Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Bar

Featured in: Garden-Inspired Meals

This warm beverage combines creamy whole milk, heavy cream, and bittersweet chocolate for a smooth rich drink. It's sweetened with sugar and cocoa powder and finished with vanilla. The topping features a soft marshmallow bar made by melting mini marshmallows with butter, mixed with crisp rice cereal, then cooled and cut into bars. Served by floating the marshmallow bar on the hot chocolate, allowing it to melt slightly into the drink for extra texture and sweetness, it’s an inviting treat for cooler days.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:43:00 GMT
Steaming hot chocolate swirled with marshmallow bar; a comforting dessert. Pin
Steaming hot chocolate swirled with marshmallow bar; a comforting dessert. | toastybasil.com

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

This recipe quickly became my go-to comfort drink during chilly evenings.

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.
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| toastybasil.com

This treat always brings smiles to my family gatherings especially on chilly winter nights.

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

Cozy mug filled with rich hot chocolate, topped with a melting bear-shaped marshmallow. Pin
Cozy mug filled with rich hot chocolate, topped with a melting bear-shaped marshmallow. | toastybasil.com

Enjoy your warm cozy drink topped with a delightful marshmallow bar for an extra special treat.

Recipe Q&A

What type of chocolate is best to use?

Bittersweet chocolate delivers a balanced rich flavor that complements the creamy base without being too sweet.

Can I customize the marshmallow bar?

Yes, you can add cinnamon or chili powder for a flavorful twist or substitute cereals for different textures.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use oat milk and coconut cream instead of dairy, and choose vegan marshmallows to maintain texture.

How do I prevent the hot chocolate from burning?

Heat milk and cream gently over medium heat, avoid boiling, and stir continuously while melting chocolate.

What serving suggestions complement this drink?

Pair with shortbread or biscotti for a delightful snack alongside this cozy beverage.

Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Bar

A creamy hot chocolate crowned with a pillowy marshmallow bar, ideal for warming up on cold days.

Prep duration
10 min
Cooking duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min


Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 2 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian

Components

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

Directions

Step 01

Warm Milk and Cream: Combine milk and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until steaming without reaching a boil.

Step 02

Incorporate Chocolate and Cocoa: Whisk in chopped bittersweet chocolate, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Continue whisking until the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Melt Marshmallows: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Add mini marshmallows and microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between bursts until fully melted.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top each with a marshmallow bar, allowing it to float and soften slightly, infusing the drink.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review each component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains milk and butter (dairy).
  • May contain gluten in crisp rice cereal.
  • Marshmallows may contain gelatin, not suitable for vegans.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbs: 41 g
  • Protein: 7 g