Sparkling Star Crunch Treats: A Dreamy Homemade Recipe

Chocolate and caramel lovers rejoice as this irresistible star crunch recipe delivers pure dessert bliss.

Crispy rice cereal creates a delightful crunch that melts seamlessly with soft marshmallow layers.

Sweet treats rarely come this easy or delectable.

No fancy kitchen skills needed for this nostalgic confection.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of chewy and crisp textures.

Dessert enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this simple yet stunning confection.

Your taste buds are in for an unforgettable sweet adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30-60 minutes

Total Time: 40-70 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients List For Homemade Star Crunch

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Granulated Sugar: Creates sweet caramelization and structural sweetness for treats.
• Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and adds glossy texture.
• Caramel Bits: Intensifies deep, golden flavor and enhances overall sweetness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds silky smoothness and contributes to rich, creamy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with warm, aromatic undertones.

• Crispy Rice Cereal: Creates signature crunchy texture and provides light, airy structure.

• Milk Chocolate Chips: Delivers classic chocolate flavor and creates smooth, decadent coating.

Homemade Star Crunch Tools You’ll Need

• Large Saucepan: Essential for melting butter and creating smooth caramel mixture.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching pan.
• Baking Sheet: Needed for shaping and cooling Star Crunch treats.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cooling Rack (optional): Helps treats set evenly at room temperature.

Steps To Make Homemade Star Crunch Easy

• Melt Butter and Sugar

Grab a large saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Toss in sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly until everything blends smoothly and starts bubbling gently.

• Create Caramel Base

Lower the heat and add caramel bits and sweetened condensed milk. Keep stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, rich caramel sauce. Pull the pan off the stove and splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

• Blend with Chocolate and Cereal

Dump milk chocolate chips into the warm caramel and mix until completely melted. Fold crispy rice cereal into the chocolatey mixture, ensuring every crunchy bit gets coated with deliciousness.

• Shape and Cool Treats

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the mixture and create small round disks that look like classic Star Crunch. Let them chill at room temperature for an hour or pop them in the refrigerator for a quick 30-minute set.

• Enjoy Your Creation

Dive into these chewy, crunchy treats whenever hunger strikes. They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container for about a week – if they last that long!

Tips And Changes For Homemade Star Crunch

• Pro Storage Tricks: Wrap individual Star Crunch in wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness longer.
• No-Bake Magic: This recipe requires zero oven time, perfect for hot summer days or when you want a quick dessert without heating up the kitchen.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular crispy rice cereal with gluten-free alternatives like Rice Chex to make this treat celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Nutty Crunch Boost: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the mixture for extra crunch and a delightful nutty flavor dimension that elevates the classic recipe.
• Kid-Friendly Decorating: Let children help drizzle extra melted chocolate or sprinkle colorful jimmies on top for a fun, personalized touch that makes cooking an interactive experience.

Serving Homemade Star Crunch At Its Best

• Cozy Movie Night Companion: Pair these homemade Star Crunch with a warm blanket and your favorite film for the ultimate comfort treat.
• Sweet Potluck Sensation: Bring these delightful snacks to gatherings and watch friends devour them quickly, making you the star of the party.
• Kid-Friendly Dessert Adventure: Create a fun baking activity with children, letting them help shape and decorate the Star Crunch for quality family time.
• Afternoon Tea Sidekick: Serve alongside hot tea or coffee for a delectable mid-day snack that adds a touch of sweetness to your break.

How To Store Homemade Star Crunch Safely

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Keep Star Crunch treats in an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Place wax paper between layers to stop treats from sticking together.
• Temperature Control Tip: Store at room temperature between 65-72°F for optimal texture and taste. Avoid warm spots like near ovens or direct sunlight which can soften chocolate and caramel components.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual Star Crunch treats in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare Star Crunch up to 5 days in advance. Keep them sealed and away from humidity. Check texture before serving – if slightly hardened, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly.

Irresistible Star Crunch Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40-70 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Star crunch cookies from the American South blend chewy caramel, crisp rice cereal, and chocolate in one irresistible treat. Rich chocolate and gooey layers create nostalgic comfort for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200 g) caramel bits
• 1 cup (175 g) milk chocolate chips
• 4 cups (100 g) crispy rice cereal
• ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
• ½ cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Caramel Foundation: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, creating a golden base for the caramel transformation.
2. Sugar Dissolution: Merge granulated sugar and light corn syrup, stirring until the mixture bubbles and sugar dissolves completely into a smooth liquid.
3. Caramel Cream Development: Lower heat and incorporate caramel bits and sweetened condensed milk, whisking persistently to create a silky, rich caramel cream with a luxurious texture.
4. Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat and blend in vanilla extract, elevating the caramel’s aromatic profile with a subtle depth of flavor.
5. Chocolate Integration: Fold milk chocolate chips into the warm caramel, allowing them to melt seamlessly and generate a uniform, glossy chocolate-caramel mixture.
6. Cereal Coating: Gently fold crispy rice cereal throughout the chocolate-caramel blend, ensuring each grain receives an even, delectable coating.
7. Shaping and Setting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spoon rounded portions of the mixture, and delicately flatten into classic round discs. Allow treats to solidify at room temperature or expedite the process by chilling in the refrigerator.
8. Storage: Transfer completed star crunch treats to an airtight container, preserving their texture and ensuring optimal enjoyment within a week of preparation.

Notes

• Control Caramel Temperature: Watch the sugar mixture carefully to prevent burning, aiming for a golden amber color without turning dark brown.
• Consistent Stirring Technique: Maintain gentle, continuous stirring when melting ingredients to ensure smooth texture and prevent ingredient separation.
• Chocolate Melting Strategy: Add chocolate chips off the heat to control melting rate and prevent scorching, creating a glossy, even chocolate-caramel blend.
• Cooling and Storage Wisdom: Let treats cool completely at room temperature for optimal texture, or refrigerate briefly to speed up setting without compromising the crispy rice cereal’s crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg