Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts Recipe

Heavenly Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts Recipe for Sweethearts

Sweet treats take on a delightful twist with these chocolate cereal marshmallow hearts that melt hearts instantly.

Homemade desserts can spark joy and create lasting memories.

Kids and adults alike will adore these adorable Valentine’s Day confections.

Crispy chocolate cereal combines perfectly with gooey marshmallows for a delectable bite-sized delight.

The no-bake approach makes this recipe simple and stress-free for anyone to master.

Each heart-shaped treat delivers a charming blend of crunch and sweetness that everyone will crave.

You’ll want to whip up a batch of these irresistible goodies to share with loved ones.

Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts: What Makes Them Special

  • Surprise Your Taste Buds: Discover a unique dessert that transforms humble pinto beans into a delightfully sweet pie, challenging traditional dessert expectations with its unexpected ingredients.
  • Simplify Baking Adventure: Blend all ingredients in a single step, making this recipe incredibly straightforward for both novice and experienced bakers who want a hassle-free dessert preparation.
  • Celebrate Resourceful Cooking: Create a budget-friendly dessert that uses pantry staples, proving you can turn everyday ingredients into a delicious treat without expensive or hard-to-find components.
  • Comfort Food with a Twist: Enjoy a warm, spiced pie that offers familiar cinnamon and nutmeg flavors while introducing an innovative approach to classic dessert recipes.

Ingredients to Create Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts

Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key base ingredient that provides structure for the cookie bars.
  • Chocolate Cereal: Adds a crunchy texture and chocolate flavor to the crust.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the base.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the crust rise and become light and tender.
Butter and Flavoring:
  • Butter: Softened butter creates a rich and tender crust with a smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds depth to the dessert.
Marshmallow and Topping Ingredients:
  • Miniature Marshmallows: Provide a soft, gooey layer that melts beautifully on the crust.
  • Light Corn Syrup, Butter, Vanilla: Creates a smooth, glossy topping with rich flavor.
  • Milk Chocolate Chips: Melts to form a creamy chocolate coating for the bars.
  • Chocolate Cereal: Adds extra crunch and chocolate flavor to the topping.
Decorative Ingredient:
  • Candy Sprinkles: Adds a festive and colorful finishing touch to the heart-shaped bars.

How to Prepare Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts

Step 1: Whip Up the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with foil, letting the edges hang over the sides.

Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Flour
  • Crushed chocolate cereal
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder

Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.

Fold in softened butter and vanilla, blending until the mixture forms a cohesive dough. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Bake the Base

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns a light golden brown. Pull the pan out and immediately sprinkle miniature marshmallows across the surface.

Pop it back into the oven for 1-2 minutes, just until the marshmallows start to puff up.

Step 3: Create Chocolate Drizzle

In a saucepan, combine light corn syrup, butter, and vanilla over medium heat.

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and harmonious. Remove from heat and mix in milk chocolate chips, stirring until they melt completely.

Gently fold in additional chocolate cereal, ensuring every piece gets a delicious chocolate coating.

Step 4: Layer and Decorate

Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the marshmallow layer, spreading it gently to create an even cover.

While the topping is still warm, shower it with colorful candy sprinkles for a festive touch.

Step 5: Cool and Shape

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Once set, lift the entire creation out using the foil overhang. Break out a heart-shaped cookie cutter and transform these treats into adorable heart-shaped delights.

Helpful Advice on Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts

  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for better dough cohesion and easier mixing.
  • Watch marshmallows closely during the 1-2 minute baking to avoid burning and achieve perfect puffiness.
  • Remove saucepan from heat before adding chocolate chips to prevent scorching and create smooth chocolate coating.
  • Fold chocolate cereal gently into the warm topping to maintain crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Dip cookie cutter in warm water between cuts to create clean, precise heart shapes without sticking.

Variations on Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Marshmallow Hearts: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cereal Hearts: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace regular marshmallows with vegan marshmallow alternatives for a plant-based version.
  • No-Bake Chocolate Marshmallow Hearts: Skip the baking process by using graham cracker crumbs instead of flour, press into a pan, and chill before adding marshmallow and chocolate layers for a quick, easy dessert.
  • Nut-Free Chocolate Cereal Hearts: Use sunflower seed butter instead of regular butter, and ensure all ingredients are processed in a nut-free facility for those with nut allergies.

Accompaniments for Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts

  • Pair Creamy Milk with Chocolate Delight: Cool, smooth milk perfectly complements the rich chocolate and sweet marshmallow layers, creating a classic dessert beverage combination that balances the treat's intense flavors.
  • Brew Vanilla Chai Tea Harmony: Warm, spiced chai tea with hints of vanilla enhances the dessert's sweetness, offering a sophisticated counterpoint to the chocolate cereal hearts while adding aromatic depth.
  • Match Raspberry Sorbet Contrast: Tart, light raspberry sorbet cuts through the dessert's richness, providing a refreshing palate cleanser that introduces a bright, fruity element to the chocolate marshmallow experience.

Storing Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts Correctly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, maintaining texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual hearts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months without losing quality or taste.
  • Store in sealed container away from direct sunlight or heat. Consume within 2-3 days for best taste and texture.
  • Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let hearts sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore soft, gooey consistency.

FAQs

  • What type of chocolate cereal works best for this recipe?

Chocolate-flavored cereals like Cocoa Puffs or Cocoa Krispies are ideal for creating a rich chocolate base and adding extra crunch to the marshmallow hearts.

  • Can I make these marshmallow hearts without a heart-shaped cookie cutter?

You can trace a heart shape on parchment paper and use a knife to cut around the template if you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter.

  • How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning when returning the pan to the oven?

Watch the marshmallows closely and remove the pan as soon as they start to puff and look slightly melted, which typically takes only 1-2 minutes.

Print
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Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts Recipe

Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet chocolate cereal marshmallow hearts bring romantic dessert magic to Valentine’s celebrations. Creamy marshmallow glue and crunchy chocolate cereal create perfect heart-shaped treats that delight loved ones with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chocolate cereal, crushed
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining with foil and lightly greasing the surface.
  2. Combine flour, crushed chocolate cereal, brown sugar, and baking powder in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending.
  3. Incorporate softened butter and vanilla into the dry mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
  4. Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base.
  5. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until achieving a light golden brown color.
  6. Immediately remove from oven and generously sprinkle miniature marshmallows across the entire surface.
  7. Return to oven for 1-2 minutes, allowing marshmallows to slightly puff and soften.
  8. In a saucepan, combine light corn syrup, butter, and vanilla over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
  9. Remove from heat and mix in milk chocolate chips until completely melted and integrated.
  10. Gently fold chocolate cereal into the melted mixture, ensuring even coating.
  11. Carefully spoon and spread the warm chocolate mixture over the marshmallow layer.
  12. While topping remains warm, decorate with colorful candy sprinkles.
  13. Allow bars to cool completely within the baking pan.
  14. Once set, lift bars from pan using foil overhang.
  15. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create festive heart-shaped treats.

Notes

  • Swap chocolate cereal with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the recipe’s delightful crunch and flavor.
  • Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes to prevent over-browning, ensuring a perfectly golden crust that’s soft and tender.
  • Melt chocolate chips gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid scorching, creating a smooth and glossy topping.
  • Chill the bars in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cutting to achieve cleaner, more precise heart-shaped cuts that look professionally crafted.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 145 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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