Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy no-bake dessert
Made with just a few ingredients
Perfect for holidays and parties
Kid-friendly and fun to make
Sweet, chewy, and crunchy texture
Great for bake sales and potlucks
Ready in under 20 minutes
Easy to customize with mix-ins

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 cups cornflake cereal
4 cups mini marshmallows
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins

Sprinkles
Mini chocolate chips
Chopped nuts
Dried fruit
Holiday candies

Directions

Line a 9×9-inch baking dish or pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Measure the cornflakes into a large mixing bowl.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cornflakes.
Gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated.
Stir in any optional add-ins if desired.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
Lightly press it into an even layer without compacting it too firmly.
Allow the treats to cool and set for about 30 minutes.
Cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Cornflake Treats: Add mini chocolate chips after the mixture cools slightly.
Peanut Butter Version: Stir ½ cup peanut butter into the melted marshmallows.
Holiday Treats: Add festive sprinkles or colored candies.
Coconut Crunch Treats: Mix in shredded coconut.
Nutty Cornflake Treats: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
Caramel Cornflake Treats: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Fruity Treats: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store Cornflake Marshmallow Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze individually wrapped treats in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

These treats are intended to be enjoyed at room temperature and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes. Large marshmallows can be substituted in equal weight and will melt just as well.

Why are my treats hard?

Overheating the marshmallows or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan can make the treats tough.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. They store well and can be prepared several days in advance.

What cereal works best?

Cornflakes provide the classic crunchy texture, but other crispy cereals can also be used.

Can I add peanut butter?

Absolutely. Peanut butter adds a delicious nutty flavor and extra richness.

How do I keep the treats soft?

Melt the marshmallows gently over low heat and avoid overmixing.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, if you use certified gluten-free cornflake cereal and verify all ingredients.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

No. They are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes. This is a fun and simple recipe for children to help assemble with supervision.

What occasions are these treats good for?

They are perfect for holidays, bake sales, school events, potlucks, parties, and everyday snacks.

Conclusion

Cornflake Marshmallow Treats are a simple, nostalgic dessert that combines crispy cornflakes with sweet, gooey marshmallows for the perfect balance of crunch and chew. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these no-bake treats are ideal for holidays, parties, and family gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to disappear quickly.

Cornflake Marshmallow Treats

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Cornflake Marshmallow Treats are a sweet and crunchy no-bake dessert made with crispy cornflakes coated in a buttery marshmallow mixture. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, parties, and everyday snacking, these nostalgic treats are quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 treats
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Measure the cornflakes into a large mixing bowl.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cornflakes.
Gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated.
Stir in any optional add-ins if desired.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
Lightly press it into an even layer without compacting it too firmly.
Allow the treats to cool and set for about 30 minutes.
Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Do not overheat the marshmallows, as this can make the treats hard.
Press the mixture gently into the pan to keep the texture soft and chewy.
Add chocolate chips only after the mixture cools slightly to prevent melting.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze individually wrapped treats for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 treat
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 17 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg