Marshmallow and Vanilla Rice Cereal Bars

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft and chewy bars made from gooey marshmallows and crispy rice cereal, enhanced with vanilla for a sweet snack everyone will love. This American-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs unsalted butter, mini marshmallows, vanilla extract for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 12 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter. In a large pot over low heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter until fully melted and sizzling slightly.
  2. Step 2: Add 10 oz mini marshmallows and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the melted butter. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  3. Step 3: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in 6 cups crispy rice cereal and 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, folding gently until the cereal is evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact layer.
  5. Step 5: Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour until set. Cut into 12 squares and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Marshmallow and Vanilla Rice Cereal Bars take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Marshmallow and Vanilla Rice Cereal Bars?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Marshmallow and Vanilla Rice Cereal Bars?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Marshmallow and Vanilla Rice Cereal Bars for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Marshmallow and Vanilla Rice Cereal Bars?

American rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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