Homemade Star Crunch

Homemade Star Crunch is a delightful no-bake treat that replicates the classic Little Debbie dessert. These chewy, chocolatey snacks are made with crispy rice cereal, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, delivering the perfect blend of crunch and chewiness. They’re easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like the nostalgic Little Debbie Star Crunch
• No baking required—quick and easy to make
• Perfect for school lunches, snacks, or dessert
• Made with simple ingredients you likely already have
• Great for kids to help make

Ingredients

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

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (11-ounce) bag caramel bits (or 1 cup unwrapped soft caramels)
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups crispy rice cereal

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
2. Melt the Caramel Mixture:
   • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add sweetened condensed milk and caramel bits.
   • Stir continuously until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add Chocolate and Vanilla:
   • Remove the saucepan from heat.
   • Stir in chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth.
   • Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Mix in the Cereal:
   • Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal until evenly coated with the caramel-chocolate mixture.
5. Form the Star Crunch:
   • Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
   • Lightly press each mound into a flat, round shape, similar to the original Star Crunch size.
6. Cool and Set:
   • Allow the treats to set at room temperature for about 1 hour or place them in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until firm.
7. Serve:
   • Once set, enjoy immediately or store for later.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 treats
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes (+ cooling time)

Variations

• Peanut Butter Star Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter to the caramel mixture for a nutty flavor.
• Salted Caramel Star Crunch: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the treats before they set for a sweet and salty twist.
• Marshmallow Star Crunch: Mix in 1 cup of mini marshmallows with the crispy rice cereal for extra chewiness.
• Dark Chocolate Crunch: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
• Add Crunch: Stir in crushed pretzels or chopped nuts for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the refrigerator for a firmer texture, storing for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze the treats in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use marshmallows instead of caramel bits?

Yes, you can melt 1 cup of mini marshmallows with the butter and sweetened condensed milk for a different texture.

2. What if I don’t have crispy rice cereal?

You can use puffed rice cereal or any other similar crunchy cereal.

3. How do I keep the treats from sticking to my hands when shaping?

Lightly grease your hands with butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray before pressing the treats.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter, dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

5. Can I add more chocolate to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the finished treats for an extra chocolatey layer.

6. What if my caramel mixture is too thick?

If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or heavy cream to loosen it up.

7. How do I make the treats extra chewy?

Be careful not to overcook the caramel mixture. Remove from heat as soon as it is smooth and melted.

8. Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, white chocolate will give a sweeter, milder flavor to the treats.

9. Can I make Star Crunch into bars instead of individual treats?

Yes, press the mixture into a greased or lined 9×13-inch baking dish and cut into squares once set.

10. How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when adding to the caramel?

Remove the pan from heat before adding the chocolate and stir continuously to ensure it melts smoothly.

Conclusion

Homemade Star Crunch is a delicious and easy treat that brings the nostalgic taste of the original Little Debbie dessert into your kitchen. With its chewy caramel, crispy rice, and rich chocolate flavors, this no-bake snack is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re making them for a party, as a lunchbox treat, or just for fun, these homemade Star Crunch treats are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!

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