There’s something magical about making chocolate marshmallow squares that just brings a smile to my face! It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple, yet so utterly delicious, it feels like you’re cheating dessert. I remember the first time I made these with my kids—they were bouncing around the kitchen, eyes wide with excitement, as the chocolate melted and the marshmallows puffed up. Trust me, the combination of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and that crispy base is pure bliss! Plus, you don’t even need to bake them! Just a little melting, mixing, and cooling, and you’ve got a treat that everyone will love. So let’s dive into this heavenly, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows (they mix in better and give a lovely gooey texture)
- 2 cups of rice cereal (I love using crispy rice for that perfect crunch)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy melting)
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (this adds a lovely depth of flavor)
How to Prepare Chocolate Marshmallow Squares
Making chocolate marshmallow squares is a fun and straightforward process that anyone can master. Let’s break it down step by step so you can whip these up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by melting the butter and chocolate chips together. Place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. This is crucial—keep the heat low to prevent burning! You want a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture.
- Once it’s all melted and looking divine, remove it from the heat. Now, this is the fun part! Stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma is so heavenly, you might find yourself sneaking a taste (I won’t tell!).
- Next, add in the mini marshmallows and rice cereal. This is where the magic really happens. Stir gently until everything is fully combined. Make sure the marshmallows are evenly distributed; you want that gooey goodness in every bite!
- Now, grab a greased square pan (an 8×8 inch works great) and press the mixture firmly into the bottom. I like to use a spatula or even my hands (lightly greased, of course) to get an even layer.
- Let it cool completely at room temperature—this helps everything set nicely. You could pop it in the fridge if you’re in a hurry, but it’s best to let it cool naturally for that perfect texture.
- Once it’s set, cut into squares and enjoy! You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so divine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute dessert option!
- No baking required—just melt, mix, and cool for an easy, fuss-free treat.
- Decadent chocolate flavor combined with the soft, gooey marshmallows is pure bliss.
- Kids and adults alike will adore these delightful squares—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
- Customize easily by adding your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or sprinkles, for extra fun.
- Great for parties, picnics, or simply to satisfy that sweet tooth on a cozy night in.
Tips for Success
To make your chocolate marshmallow squares absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, if you want a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. It adds a nice depth that chocolate lovers will appreciate! Also, don’t be afraid to get creative with add-ins. Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can give a delightful crunch, or you could throw in some mini chocolate chips for double the chocolatey goodness!
When pressing the mixture into the pan, be sure to pack it down firmly to avoid crumbly squares. If you find the mixture too sticky, your hands will thank you for lightly greasing them before you start. Lastly, letting the squares cool completely is key—they’ll set up beautifully, ensuring each bite is a perfect blend of chocolate and marshmallow. Enjoy your sweet creation!
Nutritional Information
These chocolate marshmallow squares are not just delicious; they’ve got some nutritional stats to consider, too! Each square is approximately 150 calories, with about 8 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat. You’ll also find around 12 grams of sugar and 18 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, they pack in 2 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you choose. Enjoy your sweet treat while keeping these numbers in mind!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While I love semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can experiment with dark chocolate for a richer taste or even milk chocolate for a sweeter treat. Just keep in mind that the melting point might vary slightly, so melt carefully!
How do I store leftover chocolate marshmallow squares?
Store these delicious squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warm climate, you might want to keep them in the fridge to prevent them from getting too soft. Just let them sit out for a few minutes to soften before enjoying!
Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch. You can also throw in some peanut butter for a chocolate-peanut butter twist—yum!
Why are my squares too sticky?
If your chocolate marshmallow squares are sticky, it might be due to not packing them down firmly enough into the pan. Make sure to press the mixture well to help them set properly. Letting them cool completely before cutting is also key!
Can I freeze these chocolate marshmallow squares?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for about two months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying for the best texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chocolate marshmallow squares is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you’re in a warmer climate, I recommend keeping them in the fridge to maintain that perfect texture—just let them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying to soften up a bit.
Now, if you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is unlikely!), you can freeze these delightful treats too! Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for about two months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed—these squares are best enjoyed chilled and straight from the fridge! Enjoy your sweet stash!
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate marshmallow squares are delightful on their own, but why not take it up a notch? Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect contrast of cold and creamy against the chocolatey goodness. A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce on top makes them even more indulgent! If you’re feeling fancy, pair them with a rich cup of hot cocoa or a chilled glass of milk. They also make a fun addition to a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit or cookies for a sweet feast that’s sure to impress. Enjoy your delicious creations in style!
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Chocolate Marshmallow Squares: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate marshmallow squares are a delightful treat made with chocolate, marshmallows, and a crispy base.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup marshmallows
- 2 cups rice cereal
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the butter and chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
- Add marshmallows and rice cereal to the mixture.
- Stir until well combined.
- Press the mixture into a greased square pan.
- Let it cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use mini marshmallows for better distribution.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: chocolate marshmallow squares, dessert, no-bake treat
