There’s something irresistibly comforting about biting into a homemade Star Crunch—a treat that effortlessly blends nostalgia with indulgence. Imagine a chewy, caramelized rice crispy treat coated in a glossy, chocolate shell. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that is simply heavenly.
Star Crunch takes me back to my childhood when these sweet, crispy squares were a favorite in lunchboxes and after-school snacks. The secret to their delightful texture lies in the combination of crispy rice cereal and melted marshmallows, all enveloped in a luscious chocolate coating. The result? A treat that’s as crunchy as it is gooey.
What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of sweet and salty, with just a hint of vanilla to round out the flavor. The visual appeal of these treats is equally enticing—imagine a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a touch of sophistication.
Looking for a perfect pairing? Enjoy these Star Crunch treats with a refreshing Blueberry Kefir Smoothie or a chilled Oat Milk Ice Cream for a delightful snack experience.
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Takes me back: Each bite is a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different chocolate coatings or mix-ins to suit your taste.
- Quick and easy: Perfect for when you need a homemade treat with minimal effort.
- Perfect for sharing: Great for parties or just to brighten someone’s day.
Have fun making these Star Crunch treats and let me know how they turn out! I’d love to hear about your variations or any unique twists you add to this classic recipe.
Overview: How To Make Star Crunch?
Step 1: Melt and Mix
In a large pan, melt together the butter and cocoa powder over low heat. Once combined, stir in the sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth. Add the caramels and continue stirring until melted and fully integrated.
Step 2: Combine and Blend
Stir in the vanilla and marshmallows until everything is melted and well-mixed. Remove from heat and quickly fold in the cereal until evenly coated.
Step 3: Scoop and Set
Using a large cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto greased parchment or wax paper. Allow the treats to cool and set for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Star Crunch Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 soft caramels
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5½ cup mini marshmallows
- 5 cups rice Krispies
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- In a large pan, melt the butter and cocoa powder together over low heat.
- Once combined, stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully mixed.
- Add the caramels, stirring until they are melted and the mixture is smooth—though it may look slightly uneven initially, it will come together.
- Mix in the vanilla and marshmallows until fully melted and combined.
- Remove from heat and promptly fold in the cereal.
- Use a large cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto greased parchment or wax paper.
- Allow them to set for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Notes
- You can skip the cocoa powder and dip the set cookies in melted chocolate for a different twist.
- For extra chocolate flavor, use Cocoa Krispies.
- Lightly coat parchment or wax paper to prevent stickiness, though the tops are not sticky once set.
- This recipe can be easily doubled and frozen for later use.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 218 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 665 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Sugar | 26 g |
| Calcium | 75 mg |
Try These Delicious Pairings With Your Star Crunch
- Lavender Ice Cream
- Homemade Strawberry Yogurt
- Oat Milk Ice Cream
- Yogurt Bowl
- Blueberry Kefir Smoothie
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use caramel bits instead of wrapped caramels?
Yes, caramel bits work perfectly as a convenient alternative. They melt easily and save you from unwrapping individual caramels.
What if my Star Crunch mixture is too sticky?
Lightly coat the parchment or wax paper to help with sticking. The tops of the treats should not be sticky once they are fully set.
Can I freeze Star Crunch?
Absolutely! Star Crunch can be frozen for later use. Just store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
How can I make Star Crunch more chocolatey?
For an extra chocolate kick, use Cocoa Krispies in the mixture or dip the cooled treats in melted chocolate.