FRUITY CEREAL TREATS

Fruity Cereal Treats image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories dessert

Time 55m

Yield 25 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
One 10-ounce bag mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Kosher salt
3 cups puffed rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
3 cups fruit-flavored cereal flakes, such as Fruity Pebbles
1/2 cup finely chopped dried fruit, such as apricots, cranberries or cherries

Steps:

Line an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with enough foil so that there's a 2-inch overhang on all sides. Grease the foil with butter.
Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add half of the marshmallows and cook, stirring occasionally, until the marshmallows melt completely, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of the vanilla and a small pinch of salt. Add the crispy rice cereal and stir with a rubber spatula, making sure to scrape up the bottom, until the cereal is completely coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and pat down into an even layer (use the bottom of a measuring cup to help).
Clean the pot out and repeat the process with the remaining butter, marshmallows, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, fruit flavored cereal flakes, dried fruit and a small pinch of salt. Spoon the mixture directly on top of the puffed rice cereal and pat down into an even layer. Let sit at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes.
Cut into 25 small squares. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.