Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars made with marshmallows, butter, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, and a pinch of salt for gooey, crunchy magic.
There’s this oddly specific memory tied to the first time I made these Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars — and it’s honestly a little embarrassing, but whatever, we’re friends here. I had just come back from one of those short weekend trips where nothing dramatic happens, but you return feeling slightly more fragile than when you left. You know the feeling? Like you’re rested but also weirdly nostalgic for something you can’t quite place.
So I got home, bags still half-unzipped, and for some reason I opened the pantry (instead of unpacking like a real adult). And right there on the second shelf was this bright, half-empty box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch I bought during a random emotional grocery run weeks before — maybe the kind of day when you think cereal will fix everything for a moment.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
It made me think of being at my aunt’s house as a kid. She’d let me pour cereal straight from the box into my mouth when the adults weren’t looking. She claimed it saved bowls, which I’m pretty sure was just her excuse to let us be chaotic. And when I spotted that cereal box in my pantry, it triggered this weird little warmth in my chest — like, “Hey, remember when life felt that simple?”
So instead of unpacking (again… priorities), I started melting marshmallows and butter without even fully thinking it through. The kitchen smelled like warmth and sugar and childhood almost instantly. And these Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars — I swear — they kind of patched something inside me that day. Not in a dramatic, life-changing way, but in that gentle, comforting “you’re okay, keep going” way. Funny how snacks can do that, right?
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars Recipe?
I hesitate to say anything is “perfect” because life is rarely that neat, but these Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars come pretty close in their own charming, unpretentious way. They’re sweet without being aggressively so, crunchy but still chewy, and they have this cinnamon-sugar warmth that feels almost like a hug — or like that cozy whiff of cinnamon you smell every time you pass a bakery in December.
What really surprises me is how the marshmallow-coated cereal somehow tastes better than the cereal on its own. Maybe it’s the butter doing its thing quietly in the background, or maybe it’s just the nostalgia factor tricking my brain — not totally sure. But when you press everything together and let it cool, you get bars that taste like childhood and adulthood having a small truce for once.
And if you add flaky salt on top? Oh. My. Goodness. It’s that tiny little twist where your brain goes, “Wait, are these… fancy now?” It’s such a tiny thing, but isn’t it funny how tiny things matter?
Ingredient Notes:
Let me break down the ingredients for these Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars the way I’d explain them to a friend leaning on my counter, stealing bites of cereal while I cook:
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Salted butter: Makes everything smoother, richer. And the salt in it keeps the bars from turning into pure sweetness overload.
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Marshmallows: The sticky glue. The binder. The lovely fluffy mess that turns everything into chewy bliss.
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Kosher salt: Sounds fancy but it’s not — just helps balance the sweetness so you don’t feel like you’re eating straight sugar clouds.
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Cinnamon Toast Crunch: The star of the show. It brings the Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor that makes these bars taste a little nostalgic and a little mischievous.
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Flaky salt: Optional, but honestly, it adds a sparkle. Like earrings for dessert.
How To Make Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars?
These Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars come together fast — almost too fast — which is dangerous if you have zero self-control around sweet things (guilty).
Step 1: Prep your pan
Line your pan with parchment, give it a quick spray, and let the edges hang over the sides like little handles. This makes removing the bars later way easier — learned that the hard way once.
Step 2: Melt the butter & marshmallows
Melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and salt. Stir gently until they turn into a smooth, shiny pool of sweetness. Turn off the heat before it gets too hot — scorched marshmallow is… not a vibe.
Step 3: Stir in the cereal
Add the Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Fold everything together slowly so the cereal stays crispy. At this point the smell alone is enough to make you want to dive head-first into the pot, but be patient.
Step 4: Press everything into the pan
Scoop the mixture into the pan, spread it out, and use a spatula to gently press it down. Not too much — you’re making bars, not building a house.
Step 5: Chill just a bit
Want To Save This Recipe?
Pop the pan into the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the bars firm up just enough to cut cleanly, without losing their soft chew.
Step 6: Slice & enjoy
Lift out the block, cut it into bars, sprinkle flaky salt if you’re feeling it, and try not to eat three pieces before they even make it to a plate.
Storage Options:
Store these Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for 3–4 days… though mine rarely survive beyond two. And here’s a quirky little trick: toss a slice of bread in the container. It keeps the bars soft while the bread dries out. It’s weird. It works.
Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is flexible in that spontaneous “I’m improvising dinner with whatever’s left in the pantry” way.
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Want chocolate? Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
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Want more crunch? Mix in pretzel bits.
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Feeling fruity? Toss in freeze-dried strawberries.
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Different cereal lovers? Golden Grahams, Fruity Pebbles, or Honey Nut Cheerios all work.
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Seasonal twist? Add a pinch of pumpkin spice. (Yes, I said it.)
What to Serve with Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars?
You can absolutely eat these Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars alone — standing over the counter in your pajamas is ideal — but if you want to pair them with something:
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Hot chocolate on a rainy night
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A cold glass of milk (nostalgic perfection)
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Iced coffee (sweet + caffeinated = joy)
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Vanilla ice cream for a little “dessert extravaganza” moment
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A tray of snacks for movie night
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why did my bars turn too hard?
Usually the marshmallows were overheated. Low and slow melts best.
Can I freeze them?
Technically yes, but the texture gets weird. I wouldn’t.
Can I make them ahead for parties?
Definitely — just make them the night before.
These Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars are fun, nostalgic, comforting, messy in the best way, and honestly… a tiny emotional hug disguised as dessert.
If you try them, tell me — did they give you that same little spark of childhood joy too?
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Marshmallow Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 10-ounce bag mini or large marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
- ½ teaspoon flaky salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Pan
- Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to assist with removal. Lightly coat the parchment and exposed sides of the pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
- In a large pot set over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the marshmallows and kosher salt. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth. Turn off the heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Combine the Cereal with the Marshmallow Mixture
- Add the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal to the pot. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture until evenly coated and fully combined.
Transfer and Press the Mixture
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread it into an even layer. Spray a clean rubber spatula with nonstick cooking spray, then firmly press the mixture into the pan until compact and level.
Chill to Set
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to allow the mixture to cool and set.
Slice and Serve
- Remove the pan from the refrigerator. Lift the block of cereal treats out using the parchment overhang and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice into 16 bars using a sharp knife. Sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Replace the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with a certified gluten-free alternative such as gluten-free cinnamon-flavored cereal or gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
- Verify that the marshmallows and nonstick cooking spray are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten additives.
- All remaining ingredients (butter and salt) are naturally gluten-free.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
