Description
Sweet chocolate-caramel magic defines homemade star crunch, a nostalgic treat whisking memories of childhood snack times. Rich crispy layers meld into an irresistible dessert you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (100 g) crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup (175 g) milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (250 g) caramel bits (or unwrapped soft caramels)
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup (or honey)
- ½ cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter
Flavoring Ingredient:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a baking surface by lining a sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Craft the caramel foundation by melting butter in a spacious saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the confection.
- Integrate sweetened condensed milk and caramel bits into the warming butter, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a glossy, uniform liquid.
- Transition the saucepan off the heat source and incorporate chocolate chips, gently folding until they melt completely and blend seamlessly with the caramel essence.
- Introduce vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile, mixing thoroughly to distribute the aromatic notes throughout the mixture.
- Gradually fold crispy rice cereal into the chocolate-caramel fusion, ensuring each grain receives an even, luxurious coating.
- Utilize a cookie scoop to deposit generous mounds onto the prepared parchment, delicately flattening each cluster to mimic the iconic Star Crunch silhouette.
- Allow the treats to stabilize at ambient temperature for approximately one hour, or expedite the setting process by chilling in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until firm.
- Serve and savor the homemade confections immediately, or preserve their freshness in an airtight container for future enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure even coating by stirring cereal gently, preventing breaking delicate rice puffs during mixing.
- Work quickly when dropping mounds onto baking sheet to maintain ideal caramel-chocolate temperature for perfect texture.
- Experiment with different cereals like chocolate rice crisp or marshmallow-enhanced versions for unique flavor variations.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up, preventing treats from sticking and maintaining their shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg