Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats combine the sweet, salty, and crunchy in one irresistible snack. With roasted pretzels and freeze-dried strawberries mixed into classic marshmallow treats, this recipe offers a delightful twist on a beloved favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 heaping cups pretzels, regular or gluten free
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter + more for coating
• 1 10oz bag mini marshmallows + 1 additional cup (optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 1/2 cups (75g) crispy rice cereal, use gluten free if needed
• 3/4 cup (18g) freeze dried strawberries, roughly crushed
• Roasted pretzels (prepared as above)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pretzels in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin or similar blunt object. Transfer the crushed pretzels to a bowl and mix with melted butter and sugar.
2. Step 2: Spread the pretzels on the baking pan and bake for 8-10 minutes or until they turn a deep golden color. When fresh from the oven, toss the pretzels on the sheet to maintain even coating in butter. They will be wet at first but will harden and crisp as they cool.
3. Step 3: Butter the entire inside of an 8×8 baking pan and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, freeze-dried strawberries, roasted pretzels, and the extra cup of marshmallows if using.
4. Step 4: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup (112g) of butter together with the 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows. Stir frequently until smooth and melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt.
5. Step 5: Pour the dry mix into the melted marshmallow mixture and gently fold to coat everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Scoop the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it tight and smooth. Spritz your hands with nonstick spray to make smoothing easier. Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about an hour before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting teddy grahams or crushed graham crackers for a different texture and flavor.
• If you prefer your treats extra fruity, add more freeze-dried strawberries or even some freeze-dried raspberries.
• Use gluten-free cereal and pretzels to make this recipe gluten-free.
• To make cleanup easier, line your baking pan with parchment paper instead of buttering it.

Storage

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crispness. For longer storage, keep them sealed in the refrigerator for up to a week, though they may lose some crunch. To enjoy, let chilled treats come to room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pretzels instead of gluten-free?

Yes, regular pretzels work perfectly. Just ensure to choose gluten-free options if you need to avoid gluten.

Can I skip roasting the pretzels?

Roasting the pretzels enhances their flavor and crunch, but you can skip this step if short on time. The treats will still taste great without roasting.

Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats Recipe

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These Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats combine the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures with roasted pretzels, crispy rice cereal, freeze-dried strawberries, and gooey marshmallows. A delightful twist on classic marshmallow treats that offer a fruity burst and satisfying crunch, ideal for snacking or sharing at gatherings.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 square treats (about 2-inch squares) 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Roasted Pretzels

• 2 heaping cups pretzels, regular or gluten free
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

• 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter + more for coating
• 1 10oz bag mini marshmallows + 1 additional cup (optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 1/2 cups (75g) crispy rice cereal, use gluten free if needed
• 3/4 cup (18g) freeze-dried strawberries, roughly crushed
• Roasted pretzels (prepared as above)

Instructions

1. Roast Pretzels: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pretzels in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin or similar blunt object. Transfer the crushed pretzels to a bowl and mix with melted butter and granulated sugar. Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the pretzels turn a deep golden color. When fresh from the oven, toss the pretzels on the baking sheet to coat evenly in the butter mixture. The pretzels will appear wet but will harden and crisp as they cool.
2. Prepare Baking Pan: Butter the entire inside of an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan thoroughly and set aside to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, roasted pretzels from the previous step, and the extra 1 cup of mini marshmallows if you choose to use them, for added texture and sweetness.
4. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup (112g) of unsalted butter along with the 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. Remove the pot from heat immediately once melted.
5. Add Flavorings: Stir the vanilla extract and kosher salt into the melted marshmallow mixture until well combined.
6. Combine Mixtures: Pour the dry cereal and pretzel mixture into the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spatula or spoon, ensuring everything is thoroughly coated without crushing the cereal too much.
7. Press Into Pan: Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use sprayed (with nonstick spray) hands or a spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, smoothing the surface as much as possible.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour until set. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve. Enjoy these chewy, crunchy, and fruity treats fresh for the best texture.

Notes

• For extra crunch, use regular pretzels, or opt for gluten-free pretzels if dietary restrictions apply.
• Adding the optional extra 1 cup of mini marshmallows provides a chewier texture and more marshmallow flavor.
• Freeze-dried strawberries add bright fruity flavor without added moisture, maintaining the treats’ crispness.
• You can store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
• Spritzing your hands with nonstick spray prevents the sticky marshmallow mixture from adhering while pressing into the pan.

Keywords: strawberry pretzel marshmallow treats, marshmallow cereal treats, pretzel snacks, gluten free marshmallow treats, sweet and salty snacks