Feed Me Friday often inspires me on Monday or Thursday to open up my recipe books, tabs, or magazines.  I just love it when I can make something “semi-homemade” from a few simple ingredients, and my family feels like it’s “from scratch” just for them. This week I needed to make a big batch of dessert bars for our International Ministry. Since I was doing the whole meal, I really needed to be resourceful and make something inexpensive (aka cheap) that doesn’t look or taste cheap. With a bag of leftover CHRISTMAS Rolos, I was inspired!

This recipe only needs 4 ingredients.  I started with a recipe on allrecipes.com and adjusted it to be crowd and family friendly. Basically, that meant cutting out the nuts! I also adjusted cooking times … I hate over-baked bars.

Rolo bars

1. 1 box of yellow cake mix
2. 1/2 stick of butter, melted
3. 2/3 c. of evaporated milk (not the whole can, so be sure to measure!)
4. 36 regular sized rolos, cut in half

Mix the cake mix, butter, and milk together.  Spread half of the batter (almost more like dough) into a greased 9X13 inch glass pan.  You will need to use your spatula to press it evenly all around the pan, but be diligent. It will cover the whole bottom nicely, albeit thin.  (Don’t you love the word “albeit”?  Makes me feel like I’m in Downton Abbey … in the kitchen.)

(Click here to see the pictures if they’re missing for you.) Bake that for 13 minutes at 350 degrees. Take it out and evenly place the Rolos all over it, cut side down. Then put blobs of remaining dough all over the top of the candy. Some Rolos will peak out, but that’s okay.  I even think it’s better.

Bake that for 23 minutes more. Remove it from the oven and let it cool. Cut the cool bars into about 30 squares and then pour yourself a big glass of milk and call a friend or a husband or a kid.  You’re about to have a yummy moment, and it will be better shared.

I hope you enjoy these Rolo bars!  Last night’s international friends from around the world sure did!

What are you making in your kitchen this weekend?  Albeit simple and inexpensive? 😉