Marshmallow Cornflake Treats
Published Jun 22, 2023•Updated Dec 04, 2024
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Chewy, crunchy marshmallow cornflake treats are a twist on nostalgic Rice Krispie treats. And if you haven’t had these treats made with crunchy cornflakes, a double dose of marshmallows, and sprinkles, get ready for something fun! When shared these on Instagram they got over 400,000 views in just a couple of days – they’re just so fun and packed with marshmallow flavor!
There’s something magical about biting into a thick, crunchy marshmallow cornflake bar. Is it the ooey-gooey butter and marshmallow that binds the cereal together? Or is it the nutty, sweet crunch of the corn flakes? Cereal dessert bars bring back so many fun childhood memories, but this version is unlike any other I’ve had before.
Although they’re made just like Rice Krispie treats, the cornflakes give them a nutty crunch that really stands out. Plus lots of sprinkles just for fun.
Looking for more easy, well-reviewed dessert recipes? Be sure to check out my chewy chocolate chip cookies (with 1,000+ positive reviews), easy chocolate cake (perfect for a weeknight), oatmeal chocolate chip bars (that readers call “nostalgic and easy”), easy banana bread (made with melted butter and one just bowl), marshmallow cornflake treats (so festive and fun and sprinkle-packed), the best peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies (I tested these 10+ times to get them just right), or my fan-favorite easy vanilla cake.
What are Marshmallow Cornflake Treats?
Marshmallow cornflake treats are an easy cereal dessert bar made by combining melted butter and mini marshmallows with corn flakes. These yummy, sticky-sweet treats are a new take on an old favorite: Rice Krispie treats.
Fun fact about Rice Krispie treats: they were inspired by a totally different cereal-marshmallow dessert. In her 1938 cookbook, It’s Fun to Cook, Lucy Mary Maltby had the idea to mix puffed wheat square cereal with molasses, butter, and sugar to make the first known cereal bars.
How to Make Them
- Make the bars. Melt the butter and marshmallows in a saucepan. Combine with the cornflakes. Add the remaining mini marshmallows and nonpareils.
- Shape and set. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Top with the remaining sprinkles.
- Slice and serve. When cooled, slice into squares and serve!
Ingredients
- Cornflakes – Generic or name brand cornflake cereal can be used in this recipe.
- Unsalted Butter – Always use unsalted butter in marshmallow cornflake treats to keep this easy dessert sweet, rather than salty.
- Mini Marshmallows – Using two standard 10 ounce-sized bags of mini marshmallows will make measuring the marshmallows easy. Just be sure to use the mini size, rather than the regular, s’more-sized marshmallows.
- Nonpareil Sprinkles – Nonpareil sprinkles are small, round decorative sugar sprinkles that come in just about every color imaginable. You can find rainbow mixes in the baking aisle of your local grocery store, or order speciality colors online.
Make Ahead (NEW!)
Updated December 4, 2024: These are always the most crunchy the day you make them. However, after making these many times, I’ve discovered that the best way to store them if you’re making them ahead is in the freezer. Make the recipe as written, slice them into individual servings, and then store in an airtight container in the freezer. This will help them to maintain as much crunch as possible. Just bring to room temperature before serving.
How to Store Them
If you don’t want to freeze them as noted above, just store them at room temperature in a well-sealed container. They will lose some of their crunch as they sit but will still be delicious.
Recipe Tips
- Use colorful marshmallows like pink or baby blue for baby showers, bridal showers, or for perfectly pastel spring-themed cornflake bars.
- Mix-in holiday-themed sprinkles.
- Minimize the stickiness of these marshmallow treats by spraying the stirring spoon and your cutting knife with nonstick cooking spray first.
Variations
- Try a different cereal – Frosted Flakes, Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Pebbles, or Chocolate Rice Krispies are all fun variations.
- Add mix-ins – Include mini chocolate chips or chopped up candy bars for a sweet surprise.
FAQs
Yes! Turn these marshmallow cornflake treats vegan by using vegan butter and marshmallows.
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Marshmallow Cornflake Treats
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Saucepan
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 6 cups cornflakes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 10 ounce bags mini marshmallows, divided
- 1/2 cup nonpareil sprinkles, divided
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Pour the cornflakes into a large mixing bowl.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add one 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows and stir until completely smooth and melted. As soon as the marshmallows are melted, pour them over the cornflakes.
- Gently stir together the cornflakes and marshmallows until evenly combined. Next add the remaining 10-ounce bag of marshmallows and 5 tablespoons of nonpareils and fold everything together until even.
- Spread the cornflakes out into the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly down on the top to create a flat surface. (Note: You can use an extra piece of parchment paper to press down on the top to make the surface flat.)
- Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles over the top of the treats. Let them cool completely at room temperature.
- When cooled, slice into squares and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
