Homemade Star Crunch

Homemade Star Crunch is a chewy, chocolatey treat inspired by the nostalgic Little Debbie favorite, combining gooey caramel, crispy rice cereal, and melted chocolate into a no-bake dessert that’s easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

caramel candies or soft caramels (unwrapped)milk or heavy creamsemisweet chocolate chipsbuttervanilla extractcrispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)

directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the caramels with milk or cream, stirring until smooth.

Add butter and chocolate chips to the saucepan and stir until fully melted and combined.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Quickly fold in the crispy rice cereal until fully coated.

Scoop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each mound slightly to resemble the traditional Star Crunch shape.

Let cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until firm and set.

Store in an airtight container once cooled.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 treats.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 20–30 minutes
Total time: 30–40 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty twist.

Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips for different flavor depth.

Mix in chopped peanuts or pretzel pieces for added crunch.

Shape them into bars instead of rounds for a different presentation.

Drizzle with extra melted chocolate for a glossy finish.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness, up to 10 days.
Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel?

Yes, just ensure it’s thick and chewy—not too runny.

Do I need to use cream?

Cream makes the caramel smoother, but milk works too.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free caramels, chocolate chips, and milk alternatives.

What cereal works best?

Crispy rice cereal is key for the signature texture.

Can I microwave the mixture?

Yes, melt in short bursts, stirring often to avoid scorching.

Do they stay chewy?

Yes, especially if stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just work quickly when mixing the cereal.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very! It’s a great treat to make and enjoy with kids.

Can I wrap these individually?

Yes, wrap in parchment or wax paper for gifting or lunchboxes.

Can I use marshmallows instead of caramel?

Not for a true Star Crunch texture, but you can experiment for a different chewy treat.

Conclusion

Homemade Star Crunch is an irresistible no-bake treat that captures the gooey, crispy charm of the original with easy ingredients and quick prep. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or bringing a touch of nostalgia to any occasion, these chewy chocolate clusters are always a hit.

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