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    The Life Jolie » Dessert » Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars

    Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars

    Published: Aug 14, 2023 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    A straight on image of 3 cinnamon cereal bars stacked on each other exposing the inside of the bars.

    Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars are an easy no-bake dessert. If two of your favorite desserts, Rice Krispy Treats and Snickerdoodle Cookies had a baby, these would be it. They're an ooey-gooey, crispy snack that the whole family will love! 

    A straight on image of 3 cinnamon cereal bars stacked on each other exposing the inside of the bars.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Treats
    • Ingredient Information And Substitutions:
    • How To Make Cereal Bars
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Tips For Making These Cereal Marshmallow Bars
    • Make it a meal
    • Other Great No-Bake Recipes:
    • Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars

    Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Treats

    While I'm not a lover of cereal (most get soggy too quickly for me!) but Cinnamon Toast Crunch has always been my favorite. This is probably because my mom used to make us cinnamon toast as kids for a breakfast treat. So a cinnamon sugar covered cereal was right up my alley, but more as a snack to preserve the crunch.

    Since you guys loved my S'mores Bars so much, I knew that trying another variety of marshmallow cereal bars was a good idea. Especially now that it's summer! I mean, who doesn't love a good no-bake dessert? And this one is crazy easy with only 3 ingredients!

    Here’s why you’ve got to try it:

    • Simple with only 3 ingredients
    • It’s no-bake
    • Both kids and adults love them
    • The sweet and crispy treats we all love
    • Ready in under an hour
    • Great to made ahead
    A close up overhead shot of cinnamon treat bars that are cut into pieces.

    Ingredient Information And Substitutions:

    • Cinnamon Toast Crunch- The delicious cinnamon sugar flavor with the perfect crunch lends itself beautifully to this cereal bars recipe.
    • Marshmallows- I like the way mini marshmallows melt together so quickly for this but you could also use one 10 ounce package of regular size puffed marshmallows. I don’t encourage you to use marshmallow fluff, it will change the texture..
    • Salted Butter- I prefer salted butter for this recipe as the salt brings out all the flavor. You could use unsalted butter if you prefer but consider adding a pinch of salt if you do.
    The ingredients for cinnamon toast crunch bars, labeled in glass bowls.

    How To Make Cereal Bars

    Step 1: Melt the butter

    Melt butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

    Butter melting in a large pot.

    Step 2: Melt marshmallows

    Add the marshmallows and stir frequently until fully melted.

    Melted marshmallows in a pot.

    Step 3: Add cereal

    Turn off the heat and stir in your cereal until well combined.

    Cereal added to the pot of melted marshmallows.

    Step 4: Shape in pan

    Add the mixture into a parchment-lined and greased pan. Press into the pan to shape and cool completely. Remove and cut into pieces- serve immediately.

    Hands pushing the cereal mixture into a 9" x 13" pan with parchment paper.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you make these ahead?

    Totally, I typically make them a day ahead. This also gives them more time to set.

    Can I use large marshmallows instead of minis?

    Sure! You can use one 10 ounce package of Jet Puffed marshmallows is you'd prefer, just make sure they melt completely before adding the cereal.

    Are cereal bars healthy?

    Some might be, but these are not. But everything in moderation, right?

    How do you store cereal bars with marshmallows?

    I store them in a parchment-lined airtight container at room temperature. These are very sticky, so place them in single layers with parchment paper between each layer.

    Can you freeze these?

    I’m sure you can but I don’t recommend it because it will adversely affect the texture.

    How to keep these treats soft?

    I’d encourage you to store on the counter in an airtight container and to place a piece of bread in with them to help keep them soft.

    Can I use other cereal? 

    Yes- any other cereal around the same size will work for this recipe.

    Why are my bars hard?

    This can happen as a result of melting the butter and marshmallows over high instead of medium and pressing them too hard into the pan.

    Can I make these in the microwave?

    Sure- Melt butter and marshmallows together in a large, microwave safe bowl for around 60 seconds on high. Stir and melt for an additional 15-30 seconds if needed. Stir in cereal and proceed with the recipe as listed below.

    A hand pulling a freshly cut cereal bar from the rest of them with marshmallow stretching.

    Tips For Making These Cereal Marshmallow Bars

    • Line the pan for easy removal. Spray the 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper that's long enough to come up over the sides. This will allow you to remove it in one piece so it will be easier to cut them into bars.
    • I prefer to use salted butter because that little bit of salt adds extra delicious flavor.
    • Don't make your heat any higher than medium- no one likes burnt butter and it makes the bars hard and brittle!
    • Cooking spray comes in handy to coat your spoon before stirring the marshmallows to help prevent sticking (cereal treats are super sticky!).
    • Melt the marshmallows completely- it takes a bit more time but the texture always comes out perfect.
    • Make sure you stir it well so that everything is well combined.
    • Be gentle with stirring and pressing the treats into the pan. This keeps the cereal from breaking too much and the bars from getting too hard.
    A side angle shot of a stack of cinnamon toast crunch treats.

    Make it a meal

    Here are some great recipes to serve alongside your Cinnamon Cereal Bars:

    • Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks
    • Cheesy Ranch Potato Wedges
    • Black Bean and Corn Salad

    Other Great No-Bake Recipes:

    • These Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies have just the right amount of crunch while also being chewy- they're a hit with both kids and adults without all the hassle of having to bake them!
      Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
    • Raspberry Lemon Icebox Pie
      Raspberry Lemon Icebox Pie
    • Rich and Creamy Peanut Butter Pie is the dessert that dreams are made of and best of all, it's no bake! Oreo cookie crust, creamy peanut butter filling, swirls of chocolate sauce and plenty of mini peanut butter cups. You will make this again and again!
      No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
    • Meet the ultimate picnic dessert: S'mores Icebox Cake! This easy make-ahead dessert is quick to throw together with just a few ingredients and the results are beyond delicious.
      S'mores Icebox Cake

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!

    A straight on image of 3 cinnamon cereal bars stacked on each other exposing the inside of the bars.

    Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars

    Jessy Freimann
    Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars are an easy no-bake dessert. If two of your favorite desserts, Rice Krispy Treats and Snickerdoodle Cookies had a baby, these would be it. They're an ooey-gooey, crispy snack that the whole family will love!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Setting time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15 bars
    Calories 20 kcal

    Equipment

    • Dutch oven
    • Wooden Spoons
    • 9 x 13 Pan
    • Parchment paper
    • Cooking spray

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 Tablespoons salted butter
    • 1 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows
    • 5 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal

    Instructions
     

    • Spray a 13 x 9 pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some extra paper over the sides.
    • Melt butter over medium heat in pot. Once it's melted, reduce the heat to low.
    • Add marshmallows to the pot. Spray a mixing spoon with cooking spray and continuously stir until marshmallows are fully melted.
    • Remove the pot from the heat and add the cereal. Stir well to combine.
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared 13 x 9 pan. With an additional piece of parchment paper, gently press it down into an even layer in the prepared pan (you may need to hold the bottom paper in place to keep it from moving all around).
    • Cool completely and once set, pull the bar out of the pan in once piece using the parchment paper and slice. Store in an air tight container and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    • Line the pan for easy removal. Spray the 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper that's long enough to come up over the sides. This will allow you to remove it in one piece so it will be easier to cut them into bars.
    • I prefer to use salted butter because that little bit of salt adds extra delicious flavor.
    • Don't make your heat any higher than medium- no one likes burnt butter and it makes the bars hard and brittle!
    • Cooking spray comes in handy to coat your spoon before stirring the marshmallows to help prevent sticking (cereal treats are super sticky!).
    • Melt the marshmallows completely- it takes a bit more time but the texture always comes out perfect.
    • Make sure you stir it well so that everything is well combined.
    • Be gentle with stirring and pressing the treats into the pan. This keeps the cereal from breaking too much and the bars from getting too hard.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1barCalories: 20kcalCarbohydrates: 0.1gProtein: 0.03gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 18mgPotassium: 1mgSugar: 0.04gVitamin A: 70IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.001mg
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