Oh my goodness, let me tell you about marshmallow squares! These little treats are the definition of simplicity and sheer joy. I remember the first time I made them; it was for a family gathering, and the excitement in the kitchen was contagious! Just a few ingredients—marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and butter—come together in a warm, gooey mixture that’s irresistible. The best part? They’re so quick to whip up! Everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting for those squares to cool, and I’ll never forget the smiles on their faces as they took that first bite. Trust me, these marshmallow squares are a crowd-pleaser every single time!
Ingredients List
Now, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll want to make sure you have everything ready before diving into this delightful recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups of crispy rice cereal – this gives the squares their signature crunch!
- 1 package (10 oz) of marshmallows – the star of the show, making everything gooey and sweet.
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter – for that rich, creamy flavor that ties it all together.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – just a splash adds a lovely warmth to the mix.
That’s it! Simple, right? These ingredients combine to create the most delightful marshmallow squares that everyone will absolutely love!
How to Prepare Marshmallow Squares
Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Making marshmallow squares is as easy as pie—well, easier actually! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch ready to devour in no time. Trust me, the aroma of melting marshmallows will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. This will help those delicious squares come out easily later on!
- Next, grab a saucepan and melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Make sure not to rush this step; we want it nice and gentle!
- Once the butter is melted, toss in the entire package of marshmallows. Stir them around until they’re completely melted and smooth. It’s like magic watching them transform!
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in that lovely teaspoon of vanilla extract. The smell is heavenly, and it adds such depth to the flavor!
- Now, it’s time to add the 4 cups of crispy rice cereal. Gently fold it in until all the cereal is coated with that gooey marshmallow mixture. You want every piece to be covered!
- Quickly press the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased, of course) to make it nice and even.
- Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature before cutting it into squares. Patience is key here—you want them to set up just right!
And there you have it! These steps will guide you to the perfect marshmallow squares that are sure to bring smiles all around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Only four simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Deliciously gooey and crunchy combo that everyone adores.
- Perfect for parties, school lunches, or just a sweet afternoon snack.
- Customizable—add chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist!
Tips for Success
To make your marshmallow squares truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on greasing your baking dish. A little butter or cooking spray goes a long way in ensuring your squares come out perfectly. When melting the marshmallows, stir gently and patiently; this helps them melt evenly without burning. If you want to get creative, try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts right before you press the mixture into the dish—this adds a delightful twist! Also, remember to let the squares cool completely before cutting; this ensures neat, even pieces. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your marshmallow squares is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long! I like to layer parchment paper between the squares to prevent them from sticking together. If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), you can pop them in the fridge for a little extra firmness. Now, if you want to enjoy them warm and gooey again, just give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want them to melt too much! Enjoy those sweet, nostalgic bites anytime you crave a treat!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each serving of these delightful marshmallow squares! Each square packs about 120 calories, with 3 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. You’ll also find around 22 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of sugar in every bite. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of your sweet treat’s profile. Enjoy in moderation, and savor every delicious square!
FAQ Section
Got questions about marshmallow squares? I’ve got answers! Let’s dive into some of the most common queries:
Can I customize my marshmallow squares?
Absolutely! You can add in chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for a fun twist. Just mix them in before pressing the mixture into the baking dish!
How should I store leftovers?
Store your marshmallow squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them. Just be sure to layer parchment paper between the squares to prevent sticking!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free crispy rice cereal. Many brands are available, and they work perfectly in this recipe!
What can I do if my marshmallow squares are too sticky?
If you find them too sticky to cut, you can lightly dust your knife with powdered sugar or spray it with cooking spray to help slice through without sticking.
Can I freeze marshmallow squares?
You sure can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Marshmallow Squares: 7 Simple Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple dessert made with marshmallows and crispy rice cereal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Add crispy rice cereal and mix well.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Allow to cool and cut into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can add chocolate chips or nuts for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: marshmallow squares, dessert, easy recipe
