Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

Have you ever craved a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors in each irresistible bite? Look no further than these Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats! After a busy day at work, I found myself wanting something delicious that wouldn’t take hours to prepare. These treats were the answer – combining the buttery crunch of roasted pretzels with the sweet chewiness of marshmallows and the bright, tangy burst of freeze-dried strawberries.

The magical combination of textures in these Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats is truly something to behold – the satisfying snap of the pretzels, the pillowy softness of the marshmallows, and the delicate crispness of the cereal creates a sensory experience that’s utterly delightful. The aroma of buttery pretzels roasting in the oven will fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent that brings everyone running to the kitchen!

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want to treat yourself to something special, this no-bake strawberry pretzel dessert for parties is guaranteed to impress. The best part? It comes together in just minutes!

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

• ✅ These easy marshmallow treats with strawberries require minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills
• ✅ Perfect sweet and salty strawberry pretzel snacks that satisfy multiple cravings at once
• ✅ This no-bake strawberry pretzel recipe idea comes together in under 30 minutes
• ✅ Versatile homemade strawberry pretzel salad alternative that works for any occasion
• ✅ These crunchy pretzel and strawberry dessert options can be made gluten-free with simple substitutions
• ✅ The perfect balance of textures makes these treats impossible to resist!

Ingredients for Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

For the Roasted Pretzels:

• 2 heaping cups pretzels, regular or gluten-free
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats:

• 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter + more for coating (substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free option)
• 1 10oz bag mini marshmallows + 1 additional cup (optional, for extra gooey texture)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 1/2 cups (75g) crispy rice cereal (use certified gluten-free if needed)
• 3/4 cup (18g) freeze-dried strawberries, roughly crushed
• Roasted pretzels (from above)

Ingredient Note: For the best strawberry dessert with pretzel crust, use high-quality freeze-dried strawberries for the most intense flavor. Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and won’t work well in this recipe.

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Pretzels

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, break the pretzels into smaller pieces (not too small – you want some texture).
3. Pour the melted butter over the pretzels and sprinkle with sugar.
4. Toss until all pretzels are evenly coated with the butter-sugar mixture.
5. Spread the pretzels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly!
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
8. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
9. Lightly coat the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray.
10. In a large pot, melt the 1/2 cup butter over medium-low heat.
11. Once melted, add the marshmallows (reserving the extra cup if using).
12. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
13. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
14. Working quickly, add the crispy rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture.
15. Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
16. Finally, fold in about 3/4 of the cooled roasted pretzels, saving some for topping.
17. If using, add the reserved cup of marshmallows now for extra texture.
18. Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan.
19. Using a piece of parchment paper or buttered hands, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan (don’t press too hard or the treats will become dense).
20. Sprinkle the remaining roasted pretzels on top and gently press to adhere.
21. Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

• Don’t overheat your marshmallows: When learning how to make pretzel marshmallow treats, remember that overheating can make the final treats tough. Melt them gently and remove from heat as soon as they’re smooth.
• Work quickly: The marshmallow mixture starts setting fast! Have all ingredients measured and ready before you begin melting.
• For perfect cutting: Use a sharp knife coated with cooking spray or butter for clean cuts without sticking.
• Add a flavor boost: For extra strawberry flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of strawberry extract to the marshmallow mixture.
• Make it seasonal: These marshmallow strawberry treats for summer can be adapted for any holiday – try red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

These strawberry pretzel salad with marshmallows treats are incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Cut into squares for an easy grab-and-go dessert at picnics or potlucks
• Slice into bars and wrap individually in parchment paper for lunch boxes
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert
• Stack on a pretty platter for an impressive party dessert table centerpiece
• Pair with fresh strawberries and a glass of prosecco for a sophisticated adult treat

They’re perfect for any occasion from casual family movie nights to elegant garden parties!

Storage & Leftovers

These Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly. Here’s how:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. This is the best method for maintaining the perfect texture.
• Refrigerator: Not recommended as it can make the treats become too firm and lose their chewy texture.
• Freezer: While possible, freezing can alter the texture of the marshmallow. If you must freeze them, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats ahead of time?

Yes! These treats are perfect for making 1-2 days before serving. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Unfortunately, fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and will make the treats soggy. Freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated flavor and color without added moisture.

How do I prevent my Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats from becoming too hard?

The secret is to avoid overheating your marshmallow mixture and not pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. A gentle touch keeps them perfectly chewy!

Are there any gluten-free options for these treats?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pretzels and certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal to make these treats suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats bring together the perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy in every delicious bite. With minimal effort and maximum impact, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The bright pop of strawberry flavor combined with buttery pretzels creates a treat that’s impossible to resist!

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these treats are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments how you and your family enjoyed these delightful Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats!

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