Marshmallow Rice Bubbles Halloween Brains are a spooky, fun treat that look just creepy enough to impress at a Halloween party while still tasting delicious. I love how they’re crispy, chewy, and sweet, with that classic marshmallow flavor kids and adults both enjoy. The best part is that they come together in less than 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and playful. The marshmallows melt into the Rice Bubbles (or Rice Krispies), making them sticky enough to mold into brain-like shapes. I also enjoy how realistic they look—gross enough to fit the Halloween theme, but tasty enough to disappear fast at any gathering. It’s a recipe that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rice Bubbles (or Rice Krispies)
- Marshmallows (white or pink)
- Unsalted butter (or salted butter without extra added salt)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Food coloring (optional, for extra creepy effect)
Directions
- I melt the butter and marshmallows together in a heatproof bowl set over a small pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- I quickly stir the melted marshmallow mixture into the Rice Bubbles while it’s still hot. I mix fast to coat everything evenly before it begins to set.
- I let the mixture cool slightly so it’s easier to handle, then I oil my hands to prevent sticking.
- I shape the mixture into small, lumpy “brains,” pressing lightly to get a realistic texture.
- For extra effect, I sometimes add a touch of red or pink food coloring with a toothpick to give them a more gory, brain-like look.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 to 10 “brains,” depending on how large I shape them. It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cool, so I can have them ready in under 20 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I mix in a little cocoa powder with the marshmallow mixture for darker-colored brains. I also like to drizzle them with raspberry syrup or strawberry jam for a blood-like finish. For a kid-friendly version, I keep them plain and let the shape do the spooky work.
Storage/Reheating
I store the brains in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend refrigerating them since the marshmallow mixture can harden. To refresh them if they firm up too much, I microwave them for just a few seconds to soften.
FAQs
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?
Yes, I often use mini marshmallows since they melt faster and more evenly.
Do I have to use Rice Bubbles?
No, I sometimes use Rice Krispies or any puffed rice cereal—it works just as well.
How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands?
I oil or butter my hands before shaping, which makes it much easier to handle.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I usually make them the night before a party, and they stay fresh in an airtight container.
How can I make them look scarier?
I use red food coloring or brush on strawberry jam to give them a bloody, brain-like effect.
Conclusion
Marshmallow Rice Bubbles Halloween Brains are a quick, spooky treat that’s as fun to make as it is to serve. I like how crispy, chewy, and sweet they are, and how easily they can be dressed up to look creepy for Halloween. Whether I keep them simple or go all out with decorations, they’re always a hit at parties.
PrintMarshmallow Rice Bubbles Halloween Brains
These Marshmallow Rice Bubbles Halloween Brains are creepy, chewy, and delicious—made with puffed rice cereal, melted marshmallows, and shaped into spooky “brains” for the perfect Halloween party treat. Quick, kid-friendly, and ready in under 20 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 brain-shaped treats
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Holiday Treat
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Bubbles (or Rice Krispies)
- 3 cups marshmallows (mini or large)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Red or pink food coloring (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt butter and marshmallows together, stirring until smooth.
- Quickly mix in the Rice Bubbles while the marshmallow mixture is still warm. Stir fast to coat evenly.
- Allow mixture to cool slightly, then oil your hands to prevent sticking.
- Shape into lumpy, oval “brain” shapes by gently pressing and molding.
- Use a toothpick dipped in red or pink food coloring to add creepy highlights for a more realistic brain look.
Notes
- Add cocoa powder to the marshmallow mixture for darker brains.
- Drizzle with raspberry syrup or jam for a “bloody” effect.
- Use any puffed rice cereal as a substitute.
- Don’t refrigerate—store at room temp for best texture.
- Microwave hardened treats for a few seconds to soften.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brain
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg