The Perfect Marshmallow Cereal Bars Recipe for Sweet Snacking

Whipping up marshmallow cereal bars sparks pure childhood nostalgia for many sweet tooths.

Memories of sticky fingers and kitchen adventures flood back with this simple treat.

Crispy rice and gooey marshmallows create a magical combination that never disappoints.

Kids and adults alike can’t resist these quick, no-bake delights.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness that feels like a warm hug.

Simple ingredients and minimal effort make this recipe a go-to for spontaneous snack cravings.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe for your next gathering or lazy weekend indulgence.

What Makes Marshmallow Cereal Bars So Fun

• Customize with different cereals, chocolate chips, or sprinkles to match everyone's taste preferences, making it a hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Engage children in a fun, safe cooking activity that requires minimal adult supervision, allowing them to help mix ingredients and press the mixture into the pan.
• Skip the oven and enjoy a hassle-free dessert that comes together quickly, requiring only basic stovetop melting and mixing skills.

Ingredients for Marshmallow Cereal Bars Recipe

• Marshmallows: Soft, sweet confections that create a sticky binding base for the cereal bars.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps marshmallows melt smoothly for the perfect coating.
• Crispy Rice Cereal: Provides a crunchy texture and forms the primary structure of the bars.

• Chocolate Chips, Sprinkles, Nuts: Enhance the flavor and add extra excitement to the classic cereal bar.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet depth to the overall taste of the marshmallow mixture.

Directions for Making Marshmallow Cereal Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab a rectangular baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or line the entire surface with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Warm Sticky Base

• Butter
• Marshmallows

Continuously stir the mixture until it transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.

Once everything melts beautifully, remove from heat and splash in a dash of vanilla extract for extra warmth and flavor.

Step 3: Fold Crispy Goodness

Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over your favorite crispy cereal.

Mix enthusiastically with a sturdy spatula, ensuring every single cereal piece gets coated in the gooey sweetness.

Optional fun additions like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts can be incorporated during this step for extra excitement.

Step 4: Shape and Solidify

Transfer the sticky mixture into your prepared pan.

Use clean hands or a spatula to press down firmly, creating an even, compact layer.

Allow the treats to rest and set at room temperature for approximately 45 minutes until they become firm and sliceable.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once completely cooled, cut the massive treat into perfect rectangular bars.

Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for future snacking adventures.

Tips That Make Marshmallow Cereal Bars Even Better

• Lightly grease your spatula or hands with cooking spray to easily press the mixture into the pan without getting sticky.
• Use different cereals like Rice Krispies, Cheerios, or a mix for unique flavor and crunch variations.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain optimal softness and taste.
• Reduce marshmallow amount or use partially sugar-free marshmallows for a less sweet version.
• Add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor and nutritional value.

How to Keep Marshmallow Cereal Bars Fresh

• Store bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep at room temperature or chilled for best texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to prevent hardening.
• If bars become slightly stale, briefly warm in microwave for 5-10 seconds or place in oven at 200°F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness.

Great Pairings for Marshmallow Cereal Bars

• Elevate Sweet Crunch Pairing: Dark chocolate drizzle adds luxurious depth and contrasts the marshmallow's sweetness.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Cold milk creates classic comfort, enhancing the cereal bar's nostalgic flavor profile.
• Complementary Flavor Boost: Sprinkle sea salt crystals on top to introduce a sophisticated savory-sweet balance.
• Morning Energy Companion: Pair with strong coffee to cut through the treat's richness and provide a morning energy kick.

Fun Combos for Marshmallow Cereal Bars Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular cereal with gluten-free rice crispy cereal or corn-based alternatives for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Chocolate Lover's Bars: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top or mix in chocolate chips during the combining step for extra richness.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Add chopped almonds, peanuts, or mixed nuts to introduce a protein-packed crunch and nutty flavor profile.
• Fruity Fusion: Incorporate dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or coconut flakes for a tropical and tangy dimension to the classic recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can swap the original cereal for rice krispies, corn flakes, or similar crunchy cereals that will hold the marshmallow mixture well.

• How do I prevent the bars from sticking to my hands when pressing?

Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the pan to reduce sticking.

• Why did my bars turn out hard instead of soft?

This usually happens when marshmallows are overcooked or the mixture is pressed too firmly. Melt marshmallows gently and press lightly for softer bars.

• Are these bars gluten-free?

It depends on the cereal you use. Check the cereal box label to confirm gluten-free status, as some cereals contain wheat ingredients.

Delicious Marshmallow Cereal Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Magical Marshmallow Cereal Bars bring childhood nostalgia to life with sweet, crunchy layers of classic breakfast memories. Crisp cereal and gooey marshmallows meld into an irresistible treat you’ll crave from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• chocolate chips
• nuts
• dried fruit

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by coating with non-stick spray or lining with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. In a spacious saucepan, gently melt butter over low heat, then gradually add marshmallows, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat and quickly incorporate vanilla extract, creating a fragrant base for the cereal bars.
4. Immediately fold in the cereal, using a spatula to ensure every crisp piece is thoroughly coated with the sweet marshmallow mixture.
5. Transfer the sticky mixture to the prepared pan, using dampened hands or a spatula to evenly distribute and firmly compress the bars, creating a smooth, compact surface.
6. Allow the bars to set at room temperature for approximately 45 minutes, enabling them to solidify and become easier to slice.
7. Once completely cooled, cut into uniform squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, creating clean, precise edges for serving.

Notes

• Choose unsalted butter for better control of sweetness and salt levels in the recipe.
• Opt for crispy rice cereal or a gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to create unique flavor combinations.
• Use a piece of wax paper or greased spatula to press the mixture evenly into the pan for uniform bars.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg