During the summer months, I really don’t feel like preheating the oven, which is just one of the reasons I turn to no-bake recipes like this one. Cinnamon Toast Crunch bars are so easy to make– no hot oven required! These cereal treats are sweet, chewy, and perfectly portioned for packing into lunch boxes. With just 5 ingredients, they’re super simple to make lickety-split!
I love making these Cinnamon Toast Crunch bars with my kids. They love getting messy in the kitchen, and these gooey marshmallow-y treats were made for getting messy! They are chewy with that signature cereal crunch, and the marshmallows and butter make them perfectly gooey and sweet!
What’s in This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bar Recipe?
- Butter: Unsalted butter prevents the marshmallows from burning and helps hold the bars together.
- Marshmallows: Hold these bars together. I used mini because they melt faster and more smoothly than the regular size.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and spice of the cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances the flavor of the cereal.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch: This classic cereal is crunchy, cinnamon-y, and so delicious!
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How to Store
Store Cinnamon Toast Crunch bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Tips for Success
- Try browning the butter for a nuttier flavor!
- Be sure to use fresh marshmallows. Stale marshmallows will take too long to melt and will not melt smoothly.
- You can melt the butter and marshmallows in the microwave in a large, microwave-safe bowl for 60 seconds. Stir, then heat for an additional 15-30 seconds until smooth. Continue with the recipe. Be sure to use the largest bowl you have, because the marshmallows expand a LOT in the microwave and can easily make a mess!
- If you melt your marshmallows too fast over too high of heat, it takes the marshmallows out of the hard-ball stage and into the hard-crack stage, where the marshmallows will become brittle and crack instead of stretching.
- You can use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows, but the treats will be much stickier and less solid. They can be kind of a mess, but delicious nonetheless!
- Add 1 cup of cinnamon or white chocolate baking chips for even more flavor.
Top Reader Review
- “Great recipe, the 1/2 tsp cinnamon was perfect and the browned butter makes sheer bliss. I will make these again, definitely. Thanks!” -Leslie
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick)
- 3½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal divided
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 8×8 Baking Pan
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large pot set over low heat, melt the butter.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add in the marshmallows and allow them to melt, stirring constantly until they are smooth, about 2-3 minutes.3½ cups mini marshmallows
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, and 4 cups of cereal.1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 5 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread it out to an even layer. Top with the remaining cup of cereal and press the bars down to pack them tightly– be careful, they’re hot! If the mixture is sticking to your spatula, place another sheet of parchment paper on top and then press down on the bars through the parchment paper.
- Set them aside to cool to room temperature until set, about 1 hour.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars Step-by-Step
Melt the Marshmallows: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. In a large pot set over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add in 3½ cups of marshmallows and allow them to melt, stirring constantly until they are smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the Cereal: Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 4 cups of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
Press and Cool: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread it out to an even layer. Top with the remaining 1 cup of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and press the bars down to pack them tightly– be careful, they’re hot! If the mixture is sticking to your spatula, place another sheet of parchment paper on top and then press down on the bars through the parchment paper. Set them aside to cool to room temperature until set, about 1 hour. Slice and serve.
Great recipe, the 1/2 tsp cinnamon was perfect and the browned butter makes sheer bliss. I will make these again, definitely. Thanks!
We’re so happy to hear you loved this recipe, Leslie!