 large eggs, 1 cup sugar, and 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 cups melted butter.
2. Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to ensure the eggs don’t scramble and the sugar dissolves smoothly.
3. Allow the mixture to boil for 2 minutes, continuing to stir without interruption. This brief boiling period helps to cook the eggs slightly and thicken the mixture.
4. Once the 2 minutes are up, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. This cooling step is important before adding the remaining ingredients.
5. To the cooled mixture, fold in the 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 2 cups miniature marshmallows, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, and 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut.
6. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed. The mixture will be thick and a bit sticky.
7. Lightly butter your 9×13-inch pan.
8. Carefully press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands (lightly greased if necessary) to create a firm, even layer.
9. Now, let’s prepare the luscious frosting. In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water), melt the 1 (6-ounce) package butterscotch chips, 1 (6-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 3 tablespoons peanut butter.
10. Stir the ingredients in the double boiler until they are completely melted and smooth.
11. Spread the frosting immediately over the graham cracker base while it is still warm and pourable, before it begins to cool and set. Ensure an even layer covers the entire surface.
12. Once frosted, refrigerate the pan for at least 30 minutes, or until the frosting has set firmly.
13. Remove the Yum Yum Bars from the refrigerator and cut into squares.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Butter for the Base: The amount of butter you use in the base can be adjusted slightly. Using the lower end of the range (1 1/4 cups) will result in a firmer, more structured bar, while using the higher end (2 1/4 cups) will yield a slightly richer, more decadent base.
• Nut Variety: While walnuts and pecans are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other finely chopped nuts like almonds or even a blend. Just ensure they are chopped finely for even distribution.
• Marshmallow Melting: As you fold the ingredients together, the residual heat from the base mixture will start to soften the marshmallows, helping them to bind the ingredients. Don’t worry if they aren’t completely melted at this stage; they’ll continue to soften in the pan.
• Frosting Consistency: The key to a smooth frosting spread is timing. Melt the chips and peanut butter just before you need them, and work relatively quickly. If the frosting starts to thicken too much before you’ve spread it, you can gently warm it over the double boiler for another minute or two, stirring constantly.
• Pan Preparation: Don’t skip lightly buttering the pan. This prevents the base from sticking and makes cutting and serving much easier.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Yum Yum Bars are best served chilled. Once they have set in the refrigerator, cut them into neat squares. They make a wonderful addition to potlucks, bake sales, or simply as an afternoon treat with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

For storage, keep any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4-5 days. If you find yourself with an abundance or want to save some for later, they also freeze remarkably well. Wrap individual squares or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approximate)	% Daily Value
Calories	450-500 kcal	22-25%
Total Fat	30-35 g	38-45%
Saturated Fat	18-22 g	90-110%
Cholesterol	40-50 mg	13-17%
Sodium	150-200 mg	6-8%
Total Carbohydrate	40-50 g	13-16%
Dietary Fiber	2-3 g	8-12%
Sugars	30-40 g	60-80%
Protein	4-6 g	8-12%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used, particularly the amount of butter in the base.

Variations & Substitutions

While these bars are classic for a reason, there’s always room for a touch of personal flair!

• Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts. The bars will still be delicious with the other textures and flavors.
• Chocolate Chip Variations: Feel free to swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile in the frosting.
• Cookie Crust: Instead of graham cracker crumbs, you could use finely crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for a slightly different base flavor.
• Add-ins: Consider folding in a handful of dried cranberries or mini M&Ms into the base mixture for bursts of color and flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I really need to boil the egg and sugar mixture?
A: Yes, boiling the mixture for 2 minutes while stirring constantly is essential to lightly cook the eggs and create the right consistency for the base.

Q: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature ones?
A: You can, but you’ll need to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they distribute evenly and melt well within the base mixture.

Q: How quickly should I spread the frosting after melting?
A: It’s best to spread the frosting immediately after it’s melted and smooth to prevent it from setting too much in the double boiler.

Q: Can I make the base ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble the bars all at once. The marshmallows can become sticky and difficult to work with if left sitting too long.

Q: What if my frosting becomes too thick to spread?
A: Gently warm it over the double boiler again for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic in recipes that connect us to our past while bringing joy to the present. These Yum Yum Bars are exactly that – a simple, unbaked confection that delivers a nostalgic punch of flavor and a satisfyingly sweet experience. They’re a testament to the fact that incredible treats don’t always require a hot oven. I encourage you to gather these ingredients, perhaps with someone special, and recreate this childhood favorite. The process is as enjoyable as the final product, and the smiles they bring are truly the sweetest reward. Don’t forget to share your creations and any delicious variations you discover!