Creamy Macaroni Dessert Recipe
Delicious Macaroni Dessert is a sweet, simple treat that uses boiled pasta with chocolate and nuts for a chewy bar. It is easy to make for kids or for a quick party snack, and if you want more meal ideas, see the 12 delicious lunch ideas for more simple recipes.

Why make this recipe
This recipe turns everyday macaroni into a fun dessert with few ingredients and no baking needed. It is a good way to use pantry items and to try macaroni in a new way; you can even compare it to a savory cheesy macaroni bake to see how flavors change.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup chocolate (chips or chopped)
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped (any kind you like)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Directions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Fold in cooked macaroni, chocolate, nuts, and vanilla extract.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish and refrigerate until set.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Serving
Cut the chilled mixture into bars and serve cold or at room temperature. These bars go well with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Tips
- Use chocolate you like; dark or milk both work.
- Chop the nuts small so each bite is easy to eat.
- For a firmer bar, press the mixture well into the dish before chilling.
- For more on using vanilla and getting a good vanilla taste, see the classic vanilla sponge cake guide for simple vanilla tips.
Variations
- Add dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates for chew and sweetness.
- Swap nuts for seeds if you need a nut-free option.
- Mix in shredded coconut for texture and flavor.
- Try white chocolate for a different, creamy taste.
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FAQs
Q: Can I use whole wheat macaroni?
A: Yes. Whole wheat macaroni works the same way; just cook it as package says.
Q: Do I need to bake this dessert?
A: No. The recipe sets in the fridge, so no oven time is needed.
Q: Can I make this without nuts?
A: Yes, you can leave out nuts or use seeds for a similar crunch.
Conclusion
This macaroni dessert is a quick, sweet treat that uses simple pantry items and a short chill time; for an alternate take on sweet macaroni, see this write-up on Dessert Macaroni and Cheese – Baking Sense®.