Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Coconut Marshmallow Treats! They’re like a sweet little hug in dessert form—soft, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying! I remember making these treats as a kid with my grandma. We’d whip them up on rainy afternoons, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of melting marshmallows and buttery goodness. The best part? It’s incredibly quick and easy! You’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time, perfect for sharing—or not! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on their delightful coconut flavor. It’s a treat you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 cups of crispy rice cereal
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows
- 1 cup of shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference)
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (make sure it’s softened for easy melting)
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (this adds a lovely depth of flavor!)
How to Prepare Coconut Marshmallow Treats
Step 1: Melt the Butter
First things first, grab a large saucepan and set it over low heat. You want to melt that butter slowly—give it about 2-3 minutes until it’s all gooey and liquid. Trust me, this gentle heat is key to keeping the butter from burning. You want it smooth and silky!
Step 2: Add and Melt Mini Marshmallows
Now it’s time to add those cute mini marshmallows! Dump them right in with the melted butter and start stirring. Keep stirring until they’re completely melted and the mixture is nice and creamy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Just a little tip: if you notice it starting to stick or scorch at the bottom, lower the heat even more. You want to avoid any burnt flavor!
Step 3: Incorporate Vanilla Extract
Once your marshmallows are perfectly melted, remove the saucepan from heat. This is where the magic happens! Stir in that half teaspoon of vanilla extract. Wow, the aroma is going to be heavenly! This little step adds such a lovely depth to the overall flavor—don’t skip it!
Step 4: Mix in Cereal and Coconut
Next up, it’s time to mix in the fun stuff! Add in the crispy rice cereal and shredded coconut. Use a spatula to fold everything together gently but thoroughly. You want every bit of cereal coated with that sticky, sweet marshmallow mixture. Keep mixing until it’s well combined and no dry bits are left!
Step 5: Press into Pan
Now for the fun part—pressing it into a pan! Grab your greased 9×9 inch pan and pour the mixture in. Use a spatula or even your hands (lightly greased, of course!) to press it down evenly. This helps create those perfect squares later. Make sure it’s firmly packed so they hold together nicely!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let your delicious creation cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes, but you can pop it in the fridge for a quicker cool-down if you’re impatient like me! Once they’re set, take a sharp knife and cut them into squares. Now you’ve got those delightful Coconut Marshmallow Treats ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Only a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for an extra twist!
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
- Kid-friendly and great for getting little ones involved in the kitchen.
- These treats stay fresh and delicious for days when stored properly!
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, let’s talk about how to make these Coconut Marshmallow Treats absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips:
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re looking to mix things up, try using almond butter instead of regular butter for a nutty twist. Or swap in some crunchy peanut butter for a different flavor profile!
- For the Coconut: If you prefer a milder sweetness, go for unsweetened shredded coconut. It still packs that tropical punch without being overly sugary!
- Mixing Technique: When you mix in the crispy rice cereal and coconut, use a folding motion rather than stirring vigorously. This helps keep the treats light and airy rather than dense.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the marshmallow mixture. It really helps to balance the sweetness!
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: I know it’s tempting, but letting them cool completely is crucial. If you cut them too soon, they might crumble. Patience is key!
- Storage Tip: Keep these treats in an airtight container at room temperature, but if you live in a warm climate, you might want to pop them in the fridge to keep them from getting too gooey.
With these tips, you’ll be a Coconut Marshmallow Treats pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind these delightful Coconut Marshmallow Treats! Here’s what you can expect per square:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But hey, who’s counting when you’re enjoying such a sweet treat? Just remember to indulge in moderation, and savor every delightful bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s make sure those delicious Coconut Marshmallow Treats stay fresh for as long as possible! To store them, simply keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and delightful for about 4-5 days—if they last that long, that is! If you’re in a warmer climate, I recommend popping them in the fridge to prevent them from getting too gooey.
Now, if you find yourself with leftover treats (or if you just want to enjoy them a bit later), here’s the scoop on reheating: Honestly, there’s no need! These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature. However, if you want to warm them up slightly for that gooey marshmallow goodness, just give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful, though—don’t overdo it, or they might get too melty! Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! If you only have regular-sized marshmallows on hand, just chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the butter. They’ll melt just fine, and your treats will still be delicious!
What if I don’t have crispy rice cereal?
No worries at all! You can substitute with another type of puffed cereal, like puffed wheat or cornflakes. Just keep in mind that the texture may change a bit, but it’ll still be tasty!
Can I add other mix-ins to the treats?
Yes! Get creative! You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for an extra flavor boost. Just make sure you don’t overload it so the mixture still holds together well.
How do I prevent the treats from sticking to the pan?
Greasing your pan is super important! Use a little bit of butter or cooking spray before pressing the mixture in. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal—just lift them out when they’re set!
Can I make these Coconut Marshmallow Treats ahead of time?
Definitely! They’re perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll taste just as delightful when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Are Coconut Marshmallow Treats suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they are! With just marshmallows, rice cereal, coconut, butter, and vanilla, these treats are vegetarian-friendly. Just double-check your marshmallows to ensure they don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.
What’s the best way to cut the treats into squares?
Once they’ve cooled completely, use a sharp knife for clean cuts. You can also lightly grease the knife to prevent sticking. This way, you’ll get those perfectly shaped squares every time!
Coconut Marshmallow Treats: 5 Irresistible Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
Description
Coconut Marshmallow Treats are a sweet and chewy dessert made with marshmallows and coconut.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of crispy rice cereal
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows
- 1 cup of shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Add the crispy rice cereal and shredded coconut. Mix well.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch pan.
- Let it cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Try adding chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Coconut Marshmallow Treats