Gooey, crunchy, and full of our favorite breakfast cereal treat, these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars are basically just rice krispies treats made with a different kind of cereal, but somehow they manage to be something so much more!
If you love cinnamon desserts, be sure to also check out our Homemade Churros, Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies, and Cinnamon Roll Waffles.
My friend Meredith brought these Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal bars to a bake sale & car wash fundraiser that our church youth group was holding to raise money for summer camps. They were so delicious with the perfect ratio of gooey, stretchy marshmallow to crunchy cinnamon-sugar squares that I just couldn't resist them!
Cinnamon Toast Crunch is my favorite cereal and has been for basically ever. I never eat it for breakfast, but it's my secret afternoon snack or treat after the kids go to bed. I'm obsessed!
I immediately texted Meredith about my passion for her Cinnamon Toast Crunch bars and she gave me her ratios and told me her secret that makes them extra delicious: she uses the large marshmallows instead of the mini marshmallows for the base because she feels like there is less powdery surface area exposed so the marshmallows melt into a stretchier, gooier version.
Then I came home and promptly took pictures of Merdith's bars (because of course I went back and bought the entire pan) so I could share them on here so everyone can taste how incredible they are. You guys, I didn't even make these myself, but this girl wastes no time sharing a new favorite treat with the world. Don't worry, Meredith said it was okay.
The cereal actually stays crunchy so the bars have the BEST texture with the soft marshmallow and substantial crunch from the cereal that lives up to its name. Your family is going to LOVE them.
Ingredient Notes
This is a quick overview of the ingredients you'll need for these Cinnamon Toast Crunch bars. Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch: You're going to need most of a regular-sized box. And just to be clear, you can make this recipe with pretty much any cereal you like. It also works well with Cap'n Crunch, Golden Grahams, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs, and Fruit Loops.
- Marshmallows: Fresh marshmallows make a big difference here! Also, you'll want the large marshmallows (like the ones you would toast for s'mores) for melting down and mini marshmallows to mix in with the cereal.
- Butter: We always use salted butter in our baked goods.
- Vanilla extract: Never underestimate the importance of vanilla in a recipe. It brings out the flavor of the marshmallows and vanilla and cinnamon are a match made in heaven.
How to Make This Recipe
- Melt butter, then add the marshmallows. Do this gently over medium-low heat, adding the marshmallows once the butter is melted and stirring often so they melt into a smooth, gooey puddle. You don't want to overcook the marshmallows which can lead to hard treats.
- Stir in vanilla, cereal, and marshmallows. Remove the smooth, melted marshmallow mixture from the heat, then use a long handled spoon to stir the cereal until it's evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture.
- Pour into pan and set. Transfer the cereal mixture to a 9x13-inch pan that has been sprayed with baking spray and press gently. You don't want to compact them too much, but want them to stick together. Let it cool to set up before slicing into bars.
Recipe FAQ's
If you prefer not to use the stovetop, you can melt the butter and marshmallows in the microwave by heating for 60 seconds, then stirring and heating for an addition 15-30 seconds as needed until the mixture is smooth.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Storage: These keep well in an airtight container on the counter for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, then thaw before enjoying.
- Adding white chocolate: You can actually buy a packaged version of these treats that are dipped in white chocolate on the bottom. If you wanted to add this, just melt some white chocolate candy melts and dip the bars after slicing them, then let them set up on parchment paper until the chocolate firms up.
- Spray your hands: You can spray your hands with cooking spray to help keep the bars from sticking too much when you press them into the pan.
More Marshmallow Cereal Treats
- Strawberry Rice Krispies Treats
- Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies Treats
- Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Cookie Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick)
- 2 (12-ounce) bags marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (about a 12.2-ounce box)
- ½ (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Generously spray a 9x13-inch pan with baking spray. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add large marshmallows and cook, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add cereal and mini marshmallows, stirring to coat. Pour into prepared pan and gently press into an even layer. Let cool completely to set up before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Storage: These keep well in an airtight container on the counter for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, then thaw before enjoying.
- Spray your hands: You can spray your hands with cooking spray to help keep the bars from sticking too much when you press them into the pan.
- Microwave method: If you prefer not to use the stovetop, you can melt the butter and marshmallows in the microwave by heating for 60 seconds, then stirring and heating for an addition 15-30 seconds as needed until the mixture is smooth.
these were delicious!! my favorite is to use the S'mores cereal!! the best!
Can I use the marshmallow Jet- Puffed marshmallow creme