Bright, colorful, and bursting with nostalgic flavors, these Apple Jacks Marshmallow Treats are a delightful twist on classic cereal bars! With a perfect balance of crispy, chewy, and gooey textures, each bite delivers hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and apple. Best of all, this easy, no-bake dessert comes together in minutes, making it a fun and effortless treat for any occasion!

Apple Jacks marshmallow treats made with orange and green Apple Jacks cereal, marshmallows, cinnamon, and butter.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick & Easy – Just a few minutes of prep and no baking required.
✔️ Deliciously Chewy – Perfect balance of gooey marshmallow and crispy cereal.
✔️ Kid-Friendly – A fun, colorful treat that kids (and adults) will love!
✔️ Customizable – Add dried apples for extra apple flavor or mix in white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

Apple Jacks Cereal Bars made with marshmallows, butter, and cinnamon.

📌 Scroll down for the full, printable recipe!

Continue to read if you'd like step-by-step instructions and tips for making the very best treats.

different brands of butter, both European and American, salted and unsalted were tested in rice krispie treat recipes to determine the best

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Jacks cereal – The base of these bars, adding apple and cinnamon flavors.
European-style salted butter – Enhances the flavor and creates a creamier texture.
Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows – Known for their smooth melting and light vanilla flavor. See our Marshmallow Conversion Chart for measuring information and tips for using different brands of marshmallows.
Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to complement the Apple Jacks cereal.

(Exact measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Make Apple Jacks Marshmallow Treats with melted butter, marshmallows, and cinnamon.

How to Make Apple Jacks Marshmallow Treats

Making these cereal bars is simple, but here are some tips to ensure the best texture and flavor.

1. Melt the Butter & Marshmallows

For the best results, melt the butter over low heat. European-style butter creates a richer flavor.
Add the marshmallows and stir frequently. Remove from heat when about 75% are melted and continue stirring until smooth. Overheating can make the bars hard.

2. Add the Cinnamon & Cereal

Stir the cinnamon into the melted marshmallow mixture. If you want to enhance the apple flavor, mix in finely chopped dried apples at this stage.
Pour the mixture over the cereal and gently toss to coat evenly.

3. Press & Cool

Transfer the mixture to a greased 8-inch or 9-inch pan. Press it down lightly—packing it too tightly can make the bars dense.
Let the treats cool for at least an hour before cutting into squares.

Microwave Method

Short on time? You can make these treats in the microwave!

Combine the butter and marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl.
Heat on high for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
If needed, microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted.
Stir in the cinnamon, then mix with the Apple Jacks cereal.
Press into a greased pan and let cool before slicing.

(Full step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.)

How to Make a Large Batch

Need more treats? Use a 9x13-inch pan and adjust the ingredients:

6 tablespoons salted butter
16 ounces marshmallows
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
9 cups Apple Jacks Cereal

Follow the same steps as above for either the stovetop or microwave method.

Expert Tips for Perfect Treats

✅ Use Fresh Marshmallows – Older marshmallows don’t melt as smoothly and can make your treats tougher.
✅ Grease Your Tools – Lightly butter your mixing bowl, spatula, and hands to prevent sticking.
✅ Don’t Overheat – Melt the marshmallows gently; overheating leads to hard bars.
✅ For a Bigger Batch – Use a 9x13-inch pan and adjust ingredient amounts accordingly (see recipe card for details).

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Avoid refrigerating, as this can make them too hard.
To freeze, wrap individual bars in wax paper and place them in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Printable Recipe

Apple Jacks Marshmallow Treats

Beth Klosterboer

Crispy and chewy cereal bars made with Apple Jacks Cereal, butter, marshmallows, and cinnamon.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

8-inch or 9-inch square pan

Ingredients

6 cups Apple Jacks cereal
4 tablespoons European-style salted butter
10 ounces Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan, a large mixing bowl, and a rubber spatula with butter or nonstick baking spray.
Pour 6 cups of Apple Jacks Cereal into the bowl.
Set the bowl aside until needed.
Melt 4 tablespoons of European-style salted butter in a medium saucepan set over low heat.
Stir in 10 ounces of marshmallows and allow them to soften, stirring often, until about 75% have melted.
Remove the marshmallows from the heat and stir, smashing them, until they are completely melted.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal and toss to coat evenly.
Spread into an even layer in your prepared pan.
Set aside for at least 1 hour to cool before cutting into 16 squares.

Notes

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Large Batch Ingredients