Fruity Pebbles Treats
Fruity Pebbles Treats need restraint. The cereal’s coating reacts quickly to heat and moisture, so the melt stops early, the fold stays gentle, and the press stays light.
Quick Summary
Marshmallow-based Fruity Pebbles Treats made with low heat and gentle handling to preserve color, texture, and a soft, chewy bite.
Why This Recipe Works
Marshmallows are melted just until smooth, which limits moisture exposure that dulls color.
A balanced cereal-to-marshmallow ratio coats without soaking.
Light pressing preserves air pockets so the bars set without turning dense or soggy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted keeps flavor clean; add a small pinch of salt if using unsalted.
Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt evenly and coat quickly. Over-melting increases stiffness and color bleed.
Fruity Pebbles cereal: Fresh cereal matters. Stale cereal absorbs moisture unevenly and loses snap.
Salt: Optional, used only to balance sweetness.
Essential Equipment
- Heavy-bottom pot
- Silicone spatula
- 9×13-inch pan
- Parchment paper
How to Make Fruity Pebbles Treats
Melting the Marshmallows
- Melt butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir just until mostly smooth.
- Remove from heat while a few soft pieces remain; residual heat will finish the melt without overheating.
Folding the Cereal
- Add the cereal.
- Fold gently until coated.
- Avoid stirring aggressively, which can crush the cereal and dull the colors.
Pressing & Setting
- Transfer to the lined pan.
- Spread to the corners and press lightly with a greased spatula.
- The surface should feel springy, not compact.
- Let set at room temperature until just firm, then cut.
Pro Tip
If the mixture looks wet or streaked with color, stop pressing and let it cool 1–2 minutes before smoothing.
Expert Tips
- Keep heat low to prevent stiffness and color fade.
- Stop mixing as soon as the cereal is coated.
- For clean cuts, lightly oil the knife and wipe between slices.
Storage & Freezing
To Store:
Store airtight at room temperature up to 3 days.
To Freeze Baked:
Freezing is not recommended.
To Freeze Dough:
Refrigeration increases firmness and dulls color.
FAQ
- Why did my Fruity Pebbles treats turn hard?
The marshmallows were overheated or the mixture was pressed firmly while hot. - Why do the colors fade or bleed?
Excess heat and moisture soften the cereal coating. Stop the melt early and mix gently. - Should Fruity Pebbles treats be refrigerated?
No. Cold makes them firm and reduces color brightness. - How do you keep them soft?
Low heat, minimal mixing, and light pressing.
Fruity Pebbles Treats
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy18
slices10
minutes5
minutes140
kcal1
hourChewy Fruity Pebbles Treats made with marshmallows, low heat, and gentle handling to preserve color and texture.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g)
16 oz mini marshmallows (454g)
7 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal (210g)
Pinch fine salt (1g)
Directions
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment and lightly grease.
- Melt butter over low heat in a large pot.
- Add marshmallows; stir until mostly smooth, then remove from heat.
- Fold in cereal until evenly coated.
- Spread into pan and press lightly.
- Cool at room temperature 30–60 minutes, then cut.
Notes
- Key texture marker: Pressed surface should spring back slightly.
Storage: Airtight at room temperature up to 3 days. - INTERNATIONAL SUBSTITUTIONS
UK/AUS: Fruity Pebbles may be harder to find; similar fruity puffed rice cereals behave the same.








