Berry Cereal Treats put a fruity spin on the classic marshmallow cereal bar. These simple, colorful bars are great for baking with kids, easy to customize, and perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or an everyday sweet snack.
This post originally featured Campfire® marshmallows as an ingredient. All opinions are my own.
My little one recently declared a sudden love for pink. At her first dance class she refused the black tap shoes provided by the school and announced, “Mommy, these shoes aren’t pretty. They’re not pink!”
After a not-so-fruitful search for baby pink tap shoes, we settled on black patent ones and focused on celebrating her first class in the kitchen instead. She wanted treats that matched her new favorite color, so we made marshmallow cereal bars with a berry twist.
I found a box of Very Berry Cheerios in the pantry and paired them with dehydrated mixed berries for texture and tang. Dehydrated berries are a pantry favorite: slightly tart, crisp, and naturally sweet. They add a concentrated berry flavor and fun chewiness to cereal bars.
For color and extra marshmallow flavor I used a seasonal bag of pink CupidMallows. If you can’t find a pink variety, any 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows will work — the result is still delicious and fun. I also like to stir in an additional handful of mini marshmallows right before pressing the mixture into the pan. This little trick creates pockets of whole marshmallow for added gooeyness and texture.
The recipe is forgiving: use your favorite berry-flavored cereal, swap in different dehydrated fruit, or fold in chocolate chips for a richer bar. Drizzling cooled bars with melted white chocolate makes them look extra special for parties or gift boxes.
Berry Cereal Treats
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 10-ounce package marshmallows (pink CupidMallows or any mini marshmallows)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 cups Very Berry Cheerios (or other berry-flavored cereal)
- 2/3 cup dehydrated mixed berries, coarsely chopped
- 2/3 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for extra pockets of marshmallow)
- 1/3 cup melted white chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray or butter the lining.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add the cereal, stirring gently until it is evenly coated with the melted marshmallow mixture.
- Stir in the dehydrated mixed berries and the optional mini marshmallows until distributed throughout.
- Using a buttered spatula or lightly buttered hands, firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan to create an even layer.
- Allow the bars to cool completely, then cut into squares or bars. If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate and let it set before serving.
Notes
- For thinner bars, use a 9 x 13-inch pan instead of a 9 x 9-inch pan.
- Substitute your favorite berry cereal or swap in freeze-dried fruit for a brighter crunch.
- To store, place bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Add a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.