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These cinnamon toast crunch bars are a delicious play on the classic rice krispie treats we all love. They’re made with the crowd-favorite cinnadust-blasted cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, folded into gooey melted marshmallows. The crunch is impeccable, and the marshmallows make them the whole family’s favorite sweet treat.
If you love anything cinnamon sugar, from classic cinnamon sugar toast to my churro cheesecake bars, these cereal bars are calling your name. For more easy treats, browse all my no-bake desserts.
This epic combination of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and marshmallows takes rice crispy treats to a whole new level. They’re crispy, sweet, and cinnamony all at the same time, and they’re great for school snack time or for when that late-night sweet tooth makes its appearance.
Why This Recipe Works
- Nostalgic flavor. It combines Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and rice krispie treats into one delightful bite.
- Quick and easy. Just four simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on time.
- No oven needed. Everything happens on the stovetop.
- Great for any occasion. Bring them to family gatherings and potlucks, or keep them as a simple treat for yourself.
- Easy to customize. Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle to make them your own.
Key Ingredients
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: The star of the show. You can find it in the cereal aisle of any grocery store, and the cinnamon sugar coating flavors the whole bar.
- Mini marshmallows: Use a fresh bag. Older marshmallows melt unevenly and make the bars hard.
- Unsalted butter: Melted with the marshmallows for a rich, buttery base that keeps the bars soft.
A splash of vanilla extract rounds it out. Full ingredient amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Substitutions and Variations
- Brown butter: Brown the butter before adding the marshmallows for a toasty, caramel-like flavor.
- White chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the set bars to make them look even more impressive.
- Peanut butter: Stir a few spoonfuls into the melted marshmallows, like in my peanut butter rice krispy treats, or go all in with my chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats.
- Other cereals: Swap in Fruity Pebbles for my fruity pebble krispie treats or Cocoa Krispies for my chocolate rice krispie treats.
- Fruity twist: Plain Rice Krispies with freeze-dried strawberry powder turn into my pretty pink strawberry rice krispy treats.
- Chocolate peanut butter cereal bars: Want a no-marshmallow version? My muddy buddy bars use Chex, chocolate, and peanut butter.
How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars
- Melt and coat. Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat, stir in the marshmallows and vanilla until smooth, then fold in the cereal until every piece is coated.
- Press into the pan. Spread the mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan and press it gently into an even layer with a greased spatula.
- Set and slice. Let the bars set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, then lift them out and cut them into squares.
- Serve and enjoy. Serve them at room temperature for the softest, chewiest texture.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh marshmallows. Stale marshmallows don’t melt smoothly and can make the bars hard as a rock.
- Keep the heat low. Melting the marshmallows slowly keeps them soft and gooey instead of tough.
- Don’t pack too hard. Press the mixture just enough to level it. Packing it tightly makes dense, hard bars.
- Grease your tools. A lightly greased spatula or hands keep the marshmallow from sticking.
- Want extra gooey pockets? Fold in an extra handful of mini marshmallows after the cereal is coated.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars FAQs
Store cinnamon toast crunch bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Separate the layers with parchment or wax paper so they don’t stick together.
Yes. Wrap each cinnamon toast crunch bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. Let them thaw on the counter until soft before serving.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over your cinnamon toast crunch bars, brown the butter first for a nutty, caramel flavor, or press extra crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch on top before they set for added crunch.
Hard cinnamon toast crunch bars usually come from old marshmallows, melting them over heat that’s too high, or packing the mixture too tightly into the pan. Use a fresh bag, keep the heat low, and press gently.
Yes. Cinnamon toast crunch bars are a great make-ahead treat. Make them the day before, let them set, and keep them covered at room temperature until you’re ready to slice and serve.
More Cereal Treats
If you made these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars, tell me how fast they disappeared! Leave a ⭐ star rating and a comment below. I love hearing from you!
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars
Ingredients
- 6 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 oz mini marshmallows optional
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for topping optional
Instructions
- Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the entire bag of mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and well combined with the butter. Stir in the vanilla extract.1/4 cup unsalted butter, 10 oz mini marshmallows, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the cinnamon toast crunch cereal mixture into the melted marshmallows. Stir quickly to coat the cereal evenly with the marshmallow mixture. Once coats, add in the extra mini marshmallows if you'd like and mix to combine again.6 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, 5 oz mini marshmallows
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to press it firmly and evenly into the pan. If desired, sprinkle additional crushed up Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on top and gently press it into the mixture for added crunch and flavor.Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for topping
- Allow the rice krispie treats to cool and set at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours, or you can refrigerate them for a quicker setting. Once the treats are completely set, cut them into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
