With just 5 ingredients you can make a 9x13 pan of chewy, chocolatey-caramel, no-bake bars inspired by Little Debbie Star Crunch!
Don't want a whole pan? Make my small batch, microwavable Star Crunch Cookies!
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Homemade Star Crunch...but made easy with caramel chips!
Instead of mixing up finicky homemade caramel, these star crunch bars use a combination of caramel chips and marshmallows to get that gooey, sweet and salty texture.
I tested this recipe with Hershey's sea salt caramel baking chips, which I can usually find at Target, regular grocery stores, or bulk on Amazon (they're pricier online, though). The off-brand doesn’t taste as good or have a glossy texture, so just note that if you use a different brand the taste, texture and appearance may vary.
How to Make Homemade Star Crunch Bars:
- In a large saucepan, melt chocolate chips, caramel chips, and butter on medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
- Once melted, stir in the marshmallows and continue stirring until completely melted. This will take 5-10 minutes for the marshmallows to fully melt; be patient and don't turn up the heat! ;)
- Remove from heat and stir in rice cereal. Mix until fully coated, then press into a greased or parchment-lined 9x13 pan. Allow to cool before cutting, then enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a smaller batch?
What if I can't find caramel chips?
There are other star crunch recipes online that use homemade caramel (using corn syrup) or store-bought caramel candies. I used caramel chips for ease but you can totally try those other recipes, if needed!
Star Crunch Bars (5 Ingredients!)
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter unsalted or salted work, just not margarine
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 ¾ cup salted caramel chips This is a whole 10oz. bag of Hershey brand (see notes section below if using a different brand)
- 8 cups mini marshmallows This is the big 1lb (16oz. bag)
- 8 cups rice krispy cereal Get the 12oz box
Before you begin! If you make this, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe? This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter (½ cup, i.e. 1 stick), semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup), and salted caramel chips (1 ¾ cups) on medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
- Once melted, stir in the mini marshmallows (8 cups) and continue stirring until completely melted. This will take 5-10 minutes for the marshmallows to fully melt; be patient and don't turn up the heat! ;)
- Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispy cereal (8 cups). Mix until fully coated, then press into a greased or parchment-lined 9x13 pan. Allow to cool before cutting, then enjoy!
- Fun tip: Just like my small-batch Homemade Star Crunch Cookies, you can also shape these into cookie shapes by scooping the semi-cooled mixture (warm to touch) into ¼ cup balls and then flattening into discs.
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe! This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Sarah
These were so easy and delicious! Brought back childhood memories
Melissa
Thank you so much for leaving a review, Sarah!
Amanda Rennolet
Oh...my... Absolutely delicious! I used to eat mass amounts of these as a teenager lol but these are even better! I did add a small handful of caramel bits to enhance that flavor.
Melissa
So glad you loved the recipe, Amanda! Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Nicole Elam
My husband just said this is one of the best things I've ever made. I agree!
Melissa
Wow, what a compliment! Thank you so much for leaving a review, Nicole!
Sara Davila
Would regular caramel work for this? Cuz i can't find those chips anywhere.
Melissa
Yes, some people have left comments that they've melted down kraft caramels on a double broiler!
Sarah
I don't what I did wrong, but these are hard as a rock. If we hear them for like 5 seconds it's a little better. They taste good, just need to be chewy.
Melissa
Hi Sarah! Hard krispy treats are from either overcooking they mixture (your microwave may cook faster) and/or pressing them to be too compact. Hope that helps!
Ashley
Yummy!!!
Melissa
Thank you Ashley!
Deborag
Yum
Sandy
I can’t copy recipe star crunch cookies
Maiah
I absolutely loved this recipe, it gives me the perfect consistency I need in making infused treats. I always try your recipes first; and am going to try to make the cosmic brownies next
Olivia
Made this yesterday and it was amazing! I added chocolate chips on top tho!
Melissa
So glad you loved them, Olivia! Chocolate chips on top are never a bad idea, love it!
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review - I appreciate it so much!
Brandy
SO GOOD!!! My whole family devoured them!
Melissa
I'm so glad you all loved them, Brandy! Thanks SO much for taking the time to leave a review!
Carmen
OMG these turned out soooo good! I Followed your recipe to a T except I did use Kraft caramel bits that I found at our Walmart since they didn’t have Hershey’s, and they turned out just perfect. My family loves them! My daughter says they’re better than the little Debbies that she remembers from her childhood!
Melissa
I'm so glad you all love them, Carmen! It's great to know the Kraft caramel bits worked well - I'll have to test those as I've had a few other people ask about them!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review - I appreciate it so much!