Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Bar

Featured in: All-American Desserts

This warm, creamy beverage combines rich bittersweet chocolate and cocoa with silky milk and cream. It's topped with a handmade marshmallow bar made by melting mini marshmallows, butter, and crisp rice cereal, adding a delightful texture and sweetness. Perfect for chilly days, it offers comforting flavors and an indulgent aroma. Variations include dairy-free options with plant-based milk and vegan marshmallows, plus optional spices like cinnamon or chili for a warm flavor kick.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:14:00 GMT
Steaming hot chocolate garnished with a fluffy Cozy Bear Marshmallow Bar, a delightful treat. Save
Steaming hot chocolate garnished with a fluffy Cozy Bear Marshmallow Bar, a delightful treat. | dashofstates.com

A rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with a pillowy marshmallow bar, perfect for cozying up on a cold day.

I love making this drink when the temperature drops, as it warms both the body and soul with a sweet marshmallow treat on top.

Ingredients

  • Hot Chocolate: 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 100 g (3.5 oz) bittersweet chocolate finely chopped, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
  • Marshmallow Bar: 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup crisp rice cereal

Instructions

Step 1:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and heavy cream. Heat until steaming but not boiling.
Step 2:
Whisk in chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Continue whisking until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
Step 3:
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Keep warm.
Step 4:
For the marshmallow bar, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add marshmallows and microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring until fully melted.
Step 5:
Stir in crisp rice cereal until coated. Press mixture into a small parchment-lined dish to about 1/2-inch thickness. Let cool for 5 minutes then cut into bars.
Step 6:
Pour hot chocolate into mugs. Top each with a marshmallow bar, allowing it to float and melt slightly into the drink.
Save
| dashofstates.com

This recipe always brings my family together on chilly evenings for a warm cozy moment.

Required Tools

Saucepan, Whisk, Microwave-safe bowl, Small spatula, Parchment paper, Knife

Allergen Information

Contains milk, butter (dairy), and possible gluten in crisp rice cereal. Marshmallows may contain gelatin not suitable for vegans. Double-check all ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 340, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 41 g, Protein 7 g per serving

Warm, decadent hot chocolate with a sweet Cozy Bear Marshmallow Bar topping, ready to enjoy. Save
Warm, decadent hot chocolate with a sweet Cozy Bear Marshmallow Bar topping, ready to enjoy. | dashofstates.com

Enjoy this decadent hot chocolate with your favorite cozy blanket for the ultimate comfort treat.

Recipe FAQ

How do I melt the chocolate smoothly?

Heat milk and cream gently until steaming. Whisk in chopped chocolate gradually off the heat to avoid burning and achieve a smooth blend.

What is the best way to make the marshmallow bar?

Melt butter and mini marshmallows in short microwave bursts, stirring each time for even melting, then mix in crisp rice cereal before pressing into a thin layer to set.

Can I customize the flavor of the hot chocolate?

Yes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder enhances warmth and depth without overpowering the chocolate's richness.

Are there dairy-free alternatives to try?

Use oat milk and coconut cream instead of dairy, and replace marshmallows with vegan versions for a plant-based option.

How should I serve the drink for best experience?

Pour hot chocolate into mugs and float a marshmallow bar on top, allowing it to soften and gently melt, adding texture and sweetness.

Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Bar

Smooth hot chocolate paired with a pillowy marshmallow bar for a cozy indulgence.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 2 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free

Components

Hot Chocolate

01 2 cups whole milk
02 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 3.5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
04 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
05 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 Pinch of salt

Marshmallow Bar

01 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 1/2 cup crisp rice cereal

Method

Phase 01

Heat Milk and Cream: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and heavy cream. Heat until steaming but avoid boiling.

Phase 02

Incorporate Chocolate and Cocoa: Whisk in chopped bittersweet chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until the chocolate fully melts and the mixture is smooth.

Phase 03

Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Keep the mixture warm.

Phase 04

Prepare Marshmallow Bar Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add mini marshmallows and microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until fully melted.

Phase 05

Combine with Crisp Rice Cereal: Stir in crisp rice cereal until evenly coated, then press the mixture into a parchment-lined small dish to a 1/2-inch thickness.

Phase 06

Cool and Slice Marshmallow Bar: Allow the marshmallow mixture to cool for 5 minutes before cutting into bars.

Phase 07

Assemble Drink: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top each with a marshmallow bar, letting it float and melt slightly into the beverage.

Necessary tools

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Small spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from milk and butter.
  • May contain gluten due to crisp rice cereal.
  • Marshmallows potentially contain gelatin; not suitable for vegans.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 7 g