Halloween is the perfect excuse for me to get creative in the kitchen, and these Marshmallow Rice Bubbles Halloween Brains are one of the most fun spooky treats I’ve ever made. They look creepy, taste delicious, and come together in just minutes. The combination of gooey marshmallows with crunchy rice bubbles makes them an irresistible party hit, especially when molded into eerie brain shapes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and easy these brains are to prepare, which makes them perfect for last-minute Halloween gatherings. The sweetness of marshmallows blends perfectly with the crisp rice bubbles for a treat that disappears fast from the dessert table. I also enjoy how customizable they are—I can add different food colors or decorations to match the party theme. And the best part? The creepy brain shapes always bring laughter and surprise when I bring them out.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Rice Bubbles (crisp rice cereal)
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Mini marshmallows
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Unsalted butter
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Red or pink food coloring
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Parchment paper
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Non-stick cooking spray
Directions
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I start by spraying a large bowl with non-stick cooking spray so that mixing is easier later.
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In a saucepan over low heat, I melt the butter first, then stir in the mini marshmallows until they’re completely smooth and melted.
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Off the heat, I add a few drops of food coloring until I get that eerie brain shade.
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I quickly fold in the rice bubbles until every piece is coated in gooey marshmallow.
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With my hands lightly greased with cooking spray, I grab small handfuls of the mixture and shape them into creepy brain-like forms.
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I place them on parchment paper to cool completely before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 Halloween brains. It takes me only 15 minutes to prepare and around 5 minutes of cook time, so the whole batch is ready in just 20 minutes. Each serving has about 120 calories, which makes it a light, fun treat to share.
Variations
I like switching things up by using flavored rice cereals or even cocoa rice bubbles for a darker, spookier look. Sometimes, I drizzle melted white chocolate tinted with red coloring on top for a gory effect. Sprinkles, candy eyes, or even gummy worms also make fun add-ons depending on how creepy I want the brains to look.
storage/reheating
I keep these brains fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay good for about 3–4 days. Since they’re no-bake and already soft, I don’t reheat them—I just enjoy them as they are.
FAQs
How can I stop the mixture from sticking to my hands?
I lightly spray my hands with non-stick cooking spray before shaping the brains. This prevents the marshmallow from sticking too much.
Can I use another type of cereal instead of Rice Bubbles?
Yes, I’ve tried cornflakes and cocoa rice cereal, and both work great. Just keep in mind that the texture and look will be a little different.
What’s the best way to get the brain color right?
I add red or pink food coloring directly into the melted marshmallows before mixing in the cereal. A few drops go a long way, but I adjust until I get that brainy pink.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, I often make them a day before a party. I store them in an airtight container, and they stay soft and fresh until I serve them.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
No, I keep them at room temperature. Refrigerating makes them too hard and difficult to bite into.
Conclusion
Making Marshmallow Rice Bubbles Halloween Brains is one of my favorite Halloween traditions. I enjoy how simple they are to prepare while still managing to impress everyone with their creepy, fun look. The gooey marshmallow combined with crunchy cereal makes them impossible to resist. Whether I’m making them for kids or adults, these brains always bring plenty of laughs and happy bites at every Halloween celebration.
Print
Marshmallow Rice Bubbles Halloween Brains Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 brains
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spooky brain‑shaped treats made from gooey marshmallows and crispy rice bubbles, tinted with food coloring for a fun Halloween twist. Sweet, crunchy, and perfect for party tables or last‑minute treats.
Ingredients
- Rice bubbles (crisp rice cereal)
- Mini marshmallows
- Unsalted butter
- Red or pink food coloring
- Parchment paper
- Non‑stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Spray a large mixing bowl (or hands) lightly with non‑stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter then add mini marshmallows. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Remove from heat, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring, stirring until you reach the desired “brain” shade.
- Quickly fold in the rice bubbles until all cereal pieces are coated in the marshmallow mixture.
- With greased hands (or using a greased mold), scoop handfuls of mixture and shape into brain‑like forms.
- Place shaped brains on parchment paper and let cool completely until set.
- Serve or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- Use dried or freeze‑dried apples or other crunchy toppings if desired for added texture (optional).
- Food coloring can be adjusted: a little goes a long way. Always mix off heat to avoid burns from hot marshmallow.
- Shaping works best while the mixture is warm—once set, reheating slightly helps if it’s too firm.
- Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Avoid humidity so texture stays crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Treat
- Method: No‑Bake / Molded
- Cuisine: Party / Themed Snack
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brain (of 12)
- Calories: ≈120 kcal
- Sugar: ≈14 g
- Sodium: ≈50‑80 mg
- Fat: ≈4 g
- Saturated Fat: ≈2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ≈1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈20‑22 g
- Fiber: ≈0 g
- Protein: ≈1‑2 g
- Cholesterol: ≈5 mg
