If you’re looking for a fun and easy treat to make for Valentine’s Day (or any occasion when you want to spread some love!), these Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts are perfect. They’re crunchy, gooey, and oh-so-sweet, with a rich chocolatey coating and marshmallow fluffiness that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Plus, they’re super simple to whip up, which means you can spend more time sharing the love and less time in the kitchen. Trust me, these little hearts are a total crowd-pleaser!
These treats are an easy, no-bake dessert that’s fun for the whole family to make together. You’ll love how the combination of chocolate, cereal, and marshmallows come together to form the perfect bite-sized Valentine’s treat. Whether you’re making them for a special someone or just for yourself (because why not?), these Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts will definitely be the highlight of your day.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts
Easy and Quick to Make
With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, these treats are the definition of easy. You can make them in under 30 minutes, leaving you with plenty of time to relax or decorate!
Perfect for Valentine’s Day
The heart shape makes them a perfect treat for spreading some Valentine’s love. You can even wrap them up in cute gift bags to give to friends or loved ones.
Customizable
Feel free to get creative! You can swap out the cereal for your favorite variety, or even add in some extra mix-ins like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed candies for a personalized touch.
Fun for All Ages
Making these treats is as much fun as eating them! Kids will love getting involved in shaping the hearts, and adults will enjoy how simple and satisfying these are to make.
No-Bake!
If you’re not a fan of turning on the oven, these treats are perfect for you. Everything is mixed and chilled in the fridge, and you don’t need to worry about baking or heating up the kitchen.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to bring these treats to life:
Chocolate Chips
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work best here. The melted chocolate is what gives these treats their rich, creamy coating that holds everything together.
Mini Marshmallows
Marshmallows add that perfect gooey texture and sweetness, creating that irresistible chewiness that pairs so well with the crunchy cereal.
Cereal (Rice Krispies, Cornflakes, or Similar)
This adds crunch and texture to the treat. It balances the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows and gives the bars that satisfying bite.
Butter
A little butter helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives a rich flavor to the bars.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get these yummy treats ready in no time!
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between. Keep going until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat it, or it could burn.
Step 2: Add the Marshmallows
Once the chocolate is melted, add the mini marshmallows to the bowl. Stir them into the chocolate until they start to soften and melt slightly. You want them to be gooey and just begin to melt but not completely disappear.
Step 3: Combine with Cereal
Now, add the cereal to the marshmallow-chocolate mixture and stir until all the cereal is well coated with the chocolate and marshmallows. It should look gooey and sticky, and the cereal should be evenly coated in the chocolatey mixture.
Step 4: Shape the Hearts
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or just your hands!), shape the cereal mixture into heart shapes. Press the mixture into the mold or shape it gently with your fingers. You can make them as big or small as you like, but remember that smaller hearts will be a bit easier to handle and set up faster.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Once all the hearts are shaped, place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30-45 minutes to allow them to firm up. This will give them that perfect crunchy texture while still staying chewy on the inside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After they’ve chilled and set, your Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a fun snack or give them away as a homemade gift. They’ll make everyone feel special!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 160
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 20mg
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 1g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts
These treats are so versatile! Here’s how you can serve them:
As a Sweet Valentine’s Gift
Wrap them up individually in clear cellophane bags with a cute ribbon. They make perfect homemade Valentine’s gifts that are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
At a Party
These hearts will be a hit at any Valentine’s Day party or get-together. They’re easy to serve and eat, making them ideal for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers.
With a Glass of Milk
You can’t go wrong with a glass of milk to wash down these sweet treats! The creaminess of the milk pairs perfectly with the gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate.
Additional Tips
Add Sprinkles for Extra Fun
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some colorful Valentine’s Day sprinkles on top of the hearts before they set. They’ll add a fun pop of color and make them even more fun!
Swap the Cereal
Feel free to get creative with the cereal you use. You can swap out Rice Krispies for cornflakes, Cheerios, or even a fruity cereal for a different twist!
Store in an Airtight Container
These treats are best enjoyed within a few days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!
Make Them Larger or Smaller
You can make the hearts larger for a more indulgent treat or smaller for bite-sized fun. Adjust the size based on your preference, just keep in mind that smaller hearts will chill and set more quickly.
Get Creative with Toppings
Want to take these hearts to the next level? Drizzle melted white chocolate or add chopped nuts, mini candies, or coconut flakes on top before chilling them. Let your imagination run wild!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
A1: Yes, you can! Dark chocolate will give the hearts a more intense chocolate flavor. If you like a richer taste, dark chocolate is a great choice.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Definitely! You can make these hearts a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh.
Q3: Can I use any type of cereal?
A3: You can! Feel free to swap out Rice Krispies with any cereal you like—Cornflakes, Cheerios, or even granola would all work well.
Q4: How long do these hearts take to set?
A4: They’ll take about 30-45 minutes to set in the fridge. Just give them enough time to firm up so they’re easy to handle and won’t fall apart.
Q5: Can I freeze these hearts?
A5: Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap each heart individually and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
Q6: How should I store the leftover hearts?
A6: Store leftover hearts in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They’ll keep well and remain delicious!
Q7: Can I add more mix-ins to the hearts?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to mix in mini chocolate chips, crushed candies, or even some chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Q8: Do I need a cookie cutter to shape these hearts?
A8: If you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, you can always use your hands to shape them or use any cookie cutter you have on hand. You could also form them into balls if you prefer!
Q9: Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows?
A9: Yes, you can use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a little different, but it will still work well.
Q10: Can I add sprinkles on top?
A10: Yes! Sprinkles are a fun and colorful way to top off these hearts. Add them right before the hearts set for a festive touch.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts are the perfect treat to make anyone’s heart melt this Valentine’s Day (or really, any day!). With simple ingredients, a no-bake process, and tons of customizable options, they’re an easy and fun way to show someone you care. Whether you’re sharing them with a loved one or treating yourself, these sweet, gooey, crunchy hearts are sure to make everyone smile! So go ahead—make a batch, and let the love (and chocolate!) flow!
PrintChocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 hearts (depending on size) 1x
Description
These fun and festive Chocolate Cereal Marshmallow Hearts are a perfect no-bake treat for Valentine’s Day! With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, crunchy, and sweet snack that’s perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones. A great activity for kids too!
Ingredients
- 3 cups chocolate cereal (such as Cocoa Pebbles or Cocoa Krispies)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink or red sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the Cereal: Add the chocolate cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir gently to coat the cereal evenly with the marshmallow mixture.
- Shape the Hearts: While the mixture is still warm, press it into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan or a silicone mold. You can also use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to shape individual pieces by pressing the mixture into the cutter on a parchment-lined tray.
- Let it Set: Allow the cereal mixture to cool completely. It should harden as it cools, taking about 20-30 minutes.
- Decorate (Optional): Once set, you can sprinkle with pink or red sprinkles for an extra festive touch. If using the heart-shaped cutter, gently remove the shaped hearts from the pan or mold.
- Serve: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- You can also drizzle the hearts with melted white or milk chocolate for extra flavor and decoration.
- For a fun twist, mix in some red and pink M&Ms or candy hearts.
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, simply shape the mixture into squares or bars instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg