Wednesday, May 9, 2012

And Now for Something Completely Frivolous: Gluten-free Marshmallow Cereal Squares



Oh Pinterest, sometimes you are silly (see this for proof), but sometimes you are genius. Because without you, I never would have thought to make a batch of these last Friday.

They are super colorful, not all that good for you, and full of sugar.  (Though they're pretty low on fat, if I stop to think about it.) In other words, fun.



~ Gluten-Free Marshmallow Cereal Squares ~


Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan (if made with vegan marshmallows)


I used Trix, but you can use any gluten-free cereal you like. I was THISCLOSE to using Reece's Puffs (for obvious reasons - they are puffs of Reece's), but opted for the Trix because it had 1.5 grams less fat per serving, because that matters when you're making something that is 85% sugar.  (Ssssh. It does.) Also, the squares come out looking like something straight out of a Lisa Frank-themed party, which makes this very sneezy-itchy-allergy time of year seem a little better.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups gluten-free cereal of choice

  • 3 tablespoons Earth Balance

  • 1 bag marshmallows


Melt Earth Balance over low heat in a non-stick skillet, add marshmallows. Stir occasionally until marshmallows are completely melted (a silicone spatula works wonders here), mix half of the cereal into mixture while pan is still over very low heat.

Once incorporated, add remaining cereal and smooth out into a lightly-greased pan (a few sprays of Pam will do). A baking pan about 10 x 10 will work. Let sit till cooled, cut into squares and store in an airtight container.

A Note: If you make these with a gf rice cereal, there is a certain one that many health food stores sell in bulk that doesn't work as well in this recipe. They look like Rice Crispies (without the malt) but they're much harder and crunchier, and don't soften up as well after being combined with the marshmallow - they come out more crunchy than chewy. Last summer we were promised a GF version of Rice Crispies, but I have yet to see them on shelves. In the end I think you're better off with a fun cereal. Kix would be good too!

3 comments:

  1. Carol, Simply Gluten-freeMay 22, 2012 at 6:27 PM

    This recipe seems so fun! Thanks for posting :)

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  2. Hi there- looks fun eats--but note that unless marshmallows are labelled "vegan" on the pack, they are all made with gelatin which comes from animal bones, thus not vegan... but yummy-looking!

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  3. Good point! Whole Foods has a vegan version, if that's your thing!

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