Looking for a fun variation on traditional Rice Krispie treats? In this recipe, our childhood favorite cereal is used to make this no bake dessert treat. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth.
These Cinnamon Toast Crunch treats have that iconic cinnamon sugar flavor and are loaded with buttery, gooey marshmallows. And the best part? They're no bake bars so no need to turn on that oven!
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💕 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- no-bake marshmallow treats recipe that the whole family will love
- this yummy treat takes 15 minutes to make
- these chewy bars make for a convenient snack bar that is way better than store-bought
- buttery marshmallow mixed with cinnamon toast crunch cereal - enough said!
🧾 Ingredients & Substitutions
Just like rice crispy treats, this cereal treat recipe requires just a handful of ingredients.
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract: I added in vanilla extract, which most traditional cereal bar recipes do not require. I think it complements the flavors of these treats well and brings them to a whole new level! If you don't have vanilla or would prefer to omit it, go ahead and do just that. These will be delicious treats with or without vanilla.
- Marshmallows: either regular large marshmallows or mini marshmallows will work in this recipe. I made these super marshmallowy, so buy yourself two 10-ounce bags. Be sure the marshmallows are fresh when making this cinnamon toast crunch bars recipe. Stale marshmallows will take longer to melt, may not melt at all, and/or may prevent a smooth melted marshmallow mixture
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: you'll need one 12 ounce box
🥣 How to make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars
These are so much fun to make and eat! Here's how:
Step 1: Grease an 8x8 inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper then spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the sticky marshmallow mixture comes cleanly out of the pan. Set aside
Step 2: Pour the cereal into a large bowl and set aside
Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the vanilla to the melted butter, stirring to combine then add the marshmallows. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes. If you see the bottom of the pan begin to brown, turn the heat to low to avoid burning the marshmallow mixture
Step 4: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and mix until evenly coated. Work somewhat quickly, as the marshmallow mixture will get mighty sticky and stiff if it's allowed to cool
Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a small piece of parchment sprayed with nonstick spray, press the cereal mixture into the pan in an even layer, being careful not to crush the cereal. Allow the cereal treats to cool about 30 minutes then cut into squares and serve
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- If you find a bag of stale marshmallows in the back of your pantry or cupboard, this might not be the ideal recipe in which to use them. Stale marshmallows will take longer to melt and will likely not melt smoothly like fresh marshmallows will.
- Because the cereal bars mixture will be mighty sticky, use a small piece of parchment or wax paper coated with nonstick cooking spray to press down the mixture into the pan. You can also use a mixing spoon coated in nonstick spray. This will prevent a sticky mess. I know from experience
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❓FAQs
Yes! Rice Krispies can of course be used as well as Cheerios, Golden Grahams and just about any sweet cereal you'd like. I've made Cheerio Cereal treats many times as well and they're always a hit with my kids. Give these Golden Grahams S'mores Bars a try!
You certainly could try using marshmallow fluff in this recipe instead of the marshmallows. I have not tried this myself and I'm not sure that the marshmallow will set up or solidify the same way melted marshmallows do. The cereal bars may be softer and gooey-er than with regular marshmallows.
Store these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars at room temperature for up to one week. Wrap them in plastic wrap and leave on your counter for your family to grab as a snack.
Try my Fruity Pebble Cookies, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies, and Sweet & Salty Cereal Snack Bars!
While the ingredients listed are generally considered vegan, this cereal contains sugar and vitamin D3. Both of these can be a gray area for many vegans. The answer to this question then may depend upon the person.
FOR ALL MY FAVORITE BAKING TOOLS INCLUDING THOSE USED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE, CHECK OUT MY BAKING RESOURCES PAGE!
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Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 20 ounces marshmallows 2 10-ounce bags, regular or mini
- 12 ounces Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal about 7 cups
Instructions
- Grease an 8x8 inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper then spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside
- Pour the cereal into a large bowl and set aside
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the vanilla, stirring to combine then add the marshmallows. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes. If you see the bottom of the pan begin to brown, turn the heat lower to avoid burning the marshmallow mixture
- Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and mix until evenly coated. Work somewhat quickly, as the marshmallow mixture will get mighty sticky and stiff if allowed to cool
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a small piece of parchment sprayed with nonstick spray, press the cereal mixture into the pan in an even layer, being careful not to crush the cereal
- Allow the cereal treats to cool about 30 minutes then cut into squares and serve
Notes
- Use fresh marshmallows for this recipe, as stale marshmallows will take longer to melt and may not get completely smooth
- Store cereal treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week
Nutrition
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Comments
Erica
Looks sooo good
Kimberlee Ho
These are pretty darn tasty!!