If you love the satisfying contrast of sweet and salty snacks, these Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats are your next must-try. Combining crunchy roasted pretzels with soft, gooey marshmallows and the bright, fruity burst of freeze-dried strawberries, they create an irresistible medley of textures and flavors that delight every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat, these bars bring nostalgic comfort with a fresh twist.
With a straightforward preparation and only a handful of ingredients, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a colorful, crowd-pleasing snack. Whether serving at a party, packing for lunch, or simply indulging at home, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while offering a hint of crunch and tartness.
- The unique blend of crunchy pretzels and melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows is truly addictive.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add a natural fruity flavor without moisture, keeping treats crisp.
- Simple to make with accessible ingredients and minimal fuss for an impressive result.
Ingredients
- Regular or Gluten-Free Pretzels (2 heaping cups, ~100g): Crunchy base ingredient that adds salty goodness and texture when roasted and crushed.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, 85g): Helps coat the crushed pretzels evenly, enhancing flavor and adding richness.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons, 25g): Sweetens and caramelizes pretzels during roasting for a lovely golden hue.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, 112g) plus extra: Used to melt with marshmallows to create the sticky binder; extra butter greases the pan.
- Mini Marshmallows (1 bag, 285g plus optional additional 1 cup): Provides the soft, gooey texture that holds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, balancing the sweetness with subtle aromatic notes.
- Kosher Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Crispy Rice Cereal (2 1/2 cups, 75g): Adds extra crunch and lightness, contributing to the overall texture contrast.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries (3/4 cup, 18g, roughly crushed): Imparts vibrant strawberry flavor and bright color without moisture.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pretzels
Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place pretzels into a zip-top bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin. This creates small, unevenly sized pieces that will toast nicely for added crunchiness.
- Coat and Roast Pretzels
Transfer crushed pretzels to a mixing bowl. Add melted butter and granulated sugar; stir until pieces are evenly coated. Spread the mixture in a single layer over the parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes until deeply golden brown to develop a toasty, caramelized flavor. Toss pretzels on the sheet immediately after baking to redistribute butter and let cool completely at room temperature to crisp up.
- Prepare the Baking Pan and Dry Mixture
Generously butter an 8×8-inch (20cm x 20cm) baking pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, cooled roasted pretzels, and, if desired, one cup of additional mini marshmallows. This mix provides a wonderful combination of textures and flavor bursts.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter together with the entire 285g bag of mini marshmallows. Stir constantly to prevent burning, until mixture is smooth and perfectly combined. This step forms the sweet, sticky glue that binds all components together.
- Add Flavor Enhancers
Remove the melted marshmallow mixture from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt to deepen flavor complexity and balance the sweetness subtly.
- Combine Mixtures
Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the melted marshmallow carefully, ensuring every piece is completely coated. This thorough coating guarantees each bite is sticky and sweet with balanced crunch.
- Press Into Pan and Set
Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared pan. Using greased hands or a nonstick spatula, press firmly into an even layer. This ensures the treats hold their shape once cooled. Let cool at room temperature for about one hour until fully set, then slice into squares and serve fresh or store for later treats.
- Crushing pretzels finely and roasting them ensures maximum crunch and even butter coating.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add intense flavor without moisture, keeping treats crisp and colorful.
- Using additional mini marshmallows is optional but adds extra gooey texture and visual appeal.
Storage Tips
Store strawberry pretzel marshmallow treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Avoid refrigeration as moisture can make them soggy. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to a month.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these treats as a sweet snack during casual gatherings or pack them as a fun lunchbox addition. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful balance of flavors.
- Ensure pretzels are evenly crushed but not pulverized to retain contrasting textures.
- Cool roasted pretzels fully before mixing to prevent marshmallows from melting prematurely.
- Press mixture firmly into the pan to help bars hold shape and slice cleanly.
FAQs
- Can I use regular strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries are too moist and will make the treats soggy; freeze-dried strawberries maintain crunch and flavor without moisture.
- Are gluten-free pretzels suitable for this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free pretzels work great and keep the recipe safe for those avoiding gluten.
- Can I substitute the butter for margarine or another fat?
Butter provides flavor and helps with texture; margarine can be used but may alter taste and firmness slightly.
- Is it possible to make these treats vegan?
Melted mini marshmallows typically contain gelatin, so vegan marshmallow alternatives are needed along with vegan butter substitutes.
- How do I avoid the treats being too sticky or soft?
Allow treats to cool fully at room temperature and press mixture firmly into the pan to ensure firm bars.
- Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, chopped nuts or seeds can be added for extra texture, but adjust quantities to maintain overall balance.
- What pan size is recommended?
An 8×8 inch (20cm x 20cm) pan is ideal for thickness and baking consistency.
Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats
Equipment
- 1 large baking sheet
- 1 zip-top bag for crushing pretzels
- 1 Rolling Pin or similar object for crushing
- 1 large bowl
- 1 large pot
- 1 20cm x 20cm (8x8-inch) baking pan greased with butter
- 1 parchment paper for lining baking sheet
- 1 nonstick spatula optional
Ingredients
- 2 heaping cups about 3.5 oz pretzels, regular or gluten free
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, plus extra for coating pan
- 1 bag 10 oz mini marshmallows, plus 1 cup additional mini marshmallows (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal gluten free if needed
- 3/4 cup freeze dried strawberries roughly crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until roughly broken.
- Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl, then spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the pretzel mixture for 8 to 10 minutes or until deeply golden brown, tossing halfway to redistribute butter coating.
- Allow the roasted pretzels to cool and crisp at room temperature.
- Generously butter the interior of a 8x8-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine crispy rice cereal, freeze dried strawberries, roasted pretzels, and additional mini marshmallows if using.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter with the 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and kosher salt.
- Fold the dry mix into the melted marshmallow mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer using greased hands or a spatula.
- Allow treats to cool and set at room temperature for about one hour before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- Crush pretzels well for even butter coating.
- Adjust freeze-dried strawberries amount to your preference.
- Optional mini marshmallows add extra texture.
- Store treats in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
