Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Bar

Featured in: Sweet & Toasted Treats

This comforting warm drink features a smooth blend of whole milk, cream, bittersweet chocolate, cocoa, and vanilla. Topped with a pillowy bar made of melted marshmallows mixed with crunchy rice cereal, it creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Quick to prepare and perfect for sharing, this soothing treat lifts the spirit on cold days.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:08:00 GMT
Steaming mug of hot chocolate with fluffy Bear Marshmallow Bar, a cozy winter treat. Save
Steaming mug of hot chocolate with fluffy Bear Marshmallow Bar, a cozy winter treat. | smokyfeast.com

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

I love making this hot chocolate when the weather turns chilly because it warms me up instantly and feels like a special treat.

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.
Rich hot chocolate topped generously with a homemade Bear Marshmallow Bar, ready to enjoy. Save
Rich hot chocolate topped generously with a homemade Bear Marshmallow Bar, ready to enjoy. | smokyfeast.com

This recipe always brings my family together on cold evenings when we share mugs and stories by the fire.

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)

Indulgent photo of a warm hot chocolate and a sweet Bear Marshmallow Bar, perfect for dessert. Save
Indulgent photo of a warm hot chocolate and a sweet Bear Marshmallow Bar, perfect for dessert. | smokyfeast.com

Enjoy this cozy treat as a perfect pick-me-up for chilly days or as a comforting dessert.

Kitchen Questions

What kind of chocolate works best for the drink?

Bittersweet chocolate provides a rich, balanced flavor that melts smoothly into the creamy base, enhancing the overall depth.

Can I make the marshmallow bars ahead of time?

Yes, forming and chilling the bars before serving helps them hold their shape and makes topping the drink easier.

What alternatives exist for dairy ingredients?

Oat milk and coconut cream can substitute the milk and cream, and vegan marshmallows can replace regular ones for a dairy-free option.

How do I prevent the marshmallow bar from dissolving too quickly?

Press the marshmallow mixture firmly and chill briefly to create a firmer texture that melts slowly atop the drink.

What tools are recommended for preparation?

A saucepan for heating, whisk for mixing, microwave-safe bowl for melting marshmallows, spatula for stirring, parchment paper, and a knife for cutting bars are useful.

Can I add spices for extra flavor?

A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder adds a warm or spicy twist without overpowering the creamy chocolate base.

Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Bar

Creamy hot chocolate topped with a soft marshmallow bar, perfect for warming up any cold day.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 2 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Hot Chocolate

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

Marshmallow Bar

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

Method

Phase 01

Heat Milk and Cream: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat until steaming without boiling.

Phase 02

Incorporate Chocolate Ingredients: Whisk in the chopped bittersweet chocolate, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Continue whisking until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Combine Cereal and Form Bars: Stir in the crisp rice cereal until evenly coated. Press the mixture into a small parchment-lined dish to about 1/2 inch thick. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars.

Phase 06

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

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains milk and butter; crisp rice cereal may contain gluten.
  • Marshmallows may contain gelatin; not suitable for vegans.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 7 g