Homemade Star Crunch

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Star Crunch is a nostalgic, chewy, and chocolatey treat that brings back memories of childhood lunches and after-school snacks. Made with gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and crispy rice cereal, these no-bake cookies are easy to make and even easier to love. They’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or whenever you’re craving a sweet and crunchy delight.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

caramel bits or soft caramel candiessweetened condensed milksemisweet chocolate chipsunsalted buttervanilla extractRice Krispies cerealpinch of salt

directions

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and caramel together, stirring constantly until smooth.

Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and salt. Continue stirring until fully combined and thickened slightly.

Remove from heat and mix in chocolate chips and vanilla extract until melted and smooth.

Fold in Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated with the caramel-chocolate mixture.

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten into discs.

Let them cool at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting.

Once set, store or serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12-16 star crunch cookies.Preparation time: 10 minutesSetting time: 30-40 minutesTotal time: 40-50 minutes

Variations

Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet contrast.

Mix in chopped nuts or mini marshmallows for texture variation.

Shape into bars or press into a pan and cut into squares instead of individual rounds.

Use a mix of cereals like Cocoa Krispies for a twist.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months.Thaw at room temperature before serving. Do not microwave to reheat.

FAQs

Can I use marshmallows instead of caramel?

Not for this recipe—caramel is key to the chewy Star Crunch texture.

Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, it helps create the signature gooey texture and sweetness.

Can I use homemade caramel?

Absolutely—just make sure it’s thick and not too runny.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Try using dairy-free chocolate and sweetened condensed coconut milk, but results may vary.

How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?

Lightly grease your hands or use a piece of wax paper to press them down.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, these hold up well and can be made a day or two in advance.

Can kids help make these?

Yes, just supervise the stovetop step—kids can shape and press the treats.

Can I use a different cereal?

Rice Krispies are best, but you can experiment with other puffed cereals.

Why isn’t my chocolate melting smoothly?

Be sure to remove from heat before adding the chips and stir constantly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pot and work quickly before the mixture sets.

Conclusion

Homemade Star Crunch is a chewy, crispy, chocolate-caramel dream that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re recreating a beloved treat from childhood or discovering it for the first time, this easy no-bake recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Whip up a batch and share the joy—if you don’t eat them all yourself first!

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