Fruity Pebbles Marshmallow Treats
15 min
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 5 min | 15 min |
Introduction
These Fruity Pebbles marshmallow treats are bright, chewy, and buttery, with that nostalgic cereal flavor kids and adults love.
They come together in minutes, so they are perfect for last-minute bake sales, birthday parties, or lazy weekend snacks.
A touch of vanilla and sea salt keeps them from being too sweet and gives each colorful square a bakery-style finish.
Ingredients (16 servings)
Ingredients:
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How to Make Fruity Pebbles Marshmallow Treats
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Prepare the pan
Lightly coat a 9x13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter, then set it aside.
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Melt the butter
Add the butter to a large pot and melt it over low heat, stirring often, until completely smooth.
Keep the heat low to prevent browning, which can make the treats taste a little toasty and less fruity.
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Melt the marshmallows
Add the mini marshmallows, salt, and vanilla to the pot and stir until the mixture starts to melt.
Continue stirring over low heat until almost completely smooth, leaving just a few small marshmallow bits for extra gooey pockets.
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Combine with cereal
Place the Fruity Pebbles in a large mixing bowl, then pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the cereal.
Use a greased spatula to gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated, working quickly before the mixture firms up.
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Press into the pan
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and lightly press it into an even layer with the greased spatula.
Do not pack it down too firmly, or the bars will set very dense and lose their soft, chewy texture.
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Cool and slice
Let the pan sit at room temperature until the treats are completely cool and firm, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve, wiping the knife between cuts for cleaner looking edges.
Substitutions
- Fruity Pebbles -> Any colorful fruity cereal
- Swap the Fruity Pebbles with Trix, Froot Loops, or a similar fruity cereal for a slightly different crunch and flavor.
- Butter -> Salted butter
- Use salted butter and skip the added salt for a slightly more savory balance against the very sweet cereal.
- Butter -> Coconut oil
- Replace the butter with refined coconut oil for a dairy-free option that still sets nicely and tastes lightly tropical.
Tips
- Use fresh marshmallows
- Older marshmallows dry out and resist melting, which makes the treats tougher and less gooey.
- Grease everything that touches the mixture
- Lightly coat your spatula, mixing bowl, and even your hands to keep the sticky mixture from clumping and tearing.
- Adjust pan size for thickness
- For extra thick bars, use an 8x8 inch pan; for thinner party bites, use a half sheet pan.
- Mix gently to protect the cereal
- Stir with a folding motion instead of vigorous stirring, which helps keep the cereal from breaking into powdery crumbs.
- Line the pan for easy lifting
- Add a parchment sling with overhang before greasing so you can lift the whole slab out cleanly for cutting.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 158 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 1 | g |
| Total Fat | 4 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 29 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why did my Fruity Pebbles treats turn out hard instead of soft and chewy?
- They likely cooked too long or over higher heat, which overcooks the sugar in the marshmallows. Use low heat, stir constantly, and remove the pot as soon as the marshmallows are almost fully melted. Also avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan.
- Can I make these treats in the microwave instead of on the stove?
- Yes, melt the butter and marshmallows together in a large microwave-safe bowl in 30 second bursts. Stir between each burst until smooth, then quickly mix in the cereal and press into the prepared pan.
- How should I store Fruity Pebbles marshmallow treats, and how long do they stay fresh?
- Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature, with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They taste best within two days, but usually stay pleasant and chewy for up to three days.
- Can I use regular size marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
- Yes, regular marshmallows work, but they take longer to melt and may need more stirring for a smooth mixture. Measure by weight if possible, aiming for about 10 ounces total marshmallows.
- Can I add extra mix-ins like candy or white chocolate?
- You can fold in up to one cup of extras, like mini white chocolate chips or sprinkles, after coating the cereal. Avoid very heavy or large pieces, which sink and make slicing difficult.
Serving Suggestions
These playful, colorful bars make a fun dessert for kids, birthday parties, bake sales, or easy weeknight treats.
Try drizzling the cooled slab with melted white chocolate or adding rainbow sprinkles on top for an extra festive finish.
More pairings:
Reviews
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Henry, Charlotte: These turned out perfectly soft and gooey with that bright fruity flavor 😋 Keeping the heat low was key, and leaving a few little marshmallow bits made the best pockets. I also took your advice and pressed super lightly so they stayed nice and chewy. Will definitely make again for parties!
: Happy they came out soft and gooey for you, Henry! Keeping the heat low and pressing lightly really does keep them chewy, and those little marshmallow pockets are the best. 😊
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Annette: These turned out perfectly soft and super gooey, and the vanilla and pinch of salt really made the fruity flavor pop!
: So happy they came out soft and gooey for you, Annette! The vanilla and that little pinch of salt really do make the Fruity Pebbles flavor pop. 😊
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