Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: marshmallow squares! These delightful little squares are like a warm hug in dessert form. They’re super easy to whip up, which makes them perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a chewy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying dessert that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try these marshmallow squares, they’ll become a staple in your home, just like they are in mine!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: These little puffs of sweetness are the star of the show! They melt beautifully and give that classic gooey texture.
- 4 cups rice cereal: This adds the perfect crunch to your marshmallow squares. I love using crispy rice cereal for that delightful contrast!
- 1/4 cup butter: Unsalted is best! It helps to bind everything together while adding a rich flavor. Just be sure to melt it slowly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: This is the secret ingredient that elevates the flavor. It adds a warm, comforting aroma that makes these squares irresistible!
How to Prepare Marshmallow Squares
Making marshmallow squares is a fun and simple process that anyone can master! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a tray of these sweet treats ready in no time.
Step 1: Melt the Butter
First things first, grab a large pot and melt your butter over low heat. This is key, trust me! You want it to melt gently without burning. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until it’s all melted and bubbly.
Step 2: Add Marshmallows
Now, it’s time to add those mini marshmallows! Pour them into the melted butter and stir like you mean it! Keep stirring until all the marshmallows are completely melted and you have a smooth, gooey mixture. The smell will be heavenly!
Step 3: Mix in Vanilla
Once the marshmallows are melted, remove the pot from the heat. This is when you’ll add the vanilla extract. Stir it in well, and let that warm, comforting aroma fill your kitchen. It really makes a difference!
Step 4: Combine with Rice Cereal
Next, it’s time to bring in the rice cereal! Add it to the marshmallow mixture and stir until every single piece is coated in that gooey goodness. You want to make sure it’s all mixed together evenly so every bite is delicious!
Step 5: Press into Pan
Now, grab your greased 9×13 inch pan. Pour the mixture in and, using a spatula or your hands, press it down firmly and evenly. You want it to be nice and compact, so it holds its shape when you cut it!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Lastly, let your marshmallow squares cool for at least 30 minutes. This step is super important; it helps them set up perfectly! Once they’re cool, cut them into squares, and you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick to make—ready in just about 45 minutes!
- Only four simple ingredients, which you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for kids and adults alike—everyone loves that chewy, gooey goodness!
- Customizable! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or sprinkles for an extra fun twist.
- Great for parties, bake sales, or just a sweet snack at home.
- They stay fresh for days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
- They bring back childhood memories—who doesn’t love a classic marshmallow square?
Tips for Success
Making marshmallow squares can be a breeze, but a few pro tips will help you nail it every time! Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
- Watch the Heat: When melting the butter and marshmallows, keep the heat low. If it’s too high, you risk burning the mixture, which can lead to a gritty texture. Patience is key here!
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: Make sure your marshmallows are fresh! Stale marshmallows won’t melt as well and can result in a less chewy texture. If they’ve been sitting around for a while, you might want to splurge on a new bag.
- Grease the Pan Well: Don’t skip on the greasing! Use butter or non-stick spray to coat the pan generously. This makes it sooo much easier to remove the squares later without tearing them apart.
- Press Firmly: When you press the mixture into the pan, be sure to press it down firmly and evenly. This helps the squares hold their shape when you cut them. A spatula works great, but your hands can do the trick too—just be careful, it might be a bit sticky!
- Let Them Cool Completely: Don’t rush the cooling process. Letting the squares cool for a full 30 minutes helps them set perfectly. If you cut them too early, they might fall apart and lose that lovely square shape.
- Get Creative: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins! Chocolate chips, nuts, or even drizzles of caramel or chocolate on top can elevate your marshmallow squares to the next level. Just be sure not to overload them, or they might not hold together as well.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delicious marshmallow squares that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious marshmallow squares is super easy, and you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh for as long as possible! Once they’ve cooled completely, simply place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if you’re planning to stack them. They’ll stay good at room temperature for about 3 days, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
If you think you won’t finish them in that time, don’t worry! You can also freeze them. Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and they’ll be as good as new!
Reheating isn’t really necessary for marshmallow squares, as they’re meant to be chewy and delightful at room temperature. But if you do want to warm them up a bit, you can pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds—be careful, though! You don’t want them to melt too much. Enjoy your sweet treats whenever the craving strikes!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of my beloved marshmallow squares! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each delicious square.
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
These marshmallow squares are a sweet treat that can easily fit into your day! Just remember, moderation is key, especially with those sugary delights. Enjoy them as an occasional indulgence, and you’ll be all set!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! You can use regular marshmallows, but you’ll need to chop them into smaller pieces for even melting. Mini marshmallows work great because they melt quickly and evenly, but don’t worry if you only have the regular ones on hand!
How do I keep my marshmallow squares from sticking to the pan?
The secret is to grease the pan really well! Use butter or non-stick spray to coat the bottom and sides of your pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for extra insurance—this makes removal a breeze!
Can I add mix-ins to my marshmallow squares?
Of course! Feel free to get creative! Chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles can be mixed in for a fun twist. Just make sure not to overload them too much, or the squares might not hold together as well.
How long do marshmallow squares last?
When stored in an airtight container, marshmallow squares will typically stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months—just wrap each square tightly!
Can I make these marshmallow squares vegan?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and check that your marshmallows are vegan-friendly. There are plenty of great options out there that will still give you that delicious, chewy texture!
Marshmallow Squares: 7 Irresistible Secrets to Delight
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 squares 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious marshmallow squares made with simple ingredients.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 4 cups rice cereal
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Add mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Add rice cereal and mix until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- You can add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 5 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 square
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 16g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: marshmallow squares, dessert, sweet treats
