Before diving into the delicious world of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Marshmallow Treats, let’s chat about what pairs beautifully with this sweet creation. Picture this: a summertime picnic with friends, a family game night, or a cozy evening with a movie.
You can serve these treats alongside some fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, which will add a refreshing balance. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also elevate the dessert to new heights. And how about some whipped cream? Sounds delightful, doesn’t it?
Let’s set the stage for a mouthwatering experience that you won't soon forget.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Marshmallow Treats are a sweet dessert made by combining Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with melted marshmallows and butter. The combination creates a chewy, crunchy texture with an irresistible cinnamon flavor. Think of them as the love child of traditional Rice Krispie treats and your beloved Cinnamon Toast Crunch breakfast cereal. These treats are easy to make and even easier to devour.
Imagine the warmth of fresh cinnamon dancing on your taste buds with every bite. The creamy sweetness of marshmallows mingles harmoniously with the crispiness of the cereal. If cinnamon toast were transformed into a dessert, these treats would be it! Each square delivers a rich blend of sweet, buttery, and slightly spicy flavors that will transport you back to your childhood mornings spent voraciously pouring milk over that iconic cereal.
The difference lies in the little details. My take on these treats includes a hint of vanilla extract, which elevates the flavor while seamlessly blending with the cinnamon.
Additionally, while many recipes just call for cereal and marshmallows, I’ve tweaked the proportions for a more balanced taste, ensuring that the cinnamon goodness shines through without overpowering the sweet marshmallows. The use of high-quality butter also contributes to the overall richness of each bite.
Let’s gather our ingredients. You will need:
These ingredients work together to create the irresistible crunch and gooeyness that everyone will love.
Let’s get started on creating these delicious treats. Don’t worry—this process is straightforward and fun!
Start by greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure that your treats come out easily and don’t stick to the pan. A good tip? Use parchment paper for an extra layer of protection and ease.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Keep an eye on it, stirring gently, until it becomes bubbly and slightly browned. This will give a nice depth of flavor to the treats.
Once your butter is melted, add in the 8 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously while they melt. This process is magical—a fluffy cloud of marshmallow starts forming before your eyes. Ensure that all the marshmallows are melted and mixed thoroughly with the butter.
After the marshmallows are melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. (Pro tip: Don’t skip this step!) Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for that extra flavor. Mix well until everything is combined.
Next, gradually stir in the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the cereal gently into the marshmallow mixture. Ensure that every piece of cereal is coated evenly. This can be a bit tricky with all the gooeyness, but love this step because each piece deserves attention.
Pour your mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down evenly, ensuring it’s compact. Don’t squish too hard; you want them to remain slightly airy as they cool.
Allow your treats to cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps them set properly; patience is key! Once cooled, you can cut them into squares.
Here are some handy tips to ensure your treats are out of this world:
Be cautious with heat: When melting the butter and marshmallows, keep the heat at medium to prevent burning.
Use fresh marshmallows: Stale marshmallows won’t give you the chewy texture you want. Fresh is best!
Press gently: When packing the mixture into the pan, press down just enough to shape them without compressing too much.
Add mix-ins: Feel free to add extras like chocolate chips or nuts for a different texture and flavor.
Serve creatively: Try cutting them into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or gatherings.
You might be wondering about the nutrition facts for these treats. A single square (assuming you cut 24 squares from the batch) provides about:
While these treats are certainly a sweet indulgence, they can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
These treats are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about 3 to 5 days, maintaining their chewy goodness. If you have leftovers (which is unlikely), you can also store them in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure you layer the pieces with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
If you find that some ingredients aren’t readily available in your kitchen, here are some substitutes you can use:
Cereal: If you don’t have Cinnamon Toast Crunch on hand, use any other cinnamon-flavored cereal or even rice cereal for a different take.
Mini marshmallows: You can chop regular marshmallows if that’s what you have. The texture might differ slightly, but it will work!
Butter: For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Vanilla extract: If you’re out of vanilla, try a splash of almond extract for a unique twist that will still enhance the flavor.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Marshmallow Treats are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors that bring joy to any gathering. Involving simple ingredients in an easy preparation process makes them accessible for busy folks like you. You now possess all the necessary knowledge to whip up this delightful treat and impress your friends and family.
So go ahead, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and relish the sweetness while creating joyful memories. In a world full of ordinary desserts, make this one your go-to. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Happy indulging!
Have you ever thought about combining your favorite childhood cereal with gooey marshmallows? If you answered yes, then you’re in for a treat. Literally! Cinnamon Toast Crunch Marshmallow Treats are a delightful spin on the classic marshmallow rice cereal squares.
This recipe will not only take you down memory lane but will also win over the hearts of both kids and adults alike. Imagine biting into a decadent, sweet, chewy treat that bursts with cinnamon goodness. It’s nostalgia in every square.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I've had my share of desserts, and let me assure you, this one is something special. Let’s explore what makes this dish a favorite, how to make it, and the little twists that will set your treats apart.
Servings 16
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I'm Lisa Schneider, a registered dietitian and the creator of Simple Food Dishes. My passion is to help people create easy, nutritious meals that fit seamlessly into their busy lives. Through this blog, I aim to make home cooking fun, accessible, and stress-free for everyone!