This gooey treat features Special K cereal stirred into a melty and caramel-like marshmallow mixture. This grab-and-go treat is a must-have for kids EVERYONE!!

A sticky biege colored cereal treat in a small bowl.

I’m excited to share another family recipe with you today! My husband grew up eating Special K Candy. Towards the beginning of our marriage I thought Special K Candy was something you purchased at the store in the candy aisle. 🤦🏼‍♀️

I was very wrong. My mother-in-law made her marshmallow cereal treats (this Special K Candy) and I was blown away! This highly addicting homemade treat has a caramel-y flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Now I want you to make it for your family and friends. Making it is easy, I’ll show you how.

A hand pulling a small bunch of Special K Candy.

Ingredients

You’ll need a few basic ingredients and a box of cereal.

  • Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter.
  • Sugar – Granulated sugar really makes this a sweet treat!
  • Brown sugar – You can taste the caramely goodness the light brown sugar brings to this recipe. For a deeper caramel flavor use dark brown sugar.
  • Marshmallows – Unlike Rice Krispies Treats, this recipe uses large marshmallows. I haven’t made this recipe using the smaller mallows.
  • Kosher salt – A touch of salt adds subtle contrast to the sweetness in the recipe.
  • Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor.
  • Special K Cereal – The key ingredient to this recipe! Purchase the original flavor Special K cereal.
A spread of ingredients used to make Special K cereal treats, on a white background.

How to make Special K Candy

  1. In a large saucepan over medium to medium-low heat melt the butter, sugar, brown sugar and marshmallows together. Getting everything to melt together takes quite awhile. I clocked about 15 minutes to get those large marshmallows to start breaking down. But the key to making gooey and soft Special K Candy is to NOT turn the heat up too high. Low (heat) and slow. Low and slow.  😁
    A large pot full of melted brown sugar, marshmallows and butter.
  2. Once melted, bring the mixture to a small simmer and simmer for 3 minutes (not a full rolling boil).
  3. Remove from heat and add the kosher salt and vanilla extract. Stir in the Special K cereal. 
    A pot full of Special K cereal.
    It’ll be nice and gooey like this! Isn’t it beautiful 😍 This was a delicious batch! 

    Special K Cereal being stirred into a golden marshmallow mixture.
  4. Once the cereal is fully coated in the sugary-mallow mixture, spread it out on a cookie sheet to set.
    Marshmallowy covered Special K Cereal spread out on a baking sheet.
  5. Dig in! Once you take a bite, you won’t be able to stop snacking on these. Consider yourself warned. 😉
A bowl of Special K Cereal Candy sitting on top of a box of Special K Cereal.

If you love this Special K Candy, you’ll love these recipes

A hand pulling up a gooey piece of marshmallow coated special k cereal.

If you make this recipe and love it, I’d be so grateful if you came back and left a rating. Thank you ❤️

A bowl of Special K Cereal Candy sitting on top of a box of Special K Cereal.
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5 from 1 vote

Special K Candy

A gooey treat made with Special K Cereal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5 servings

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup butter - salted or unsalted is fine
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 30 large marshmallows
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 cups Special K Cereal - original flavor

Instructions
 

  • Melt together the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and marshmallows in a large saucepan over medium to medium low (DO NOT DO TOO HIGH HEAT, otherwise it’ll go hard). See notes.
  • Bring to a small simmer, and simmer for 3 minutes (not a full rolling boil)! You will see small bubbles bursting on the surface of the mixture.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Next, add the 5 cups of Special K cereal into the mixture. Stir to combine, then spread out on a cookie sheet to set. 
  • Store in an airtight container or plastic bag.

Notes

When melting the butter, sugars, and marshmallows be aware that it will take some time. Mine took about 20 minutes or so to melt down. Try and be patient with it. 

Nutrition

Calories: 622kcal (31%)Carbohydrates: 76g (25%)Protein: 1g (2%)Fat: 37g (57%)Saturated Fat: 23g (115%)Cholesterol: 98mg (33%)Sodium: 480mg (20%)Potassium: 40mg (1%)Sugar: 66g (73%)Vitamin A: 1135IU (23%)Calcium: 29mg (3%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
author: Whitney Wright
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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