Strawberry Crunch Marshmallow Cups

Name: Strawberry Crunch Marshmallow Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 2 cups marshmallows; 1/4 cup butter; 4 cups crispy rice cereal; 1 cup diced strawberries; 1/2 cup melted chocolate (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making these Strawberry Crunch Marshmallow Cups as a sweet, delightful treat that never fails to impress. The combination of crunchy texture and gooey marshmallows paired with the fresh flavor of strawberries creates a perfect dessert for any occasion. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, which means I can whip them up in no time, whether for a picnic or a cozy night in with friends. With just a few ingredients, these cups bring joy to everyone who tries them!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T14:11:28.615Z

Making these Strawberry Crunch Marshmallow Cups brings back fond memories of summer picnics with family and friends. The burst of fresh strawberries combined with the crunchy cereal layers gives a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist. My favorite part is watching everyone’s face light up when they take their first bite!

After experimenting with various toppings, I found that drizzling a bit of chocolate over the cups not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the overall flavor. It's a simple twist that makes them even more irresistible!

        Why You'll Love These Cups
        Sweet and tart strawberry flavor that refreshes your palate
Crispy crunch paired with soft marshmallow for a perfect texture
Quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for any gathering

      

Texture and Flavor Harmony

The combination of crispy rice cereal with melted marshmallows creates a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy, fresh strawberries. The key here is to ensure the marshmallows are melted just right; they should be gooey but not too runny, which can make the cups overly sticky. Aim for a smooth, glossy consistency to ensure the cereal binds perfectly and maintains its crunch.

Adding strawberries directly into the cups introduces a refreshing flavor burst that balances the sweetness of the marshmallows. Make sure to use ripe strawberries for the best flavor; their natural sweetness will enhance the overall taste. If strawberries aren't in season, you can substitute with raspberries or blueberries, which also provide a lovely tartness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Strawberry Crunch Marshmallow Cups can be made ahead of time, which is incredibly convenient for parties or gatherings. Prepare the cups and fill them with strawberries, then store them covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Just be cautious not to stack them as the cups can become misshapen if pressed together.

If you plan to drizzle chocolate over the cups, consider doing this just before serving. Chocolate can become dull if stored, so a fresh drizzle will look and taste better. Also, if you have leftovers, try storing them in the fridge to keep the strawberries fresh for an additional day; however, do note that the texture of the cups may soften slightly.

Ingredients

For the Cups

2 cups marshmallows
1/4 cup butter
4 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup diced strawberries
1/2 cup melted chocolate (optional)

Instructions

Melt Marshmallows and Butter

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir until completely smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.

Form the Cups

While the mixture is warm, use greased hands to mold the mixture into cup shapes in a muffin tin. Make sure to create an indent for the filling.

Add Strawberries

Once the cups have set, fill the centers with diced strawberries.

Chocolate Drizzle (optional)

If desired, drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cups for an extra treat.

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, consider mixing in chopped nuts or even sprinkles atop the cups before the chocolate sets.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When melting the marshmallows with butter, it's easy to overheat them. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to avoid scorching. If your marshmallow mixture gets too thick or starts to harden before you can form the cups, you can briefly return it to low heat just until it's soft enough to work with again. This will help maintain the right consistency without compromising the overall texture.

If the cups aren’t holding their shape, the mixture may not have enough cereal. It's essential to find the right balance, so if you have extra marshmallows after forming the cups, gradually add more crispy rice cereal until the mixture holds together well. This ensures that your cups maintain their form after setting.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a charming presentation at gatherings, consider placing the cups on a decorative tray or in individual cupcake liners. This not only looks appealing but also makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy. To elevate the visual appeal further, sprinkle some crushed freeze-dried strawberries or a drizzle of colored icing around the cups for a festive touch.

Additionally, serving these cups with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can create a delightful dessert experience. The creaminess complements the crunch of the cups, while the added sweetness enhances the strawberry flavor. It’s an excellent way to elevate this sweet treat for special occasions!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! You can try using blueberries, raspberries, or any fruit you love.

→ How should I store these cups?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These cups can be made a day in advance, but it's best to add fresh fruit just before serving.

→ Are these gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free crispy rice cereal, this recipe will be gluten-free!