Ice Cream Pebbles Marshmallow Cereal Bars Recipe

There’s something so magical about the combo of gooey marshmallow and crunchy, colorful cereal. These Ice Cream Pebbles Marshmallow Cereal Bars are like a party in every bite — sweet, chewy, slightly crisp, and full of rainbow joy. They melt in your mouth while still giving you that playful cereal crunch, and honestly, they’re impossible to resist. Perfect for after-school treats, birthday parties, or just those days when you need a burst of fun in your snack life.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came from a spontaneous kitchen experiment one lazy summer afternoon. I had a half bag of mini marshmallows, a box of fruity cereal, and a craving for something nostalgic. One melt, mix, and press later — these rainbow bars were born. They’ve since become a household favorite, disappearing from the plate faster than I can slice them. It’s the kind of recipe that brings out your inner kid, one sticky bite at a time.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Marshmallow cereal bars have been a beloved American treat since the 1930s, originally popularized by brands like Rice Krispies. Over time, countless twists have emerged, and using colorful cereals like Fruity Pebbles added a whole new level of whimsy. The “ice cream” part? That’s the flavor vibe these bars give off — creamy, dreamy, and totally dessert-worthy, even without a scoop in sight.

Why You’ll Love Ice Cream Pebbles Marshmallow Cereal Bars

These bars aren’t just fun to eat — they’re fun to make too. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:

Versatile: You can cut them into squares, roll them into balls, or press them into molds for any celebration.

Budget-Friendly: With only a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: No baking required, just melt, mix, and chill.

Customizable: Swap cereals, add mix-ins like white chocolate or sprinkles — the possibilities are endless.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love them, adults sneak extra slices. They vanish fast!

Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars hold up beautifully in the fridge for days.

Great for Leftovers: If there are any leftovers (unlikely!), chop and add to ice cream or yogurt bowls.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Making these bars is super easy, but here are a few secrets to make them just right:

• Low and slow is best when melting the marshmallows and butter to keep the texture smooth.
• Grease your hands or use wax paper when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
• Use fresh marshmallows — older ones don’t melt as evenly.
• Don’t over-stir the cereal once added or it may crush and become soggy.
• Chill before cutting for the cleanest slices and best texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

All you need is a few basics to make cereal bar magic happen:

Large saucepan: For melting the butter and marshmallows evenly.

Mixing spoon or spatula: A silicone spatula works best for smooth stirring.

8×8 or 9×9 inch pan: For pressing and setting your bars.

Wax paper or parchment: Helps smooth the top and avoid sticky fingers.

Sharp knife: For slicing neat, satisfying squares.

Ingredients in Ice Cream Pebbles Marshmallow Cereal Bars

This recipe brings simple ingredients together in the most delicious way. Each one plays a key part in the texture and flavor harmony:

1. Mini Marshmallows: 6 cups – The gooey glue that holds everything together and gives that classic chewy bite.
2. Colorful Puffed Rice Cereal (like Fruity Pebbles): 5 cups – Adds the crunchy, fruity texture and vibrant color.
3. Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons – Balances the sweetness and makes the bars rich and smooth.
4. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds depth and an ice cream-like vibe to the flavor.
5. Sea Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Just a pinch to keep things from being overly sweet.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to make a quick switch? No worries, here are some easy swaps:

Mini Marshmallows: Use full-size marshmallows, just chop them for easier melting.

Fruity Pebbles: Any colorful puffed rice cereal or cocoa version for a chocolatey twist.

Unsalted Butter: Salted butter works, just skip the added sea salt.

Vanilla Extract: Almond extract for a nutty note.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mini Marshmallows: These fluffy gems melt into a smooth, creamy base that holds everything together and gives each bite its gooey pull.

Fruity Pebbles: Bright, fruity, and ultra-crunchy, they turn a basic bar into a rainbow dream with their color and zingy flavor.

Instructions for Making Ice Cream Pebbles Marshmallow Cereal Bars

Get ready to bring a little magic to your kitchen. Here’s how to make these fun and fabulous bars:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or spray. No oven needed!
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir gently until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Once everything is melted and combined, turn off the heat. Add the colorful cereal into the pot and gently stir until all pieces are coated in the marshmallow mixture.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Immediately pour the sticky cereal mix into your prepared pan. Use a greased spatula or wax paper to press it down evenly.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   No cooking required — just let it sit and firm up. You can speed things up by popping the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Once set, lift the whole block out using the parchment, then slice into squares or rectangles.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   These are best served at room temp for that ideal chewy-meets-crispy texture. Dig in and enjoy the colorful, sweet goodness.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The key to this treat lies in contrast. The marshmallow base is soft and chewy, while the cereal stays light and crispy. That creamy vanilla background paired with fruity pops of flavor gives it that “ice cream” personality without any melting mess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to make sure every batch is your best one:

• Use fresh marshmallows for the smoothest melt.
• Stir gently to avoid crushing the cereal.
• For extra flair, press a few whole cereal pieces on top after smoothing the bars.
• Let cool fully before slicing to get clean edges.

What to Avoid

A few common missteps can mess with the magic — but here’s how to steer clear:

• Don’t overheat the marshmallows. It’ll make the bars hard instead of chewy.
• Avoid stale cereal. It ruins the crunch.
• Don’t skip the salt. It really balances the sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 190
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can definitely prep these ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If it’s hot out, the fridge works too, but let them sit out a bit before serving. They can also be frozen, wrapped tightly in plastic, for up to a month.

How to Serve Ice Cream Pebbles Marshmallow Cereal Bars

They’re fantastic on their own, but you can level them up by:

• Drizzling melted white chocolate on top.
• Serving with a scoop of actual ice cream.
• Cutting into fun shapes with cookie cutters for parties.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Have a few bars left? Try this:

• Chop and mix into a yogurt parfait.
• Crumble and press into the bottom of a no-bake cheesecake.
• Use pieces as a topping for cupcakes or cakes.

Additional Tips

For the freshest results, don’t slice the bars until just before serving. You can also add sprinkles or drizzle for seasonal vibes. And always use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Make It a Showstopper

If you want your bars to really pop, serve them on a white platter with a few extra cereal bits sprinkled around. Tie up a few pieces with parchment and string for party favors or bake sale treats.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a dark or white chocolate drizzle once bars are set.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix a tablespoon or two of peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mix.
• Rainbow Marshmallow Add-In: Stir in colorful mini marshmallows for extra pops.
• Sprinkle Surprise: Add confetti sprinkles on top before setting for birthday fun.
• Holiday Version: Use holiday-themed cereal colors to match the season.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use other cereals?

A1: Absolutely. Any puffed rice or similar cereal will work great.

Q2: Are these gluten-free?

A2: Fruity Pebbles are gluten-free, but double-check the brand to be sure.

Q3: Can I add mix-ins?

A3: Yes, white chocolate chips, extra marshmallows, or sprinkles are fun additions.

Q4: How long do they last?

A4: They’re best within 5 days, stored airtight.

Q5: Can I make them vegan?

A5: Use vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter substitutes.

Q6: What if I don’t have vanilla extract?

A6: Almond extract or a dash of maple syrup can work in a pinch.

Q7: Do I have to chill them?

A7: It helps them set quicker but isn’t required. Room temp works fine too.

Q8: Why are my bars hard?

A8: You may have overheated the marshmallow or used old ones.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

A9: Yes, just use a 9×13 pan instead and scale up all ingredients evenly.

Q10: Can kids help with this?

A10: Definitely! Just supervise the melting step, and let them mix and press.

Conclusion

Whether you’re chasing a sugar rush or just craving some nostalgic fun, these Ice Cream Pebbles Marshmallow Cereal Bars are the answer. They’re colorful, quick, and bring a smile with every bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this — and once you make a batch, don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you thought possible.

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