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Marshmallow Frosted Flakes Bars: The Crunchy, Sweet Treat You Gotta Try!

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Who doesn’t love a Rice Krispie Treat? The crunch of cereal mixed with stick and sweet marshmallows create the most satisfying treat that I’m switching up with the addition of Cornflakes. These Cornflake Marshmallow Treats are a fun way to enjoy the classic treat with a little twist.

Hey there, folks! If you’re lookin’ for a dessert that’s gonna take ya back to those carefree childhood days, while also bein’ a total crowd-pleaser, then lemme tell ya about marshmallow frosted flakes bars. These bad boys are like the cooler, crunchier cousin of the classic Rice Krispie treats. At our house, we’re all about quick, no-bake goodies that pack a punch of flavor, and these bars? They’re straight-up addictive with that sweet, sugary crunch from Frosted Flakes mixed with gooey marshmallow goodness.

In this post, I’m gonna walk ya through exactly how to whip up a batch of these tasty treats. We’ll start with the basic recipe—super simple, I promise—then dive into some tips, tricks, and fun twists to make ‘em your own. Whether you’re makin’ these for a kid’s party, a bake sale, or just to munch on while binge-watchin’ your fave show, I’ve got ya covered. So, grab a spoon (and maybe a box of Frosted Flakes), and let’s get to it!

Why Marshmallow Frosted Flakes Bars Are the Bomb

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s chat about why these bars are worth your time. I mean, Rice Krispie treats are great and all, but swapping in Frosted Flakes brings a whole new vibe to the table. Here’s why we’re obsessed:

  • That Crunch Tho’: Frosted Flakes got that sugary coating that stays crispy even after mixin’ with marshmallows. I was shocked—they don’t turn soggy, even days later!
  • Sweet-Salty Balance: The sweetness of the cereal and marshmallows gets a lil’ balance from salted butter. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth.
  • No-Bake Easy Peasy: Ain’t nobody got time for complicated baking. These come together in minutes with just a few ingredients.
  • Kid (and Adult) Approved: My kiddos go nuts for these, and honestly, I’m sneakin’ a piece every chance I get too.

Now that you’re hyped up, let’s get down to business with the recipe. Trust me, it’s so easy you could prob’ly do it with your eyes half-closed.

The Classic Marshmallow Frosted Flakes Bars Recipe

This is the base recipe we’ve been usin’ at home, and it’s a straight-up winner. You don’t need no fancy skills or equipment—just a pot, a pan, and a lil’ patience while they set. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make ‘em.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Frosted Flakes cereal (the star of the show)
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter (go for somethin’ rich if ya can, it makes a diff’rence)
  • 10 ounces mini marshmallows (one bag, usually—mini ones melt faster)

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking dish (or an 8×8 if ya want thicker bars)
  • Large pot or microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula or spoon (for mixin’ and pressin’)
  • Parchment paper or butter for greasin’ the dish

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Pan: Grease up that baking dish with a bit of butter or line it with parchment paper. This keeps the bars from stickin’ like crazy. Set it aside for now.
  2. Measure Out Cereal: Dump those 6 cups of Frosted Flakes into a big bowl. Keep it handy—you’ll need it soon.
  3. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: Grab your pot and set it on medium-low heat. Toss in the 4 tablespoons of butter and let it start meltin’. Once it’s gettin’ goin’, add the 10 ounces of mini marshmallows. Stir ‘em around till they’re about 75-90% melted. Don’t crank the heat too high, or you’ll end up with hard, crunchy bars instead of soft, chewy ones.
  4. Finish Meltin’ Off-Heat: Take the pot off the burner once most of the marshmallows are melted. Keep stirrin’ till it’s all smooth and gooey. This lil’ trick stops the sugar from crystallizin’ and messin’ up the texture.
  5. Mix It Up: Pour that marshmallow goo over your Frosted Flakes in the big bowl. Stir it all together till every flake is coated nice and even. It’s a bit of an arm workout, but worth it!
  6. Spread in Pan: Scoop the sticky mix into your prepped baking dish. Use a buttered spatula (or even your hands if ya grease ‘em up) to press it down into an even layer. Don’t smoosh it too hard, or you’ll crush the crunch outta the cereal.
  7. Let It Set: Leave the pan alone for about an hour to cool and set. Then, cut ‘em into bars—12 big ones or 16 smaller squares, dependin’ on how hungry ya are.

Quick Microwave Option

If you’re in a rush or just don’t wanna deal with the stove, toss the butter and marshmallows into a big microwave-safe bowl. Zap ‘em on high for about a minute, stir, then keep goin’ in 15-second bursts till they’re melted. Mix with the cereal and follow the rest of the steps. Easy as pie!

And there ya have it—marshmallow frosted flakes bars ready to devour. They’re best the same day, but if ya store ‘em in an airtight container, they’ll stay crispy and delish for up to a week. I’ve munched on ‘em after 7 days, and they were still darn good!

Tips to Make Your Bars Even Better

Alright, now that ya got the basic recipe down, let’s talk about some ways to make sure your bars turn out perfect every time. I’ve made a few batches of these over the years, and lemme tell ya, I’ve learned a thing or two from my mess-ups.

  • Don’t Overheat the Marshmallows: I can’t stress this enough. If ya cook ‘em too long, the sugar gets all weird and your bars turn into rocks. Melt ‘em just till they’re mostly gone, then stir off the heat.
  • Use Good Butter: If ya can swing it, grab some fancy butter with higher fat content. It’s got more flavor and makes the bars richer. Salted is my go-to ‘cause it cuts through the sweet.
  • Mini Marshmallows Are Your Friend: They melt way quicker than the big ones, savin’ ya some serious stirrin’ time. If ya only got the jumbo kind, they’ll work, just take a bit longer.
  • Don’t Pack Too Tight: When ya press the mix into the pan, go easy. Smushin’ it too hard makes the bars dense and tough instead of light and chewy.
  • Grease Everything: Butter up your spatula, your hands, the pan—whatever’s touchin’ this sticky mess. It’ll save ya from a cleanup nightmare.

Got that? Cool. Now let’s get a lil’ creative with some variations on this classic treat.

Fun Twists on Marshmallow Frosted Flakes Bars

One of the best things about these bars is how easy they are to tweak. I’ve played around with a few ideas, and here’s some of my fave ways to switch it up. Feel free to experiment too—half the fun is makin’ it your own!

  • Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: If ya can find chocolate-flavored Frosted Flakes, use those instead of the regular kind. Or, melt in half a cup of chocolate chips with the marshmallows for an extra fudgy kick. My kids flipped out over this version!
  • Fruity Vibes: I’ve heard of a strawberry milkshake version of Frosted Flakes out there. If ya snag a box, try makin’ bars with it. They taste like a summery shake in bar form—perfect for picnics or pool parties.
  • Peanut Butter Blast: Add a third of a cup of peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mix before tossin’ in the cereal. It adds a nutty richness that’s just outta this world. I tried this once for a potluck, and folks couldn’t stop ravin’ about it.
  • Less Sweet Option: If the sugar in Frosted Flakes is a bit much for ya, swap ‘em out for plain corn flakes. Use unsalted butter with just a pinch of salt to keep things balanced. Still yummy, just not as intense.

These lil’ twists can make your bars stand out at any gatherin’. Plus, they’re a great way to use up whatever ya got sittin’ in the pantry.

Dietary Tweaks: Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

I know not everyone can dive into a batch of marshmallow frosted flakes bars as-is, so let’s chat about makin’ these work for different diets. I’ve got friends and fam with all sorts of needs, so I’ve tinkered with these recipes a bit.

  • Gluten-Free Bars: Sad to say, regular Frosted Flakes ain’t gluten-free ‘cause of the malt flavorin’ in ‘em. But, ya can find gluten-free corn flakes at most stores. Use those instead, and double-check your marshmallows for sneaky gluten. The rest of the recipe stays the same.
  • Vegan-Friendly Treats: For my dairy-free peeps, swap out the butter for a plant-based version. There’s some great vegan butters out there that work just fine. Also, grab vegan marshmallows—ya can find ‘em at lots of grocery spots these days. Tastes just as good, promise!

These swaps don’t mess with the magic of the bars. They’re still crunchy, sweet, and totally munchable.

Storin’ and Freezin’ Your Bars

Made a big batch and can’t eat ‘em all at once? No worries, I’ve got the lowdown on keepin’ these treats fresh. Here’s how we do it at my place:

  • Room Temp Storage: Pop your bars into an airtight container. They’ll stay nice and crispy for about a week. Line the container with parchment paper if ya wanna avoid stickin’.
  • Freezin’ for Later: If ya wanna save some for down the road, layer the bars with wax paper or parchment in a container and toss ‘em in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to 6 weeks. Just let ‘em sit out for 15 minutes or so before eatin’ to thaw a bit.

I’ve frozen batches before big family get-togethers, and they’re a lifesaver when ya need a quick dessert to pull out.

Why These Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion

I’ve whipped up marshmallow frosted flakes bars for all kinda events, and they never fail to steal the show. Here’s a few times they’ve been a hit at our house:

  • Kids’ Parties: Little ones go bonkers for these. Cut ‘em into small squares, and they’re perfect for tiny hands. Plus, no messin’ with ovens means less stress for me.
  • Bake Sales: Need somethin’ quick that sells like hotcakes? These bars are it. Wrap ‘em up individual-like in plastic wrap, and watch ‘em disappear.
  • Late-Night Cravings: Sometimes, I just need a sweet fix after the kids are in bed. These are my go-to ‘cause they’re ready in a snap.

I remember one time, I brought a tray of the chocolate version to a neighborhood potluck. Folks were askin’ for the recipe left and right, and I felt like a dang celebrity. That’s the power of a good treat!

Troubleshootin’ Common Hiccups

Even with a recipe this simple, stuff can go a lil’ wonky sometimes. Don’t sweat it—I’ve been there, and I’ve got fixes for the usual problems.

  • Bars Too Hard: If your treats come out more like bricks, ya prob’ly overheated the marshmallows. Next time, pull ‘em off the heat sooner and stir till they melt. Also, make sure ya ain’t packin’ the mix too tight in the pan.
  • Too Sticky: If they’re a gooey mess, ya might’ve used too many marshmallows or not enough cereal. Add a bit more Frosted Flakes next go-round to balance it out.
  • Cereal Got Soggy: This shouldn’t happen, but if it does, check how long ya mixed the cereal with the hot marshmallow stuff. Work quick to spread it in the pan so the flakes don’t soak up too much heat.

Mess-ups happen to the best of us, but they’re easy to fix with a lil’ tweak here and there.

A Lil’ Trip Down Memory Lane

Makin’ these bars always takes me back to when I was a kid, sittin’ at the kitchen table with a bowl of Frosted Flakes, prob’ly watchin’ Saturday mornin’ cartoons. My mom used to make cereal treats all the time, though she stuck to the classic kind. I didn’t even think about usin’ Frosted Flakes till a few years ago when I had a random box in the cupboard and thought, “Why not?” Man, was that a game-changer. Now, every time I make a batch, it’s like a lil’ hug from the past, but with a fresh twist.

I’ve started gettin’ my own kids in on the action too. They love helpin’ measure out the cereal and stirrin’ the sticky mess—though half the time, they’re just sneakin’ handfuls of Frosted Flakes straight from the box. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, but dang, it’s some of the best memories we’re makin’. If ya got little ones, get ‘em in the kitchen with ya. They’ll have a blast, and you’ll end up with a sweet treat to boot.

Pairin’ Your Bars with Other Goodies

These marshmallow frosted flakes bars are awesome on their own, but I’ve found they pair real nice with other stuff too. Here’s a couple ideas for servin’ ‘em up:

  • With a Cold Glass of Milk: Classic combo, right? The milk cuts through the sweetness and makes it feel like breakfast, even if it’s dessert.
  • Alongside Fruit: Toss some fresh strawberries or banana slices on the side for a lil’ balance. Looks pretty on a plate too, if ya care about that sorta thing.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Style: Hear me out—cut a bar in half, slap a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle, and squish it together. It’s next-level indulgent, and I ain’t sorry for suggestin’ it.

However ya serve ‘em, these bars are gonna be a hit. I’ve yet to meet someone who don’t like ‘em, and I’ve fed ‘em to plenty of picky eaters.

Final Thoughts and a Lil’ Encouragement

So, there ya have it—everything ya need to know about makin’ marshmallow frosted flakes bars. From the basic recipe to fun variations and handy tips, I’ve spilled all my secrets. These treats are one of those things that just bring folks together, whether it’s kiddos at a party or just you and a quiet night in. I’m tellin’ ya, once ya make a batch, you’ll be hooked.

Don’t be shy about gettin’ in the kitchen and givin’ these a shot. Even if ya ain’t no master chef, you can pull this off. Grab that box of Frosted Flakes sittin’ in your pantry, round up some marshmallows, and get to mixin’. And hey, if ya come up with a wild new twist on ‘em, lemme know—I’m always down to try somethin’ new.

Keep snackin’, keep smilin’, and I’ll catch ya next time with more tasty ideas!

marshmallow frosted flakes bars

Not a regular treat, a Cornflake Treat

I’ve self declared myself as the queen of Rice Krispie treats. It comes down to the fact that they are SO simple to make, everyone loves them, and the variations are ENDLESS. Despite them not being traditional Rice Krispie treates, my No Bake Avalanche Cookies are everyone’s favorites and I still put them in the Rice Krispie treat category since they use Rice Krispie cereal and I love a good variation.

When I was staring into the depths of my pantry, a box of Corn Flakes whaled: “make something with me!” OK not really because that would be ~weird~ but it did give me the idea to use the flakes instead of Rice Krispies.

Other than the different kind of cereal, this recipe is essentially identical to any other Rice Krispie treat recipe. The only other simple ingredients are butter and marshmallows which I already had on hand! Plus, this recipe is super simple to halve or double, depending on the occasion or what amounts of ingredients you have available.

And if you’re looking for more cereal treats, also try my Cheerio Trail Mix, Fluffernutter Rice Krispie Treats or these Lucky Charm Sugar Cookies which are all some of my favorites, too!

marshmallow frosted flakes bars

  • Butter – This recipe calls for half a stick.
  • Mini Marshmallows – Mini melt way easier!
  • Cornflakes – Use that last bit of the bag thats been sitting in your pantry!
  • Salt – Just a pinch to balance the flavors.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

These Cornflake Marshmallow Treats are so easy to customize! I like switching things up with whatever I’ve got on hand. Some of my favorite variations:

  • Adding crunch: Consider swapping 1-2 cups of Corn flakes for equal amounts of pretzels or another cereal like Cheerios or Special K as the base of your cereal treat.
  • Mix-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or drizzling choccolate on top. Add butterscotch chips or white cholate chips. Sprinkles or M&Ms would be fun additions for a pop of color.
  • Color them! Add a couple drops of food dye to the melted marshmallows and swirl for a tie dye look. You could also add crushed dried fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a pretty pink dusting.

How to Make This Recipe

marshmallow frosted flakes bars

1. Heat a large pot on low heat and melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until melted.

2. Remove from heat and add the cornflake cereal to the melted butter & marshmallow mixture. Mix together to coat corn flakes.

marshmallow frosted flakes bars

3. Pour corn flakes marshmallow treats into a greased or parchment paper lined sheet pan or baking dish; spread to the edges with a rubber spatula and gently press down.

4. Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!

I like to use a large pot to melt the butter + marshmallows so I can add the cereal directly to the pot as opposed to pouring the marshmallow mixture over the cereal in a separate mixing bowl. Less dishes & quicker clean up!

Add food coloring to the marshmallow mixture to make these any holiday themed. You can use this recipe for those cornflake wreaths you see at Christmas time by adding green dye and red sprinkles.

Store your cornflake crunch bars at room temperature in an airtight container. If you live somewhere with high humidity, the refrigerator will keep the cereal treats freshest. These also freeze well if you would like to store for an extended period of time!

Let your Cornflake treats set completely (i.e, if you touch the tops and they sticking to your finger, they need more time), then use a large knife and run it under cool water. Make singular cuts all the way through your cereal bars before pulling the knife up, wetting again and making another slice. The water on the knife will prevent sticking, just ensure its not so wet that the cereal becomes soggy.

I like my treats more mallowy. If you prefer more crisp, simply add an additional ½ cup of crunchy cereal.

This recipe is adaptable to different sized pans. I used a quarter size sheet pan, which is 13×9 inches and cut into 12 pieces. An 8×8 baking pan will result in thicker Cornflake Rice Krispies. You could even use a cupcake tin and distribute the cereal mixture evenly amongst 12 cupcake cups for rounded treats

Serve with a cold glass of milk, crumbled over a bowl of ice cream or yogurt, or with a little milk chocolate or peanut butter drizzled on top (similar flavors to my Buckeye Balls with Rice Krispies).

marshmallow frosted flakes bars

Cornflake Marshmallow Treats Recipe | ‍ No-Bake Cookie Cereal Bars

FAQ

Can you make rice krispie squares with Frosted Flakes?

Frosted flake rice krispie treats are temptingly sweet and crunchy. Filled with gooey marshmallows they’re not just not good, they’re grrrrreat! This is one of the best recipes for Frosted Flakes you’ll eat!

Can I use old marshmallows for rice crispy treats?

Frequently Asked Questions Is it OK to use old marshmallows for Rice Krispie Treats? It’s best to avoid using old or stale marshmallows as they may not melt properly, resulting in clumps or uneven texture. For the best results, use fresh, soft marshmallows. What is a substitute for marshmallows in rice crispy treats?

How to make marshmallow crispy bars?

  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios.
  2. Add marshmallows and stir until melted and well combined. …
  3. Stir in crispy rice cereal until well coated. …
  4. Press mixture evenly and firmly into a buttered 9×13-inch pan using a buttered spatula or waxed paper. …
  5. Cut into 2-inch squares when cool.

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