These cereal bars come together quickly once the marshmallows melt. Measure everything and grease the pan first. Fresh marshmallows and a gentle hand help keep the finished squares pleasantly chewy.
Melt butter over low heat, stir in marshmallows just until smooth, remove from heat and fold in crisp rice cereal. Press lightly into a prepared pan and cool before cutting.
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Follow the steps and check them off as you go →Before you begin
Melted marshmallow is very sticky and hot. Keep children away from the saucepan and use a spatula rather than bare hands while the mixture is hot. Check cereal and marshmallow labels for dietary needs.
What you’ll need
- Large saucepan
- Silicone spatula
- 13-by-9-inch pan
- Parchment or light pan grease
Measure before you start
Ingredients
Base batch: About 12 squares
Ingredient amounts scale; oven temperatures and cooking times do not. Split a larger batch between pans when needed.
Use the base batch for your first attempt. Adjust seasoning to taste and check texture as you cook.
Let’s do this
Step by step
- 01
Prepare the pan
Grease the pan lightly or line it for easy lifting. Measure the cereal into a bowl so it can be added as soon as the marshmallow base is ready.
- 02
Melt gently
Melt butter over low heat in a large saucepan. Add marshmallows and stir until just melted. Avoid prolonged boiling or letting the mixture brown on the bottom.
- 03
Coat the cereal
Remove from heat and fold in cereal until coated. Work around the sides and bottom rather than crushing the cereal with force.
- 04
Press lightly
Transfer to the prepared pan and spread with a lightly greased spatula. Press only enough to level and join the mixture; compacting it firmly makes a denser bar.
- 05
Cool and cut
Let cool until set, then lift or cut into squares. Store airtight once cool and enjoy within a couple of days for the best texture.
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Choose the pan for the thickness you want
A smaller pan makes thicker bars and changes cooling time. Keep the mixture level and do not try to improve a soft bar by pressing it harder while hot.
A quick final check
- Prepare the pan
- Melt gently
- Coat the cereal
- Press lightly
- Cool and cut
Common questions & sticking points
Why are the bars hard?
Overheating marshmallow, using stale marshmallows or compressing the cereal firmly can all contribute.
Can I add mix-ins?
Use modest dry additions after coating the cereal. Large amounts change the binder-to-cereal balance.
Sources & further reading Optional
References used to check this guide. Follow your product’s own safety instructions where its design differs.
Last source check: September 24, 2026
