Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats
The moment you walk into a kitchen where Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats are being made, you can’t help but smile. The scent of buttery pretzels mingling with sweet, sticky marshmallows fills the air, making your stomach rumble in anticipation. With their vibrant pink specks of freeze-dried strawberries peeking through the creamy marshmallow base, these delightful treats are like a celebration of flavor and texture on a plate. They crunch, they chew, and oh boy, do they satisfy that sweet tooth!
Table of Contents
This recipe brings back fond memories of summer picnics and cheerful gatherings with friends, where laughter echoed through the air as we indulged in homemade delights. Just the thought of biting into one of these makes me feel like a kid again, surrounded by sunshine and smiles. Perfect for springtime celebrations or any fun gathering, these sweet and savory squares are sure to be a hit! Let’s dive in and whip up a batch that will have everyone begging for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in under 40 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: Imagine the perfect combination of salty pretzels, sweet marshmallows, and fruity strawberries.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and textures are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
- Flexible Serving: Great as a party treat, snack, or even dessert for a picnic.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make these gluten-free with the right pretzels and dairy-free with a bit of creativity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Regular or Gluten-Free Pretzels (2 heaping cups): Provides the essential crunch and salty flavor. Gluten-free pretzels are available at many stores.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, plus another 1/2 cup): Melting it adds richness and helps to bind the ingredients together. Make sure it’s unsalted for better flavor control.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): This sweetens and adds a bit of crunch to the pretzel layer.
- Mini Marshmallows (1 bag, plus 1 cup optional): The star ingredient that brings everything together with a luscious, gooey texture. Mini ones melt easily; just grab a good-quality brand.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor. Look for pure vanilla for the best taste.
- Kosher Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the flavors and heightens the overall taste.
- Crispy Rice Cereal (2 1/2 cups): Adds a wonderful crunch to the treats. Use gluten-free cereal if necessary.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries (3/4 cup): They provide a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color. You can substitute with fresh strawberries, but the texture will be different.
- Roasted Pretzels: Made in the first step, these add an extra layer of crunch to the final treats.
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Grab a zip-top bag and toss in the pretzels. Using a rolling pin or another heavy object, crush them into chunky bits. Transfer this mixture to a bowl, adding in the melted butter and granulated sugar to bind the flavors together, making sure everything is well-coated.
Bake Until Golden: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the lined baking sheet and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for that deep golden-brown color; it will be fragrant and slightly crispy. Once the timer goes off, be sure to toss the pretzels while they’re hot to redistribute the butter coating, then let them cool for a bit at room temperature.
Grease the Pan: Generously butter the interior of a 20cm x 20cm (8×8-inch) baking pan. Getting a good coat ensures your treats come out beautifully later. In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, freeze-dried strawberries, and your recently made roasted pretzels. If you’re feeling indulgent, go ahead and add in that extra cup of mini marshmallows!
Melt the Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter along with the 285g bag of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until everything melts together into a smooth mixture. This step is all about patience; avoid rushing it because you want that perfect consistency. Once it looks silky, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt to kick those flavors up a notch.
Fold Together Gently: Now, take your dry mixture and gradually fold it into the melted marshmallow mixture. Make sure every bit of crispy rice, strawberries, and pretzels are thoroughly coated; this is key for flavor and texture. Transfer the combined mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly into an even layer using your greased hands or a spatula.
Cool and Cut: Let your treats cool naturally at room temperature for about an hour—this helps them set properly. Once they’re firm and ready, slice them into squares, and there you have it! Your **Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats** are ready to be served!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about two weeks. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften slightly, though keep in mind that the texture might change a bit.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to overbake the pretzels; keep a close eye on them during the last couple of minutes.
- Melt the marshmallows slowly to get that glossy texture; turning the heat up too high can lead to a grainy finish.
- If you find your mixture too sticky, a bit of extra cooking spray on your hands can help when pressing them into the pan.
- Experiment with different mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts, for a personalized touch.
- Make a double batch! These treats are always popular and will disappear quickly!
The mouthwatering combination of salty and sweet creates a memorable treat that everyone loves. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just need a snack, these Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats are sure to impress! Feel free to get creative and add your twist, and always remember to share smiles along with your delicious creations.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Using fresh strawberries is possible, but it’s good to note that they will add more moisture, which may impact the overall texture. If you decide to use them, consider drying them first to concentrate the flavor and reduce moisture.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and opt for vegan mini marshmallows. Additionally, check that your pretzels and rice cereal are vegan-friendly.
Can I store these treats for long periods?
Yes, you can freeze your treats for up to three months. To do this, wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Just be aware that the texture may alter slightly once thawed.
What’s the best way to cut these treats without making a mess?
To prevent sticky fingers and a messy cut, it’s helpful to grease your knife lightly before slicing. This will make it easier to cut through the marshmallow layers without pulling them apart.
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📖 Recipe Card
Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 treats
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats offer a delightful combination of salty pretzels, sweet marshmallows, and tart strawberries for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert. Perfect for picnics or parties!
Ingredients
- Regular or Gluten-Free Pretzels (2 heaping cups)
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, plus another 1/2 cup)
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons)
- Mini Marshmallows (1 bag, plus 1 cup optional)
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- Kosher Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Crispy Rice Cereal (2 1/2 cups)
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries (3/4 cup)
- Roasted Pretzels
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a lined baking sheet.
- Crush pretzels in a zip-top bag and mix with melted butter and sugar.
- Bake the pretzel mixture for 8-10 minutes until golden.
- Prepare a greased 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Mix crispy rice cereal, freeze-dried strawberries, and roasted pretzels in a bowl.
- Melt 1/2 cup butter and mini marshmallows in a pot over medium heat until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the melted marshmallow mixture.
- Transfer to the greased pan and press down firmly to create an even layer.
- Let cool for about an hour before cutting into squares.
Notes
Ensure pretzels are not overbaked to maintain crunchiness.
For a blueberry twist, incorporate freeze-dried blueberries for added flavor.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar based on taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
