Fruity Pebbles Marshmallow Treats

These Fruity Pebbles marshmallow treats are a cheerful and quick way to bring bright color and playful flavors to any gathering. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or school bake sales, they combine gooey melted mini marshmallows with the iconic fruity cereal for a nostalgic and delicious snack. I’ll never forget how these treats always made Easter celebrations with family even sweeter, with kids running around outside and a platter of colorful goodness waiting inside.

I first blended these ingredients on a whim for a holiday potluck and now they are a mustbring every year because they disappear in minutes.

Ingredients

• Fruity Pebbles breakfast cereal: Eight cups provides the colorful crunch pick the freshest box for brightness and crispness
• Mini marshmallows: One ten ounce bag melts smoothly for gooey binding use fresh marshmallows for best melting results
• Unsalted butter: Five tablespoons adds richness and smooth texture choose good quality unsalted butter for a creamy finish
• Pure vanilla extract: Half teaspoon enhances sweetness and depth a high quality vanilla will really make the flavor pop
• Fine sea salt: Half teaspoon balances sweetness and brings all flavors together fine salt works best for even distribution
• Cooking oil spray or butter: Used to prepare the pan to prevent sticking and make cutting easier

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Coat your 9 by 13inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter. This stops the treats from sticking and helps you get nice, neat squares later.

Melt Butter:

Place the unsalted butter in a large pot over low heat. Swirl occasionally as it melts to ensure it softens evenly without browning, which keeps the flavor clean and buttery.

Add Marshmallows:

Add all the mini marshmallows into the melted butter. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula, gently melting until the mixture is completely smooth and combined. Watch carefully so it doesn’t scorch, as that can make the flavor bitter and the texture gritty.

Incorporate Vanilla and Salt:

Stir in the pure vanilla extract and fine sea salt into the marshmallow mixture. Mixing these in thoroughly balances the sweetness and amplifies the overall flavor.

Combine with Cereal:

Remove the pot from the heat. Immediately dump in the Fruity Pebbles cereal and gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Work quickly but carefully so every bit gets coated without crushing the cereal or dulling the colors.

Press into the Pan:

Transfer the sticky mixture to your prepared pan. Using a spatula lightly greased with butter or spray, or even your lightly greased hands, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Press just enough to hold together but not so hard that it becomes dense.

Cool and Cut:

Let the treats cool down at room temperature for at least one hour to firm up. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper lightly greased with butter or spray to cut clean, even squares or bars.

My favorite part about this recipe is the joyful crunch of Fruity Pebbles mixed with the smooth, warm marshmallow coating. It always takes me back to family gettogethers where these treats were the colorful star of the snack table and the kids’ faces lit up with every bite.

Storage Tips

Keep your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain the best texture. Refrigeration can dry them out and make them too firm to enjoy. For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic then foil and freeze them. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping the butter for coconut oil if you want a dairyfree version. The coconut oil adds a mild tropical note and keeps the treats chewy but slightly firmer. Using marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows creates an even gooier texture but results in a softer, less structured bar. You can also mix in a fruity rice cereal blend for added texture and flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions

These treats are delicious on their own but can be topped with melted white chocolate or colorful sprinkles for extra festive appeal. Pairing them with vanilla ice cream or a bright citrus sorbet creates a fun dessert platter that highlights the cereal’s fruity flavors and contrast in textures. Fresh fruit salads with honey lemon or mint also complement the sweetness perfectly.

These Fruity Pebbles marshmallow treats are quick to make and bring joyful color to any gathering. They are perfect for parties and easy make ahead snacks.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Why are my treats too hard or dense?

Pressing the mixture too firmly or overheating marshmallows removes moisture, resulting in a dense texture. Gently press to keep bars soft.

→ Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, chop regular marshmallows into small pieces for quick melting and a gooey texture similar to mini marshmallows.

→ Do these treats need refrigeration?

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. Refrigeration can harden the bars and alter texture.

→ How do I prevent sticking when cutting?

Lightly grease your knife or bench scraper before cutting, or use parchment paper to lift the slab for clean slices.

→ Can I substitute the butter in the mixture?

Coconut oil works well as a substitute, providing a subtle tropical note and a slightly firmer, nuttier bar texture.