Ultimate Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars Recipe: A Delicious Homemade Marshmallow Chocolate Treat

Some candies just don’t get the widespread recognition they deserve. It’s a mystery how certain delightful confections manage to fly under the radar, while others become household names. For me, one such overlooked gem is the Mallo Cup. If you’ve never had the pleasure, imagine a classic peanut butter cup, but instead of creamy peanut butter, it’s filled with a luscious, fluffy marshmallow cream. Doesn’t that sound absolutely heavenly? The combination of rich chocolate and soft, sweet marshmallow is a match made in dessert heaven. Just think of the possibilities – gourmet S’mores, elevated desserts, or simply enjoying them as they are!

The Enduring Charm of Mallo Cups

The candy industry, as fascinating as it is, is notoriously tough. I once delved into the book Candyfreak, which vividly illustrates the cutthroat nature of getting candies stocked on supermarket shelves. It’s a dog-eat-dog world where many beloved childhood treats regrettably fade into memory. This competitive landscape makes it even more remarkable that Mallo Cups have managed to endure.

While they might not be as ubiquitous as some other popular candies, Mallo Cups, produced by Boyer Candies, are thankfully still around. They might require a bit more searching at your local candy store or specialty market, but the hunt is always worth it. Their unique blend of milk chocolate and whipped marshmallow crème creates a textural and flavor experience that stands apart. For those who appreciate the subtle nuances of a truly great candy, Mallo Cups offer a delightful escape from the ordinary.

Why Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars Are a Must-Try

Given the slight challenge in finding Mallo Cups, I initially hesitated to share a recipe centered around them. However, after gauging interest on Facebook, it became clear that the desire for a creative Mallo Cup recipe was strong. And so, the concept of Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars was born! This recipe takes the beloved Mallo Cup and transforms it into an even more decadent and substantial dessert bar, perfect for sharing or indulging in yourself.

These bars are more than just a simple recipe; they’re an homage to an underrated candy and a testament to the joy of homemade treats. By stuffing whole Mallo Cups into a rich, buttery cookie batter, we create a dessert that is chewy, chocolatey, and features that incredible marshmallow burst in every bite. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking for a unique dessert that combines the nostalgic appeal of a classic candy with the satisfying experience of home baking.

My Culinary Adventures (and Misadventures) with Mallo Cups

It’s a fun fact that I live just about 90 minutes away from the Mallo Cup factory. This proximity, however, didn’t spare me from a few amusing grocery store sagas during the development of this recipe. You know those weeks when you find yourself making multiple trips to the grocery store because you keep forgetting that one crucial ingredient? It’s even more memorable when you encounter the same cashier, especially if your basket is overflowing with what appears to be nothing but “junk food.”

There I was, several days in a row, buying multiple boxes of butter, cream cheese, and, of course, Mallo Cups. I genuinely hoped the cashier got the hint that I was a baker, not just a connoisseur of sweets! To my credit, on one of those trips, I also purchased some fruit to make my Mango Salsa. But alas, baking isn’t always smooth sailing. My first batch of these Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars, much to my chagrin, didn’t turn out as planned, necessitating yet another trip for more Mallo Cups. So, for the third time that week, I found myself face-to-face with the same cashier, sheepishly buying more candy. I swear I eat real food most of the time!

It was during the process of writing this very post that I had another minor revelation: it’s “Mallo Cups,” not “Mallow Cups.” All my life, I’d been mispronouncing and misspelling it! A small detail, perhaps, but one that highlights the little discoveries that make the baking and blogging journey so interesting.

These Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars are more than just a recipe; they are the delicious outcome of a dedicated (and slightly amusing) baking adventure. The rich, chewy cookie base perfectly complements the hidden surprise of a melty Mallo Cup in the center. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making them an instant favorite.

Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars: The Recipe

Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars

Yield:
16 squares

These Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars are a delicious and unique treat, featuring a hidden Mallo Cup candy baked inside a chewy bar cookie. Perfect for sharing, these bars are a delightful blend of chocolate and marshmallow!

Ingredients

• 16 (0.5 ounce) Mallo Cups
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup cookie butter (can substitute creamy peanut butter for a different flavor profile)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk (any kind)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Mallo Cups: Freeze the Mallo Cups for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from melting too quickly during baking.
2. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
4. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the cookie butter (or peanut butter), softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Form the Bars: Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Remove the frozen Mallo Cups from the freezer and unwrap them. Spread approximately half of the batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared 8×8 inch pan. Arrange the unwrapped Mallo Cups on top of this batter layer in neat rows (a 4×4 grid works perfectly). Carefully cover each Mallo Cup with the remaining batter. You might need to gently spread and press the batter to ensure each cup is fully enclosed. Don’t worry if the top layer isn’t perfectly smooth; it will even out during baking.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the bar (avoiding a Mallo Cup) comes out clean. The bars should be set in the center.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into 16 squares. Cooling thoroughly is important for clean cuts and optimal texture. Enjoy your unique and delicious Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars!

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Source: Adapted from (can’t remember – forgot to write it down!)

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars

• Freezing is Key: Don’t skip the freezing step for the Mallo Cups. This helps them stay intact and prevents them from completely melting into the batter during baking, ensuring you get that delightful marshmallow core.
• Cookie Butter vs. Peanut Butter: While cookie butter offers a unique, spiced flavor, creamy peanut butter is an excellent substitute if you prefer a more classic chocolate and nut combination. Both work wonderfully in this recipe!
• Even Spreading: The batter can be a bit sticky. For easier spreading, lightly grease your hands or use an offset spatula. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; the warmth of the oven will help it level out.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture. The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the plain batter (not into a Mallo Cup) should come out clean.
• Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue here! Letting the bars cool completely before cutting is essential for clean slices and a firm texture. If you try to cut them warm, they might crumble or stick.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

These Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to customize them or elevate your serving experience:

• Add-ins: Fold in a handful of chocolate chips, mini peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Drizzle Topping: Once cooled, drizzle the bars with melted dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a simple marshmallow glaze for an extra touch of decadence.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Serve a warm square of Stuffed Mallo Cup Bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold, and the melting marshmallow from the bar, is simply divine.
• Coffee Companion: These rich bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
• Other Candy Fillings: Experiment with other small, individually wrapped candies if you can’t find Mallo Cups, or just want to try something different. Mini peanut butter cups or even caramel candies could make interesting variations.

Whether you’re a long-time Mallo Cup enthusiast or new to their charm, these Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars offer a delightful way to enjoy the unique combination of marshmallow and chocolate. They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply as a special treat for your family. Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!

If you liked these Stuffed Mallo Cup Bars, you may also like these recipes:

From me:

• Oreo-Stuffed Blondies
• Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies
• Peanut Butter Cup Bars
• No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake

From other bloggers:

• Homemade Rolo Bars from Roxana’s Home Baking
• Chocolate Chip Oreo Brownie Bars from Chocolate, Chocolate, and More
• Whoppers Snack Bars from Inside BruCrew Life