If you’ve ever enjoyed a classic rice cereal treat and thought, “What if this had an extra crunch and a new flavor twist?” you’re going to fall in love with this Cornflake Marshmallow Treats Recipe. Swapping out the usual rice cereal for crisp, golden cornflakes creates a delightful texture that’s both crunchy and chewy, with the perfect amount of sweetness from the melted marshmallows. This recipe is a sweet little joy that’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it an ideal go-to treat for kids’ parties, an afternoon pick-me-up, or just whenever you want a nostalgic snack with a fresh spin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round pot with a light grey interior showing a thick, creamy mixture filled with small corn pieces. The mixture is smooth with visible chunks, spread evenly across the bottom inside the pot. The pot has two beige handles on each side, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cornflake Marshmallow Treats Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: butter adds richness, marshmallows provide sweetness and that gooey classic bind, and cornflakes bring a satisfying crunch and lightness that turns this snack into something special.

Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melts smoothly to create a luscious base and prevents sticking.
Mini marshmallows (10 oz bag): Melt down to a gooey, sweet binding agent that holds your treats together.
Corn flakes (5 cups): The star cereal, offering an irresistibly crisp texture and a mild corn flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavors overall.

How to Make Cornflake Marshmallow Treats Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Start by heating a large pot over low heat. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it gently melt without browning. Once melted, toss in the entire bag of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows fully melt into that creamy, sticky mixture you know and love. Keeping the heat low is key here to avoid burning or scorching the marshmallows.

Step 2: Combine Cornflakes with the Melted Mixture

Remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle in 5 cups of cornflakes along with a tiny pinch of salt. Quickly but gently fold the cornflakes into the marshmallow mixture, ensuring each flake is thoroughly coated. It’s important to work fast while everything is warm so the cornflakes get evenly covered with that sweet, buttery goodness but don’t get soggy.

Step 3: Press Into Pan and Chill

Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pour the sticky cereal mixture into the pan and use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly across. Don’t press too hard, just a gentle, even press to compact the treats slightly without crushing the cornflakes too much. Pop it into the fridge to chill for 15 to 20 minutes—this quick chill sets your Cornflake Marshmallow Treats perfectly so they hold together when cut.

How to Serve Cornflake Marshmallow Treats Recipe

The image shows a square white baking dish filled with a creamy casserole topped with a thick layer of golden, crunchy cornflakes. The top surface is textured with clusters of flakes giving a rough and slightly uneven look, with creamy sauce peeking through in places. The dish is placed on a white marbled texture surface, with soft natural light enhancing the orange and beige tones of the cornflake topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these treats are scrumptious on their own, adding a few whimsical garnishes can elevate them. Try a light drizzle of melted chocolate or sprinkle mini rainbow sprinkles on top before chilling for a festive look. Toasted coconut flakes or a pinch of sea salt can also provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cornflake Marshmallow Treats with simple sides like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet and balanced snack. They also complement a cold glass of milk perfectly, making for a classic combo that always pleases kids and grown-ups alike.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut your treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters, like stars or hearts. You can also layer these treats in clear jars with layers of whipped cream for an easy-to-eat dessert parfait. Wrapping each square individually with colorful parchment and a ribbon makes them perfect for gifting or lunchbox surprises.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cornflake Marshmallow Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating unless your kitchen is very warm, as the fridge can make them a bit hard.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, these treats freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes and enjoy with their original flapjack-like texture intact.

Reheating

While these treats are best enjoyed as is, if you want to warm them slightly, pop individual servings in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This makes the marshmallow soft and gooey once more but be careful not to overheat or they may become tough.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! Just chop the larger marshmallows into smaller pieces to ensure they melt evenly and coat the cornflakes properly.

What if I don’t have cornflakes? Can I use a different cereal?

While this recipe shines with cornflakes, you can experiment with other cereals like Rice Krispies or even Cheerios for a different texture and flavor. Just note that cornflakes give that characteristic light crunch unique to this treat.

How do I make these treats less sticky for kids to handle?

Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan before chilling. Also, lightly greasing your hands or spatula when cutting can prevent sticking and keep shapes clean.

Are these treats gluten-free?

That depends on the brand of cornflakes you use. Many cornflakes contain malt flavoring derived from barley and are not gluten-free, so check your cereal packaging if gluten is a concern.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Great idea! Gently fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit with the cornflakes before pressing the mixture into the pan for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cornflake Marshmallow Treats Recipe enough for anyone looking to shake up their sweet snack game with just a few pantry staples. The final result is so delightful—crispy, chewy, and perfectly sweet—that it’s sure to become a favorite for your family and friends. Give it a try and watch those smiles grow with each crunchy bite!