Marshmallow Rice Bubbles Brains are spooky, squishy, and ridiculously fun to make. I take classic marshmallow rice cereal treats and shape them into creepy brain-like mounds—perfect for Halloween parties, kids’ treats, or any time I want something playful and sweet with a hint of fright. These treats are sticky, gooey, and can be as gory or cute as I like, depending on how far I go with the decorations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it turns a simple rice cereal treat into something creative and memorable. It’s fast, no-bake, and customizable. I can color them pink for a realistic brain look, add red jam or icing for a “bloody” effect, or keep it light for a more kid-friendly version. Whether I’m throwing a Halloween bash or just surprising my family with a spooky snack, these little brains always get a laugh (and get eaten fast).
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 (mini or large)
 - 
Unsalted butter
 - 
Pink or red food coloring
 - 
Red decorating gel or jam (optional for “bloody” brains)
 - 
Cooking spray or butter (for shaping)
 
Directions
- 
I melt the butter in a large pot over low heat, then stir in the marshmallows until completely melted and smooth.
 - 
I add a few drops of pink or red food coloring to give the mixture a light brain-like hue, adjusting the intensity as I go.
 - 
I remove the pot from the heat and quickly stir in the Rice Bubbles until they’re fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
 - 
Once slightly cooled but still moldable, I coat my hands with butter or cooking spray and scoop out portions to form into brain shapes—rounded ovals with a slight center line.
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I place the shaped brains on a tray lined with parchment and let them cool completely.
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For an extra creepy effect, I drizzle red gel or jam over the top to mimic blood vessels or brain matter.
 
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8–10 “brains” depending on size. It takes around 20 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to shape and decorate.
Variations
Sometimes I mix in strawberry jam right into the marshmallow mixture for flavor and color. I’ve also added candy eyeballs to turn them into monster heads, or stuck them on popsicle sticks for brain pops. For a chocolate twist, I drizzle melted white chocolate mixed with a drop of red coloring over the top.
storage/reheating
I store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They don’t need to be refrigerated, but I avoid stacking them so the shapes don’t squish. No reheating necessary—they’re best enjoyed as is!
FAQs
Can I make these with flavored marshmallows?
Yes, I’ve used strawberry or raspberry marshmallows for added flavor and color. Just keep in mind they’ll tint the mixture and change the taste slightly.
How do I shape the brains without getting sticky hands?
I grease my hands with butter or spray cooking oil before shaping. It makes a huge difference and keeps the mixture from sticking too much.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. I usually make them the night before a party. Just keep them in a sealed container so they stay soft and fresh.
Can I use a mold for shaping?
Yes. Silicone brain molds work great if I want perfect, uniform shapes. I press the warm mixture in, let it cool, then pop them out.
Are these safe for kids to help with?
Absolutely! I let the mixture cool slightly before letting kids help shape them. They love forming the brains and adding the “bloody” touches.
Conclusion
Marshmallow Rice Bubbles Brains are the perfect mix of creepy and sweet. I love how fun they are to make and how easily I can turn a simple cereal treat into something spooky for Halloween or themed parties. Whether I keep them cute or go all-out gory, they’re always a crowd-pleaser—and so easy, I’ll be making them again and again.
PrintMarshmallow Rice Bubbles Brains
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Marshmallow Rice Bubbles Brains are spooky, squishy, and fun Halloween treats made by shaping classic marshmallow rice cereal into creepy brain mounds. Customizable with food coloring and optional bloody effects, these no-bake snacks are perfect for parties and kid-friendly Halloween fun.
- Author: Lizaa
 - Prep Time: 10 minutes
 - Cook Time: 10 minutes
 - Total Time: 20 minutes
 - Yield: 8–10 brains
 - Category: Snack, Dessert
 - Method: No-Bake
 - Cuisine: American
 - Diet: Vegetarian
 
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Bubbles or Rice Krispies
 - 3 cups mini marshmallows or 24 large marshmallows
 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
 - Pink or red food coloring, to tint
 - Red decorating gel or jam (optional for “bloody” effect)
 - Cooking spray or extra butter (for shaping)
 
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over low heat.
 - Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
 - Mix in a few drops of pink or red food coloring to achieve a brain-like color.
 - Remove from heat and stir in Rice Bubbles until fully coated.
 - Let cool slightly. Grease your hands with butter or spray and form mixture into brain-shaped ovals, adding a center crease if desired.
 - Place shaped brains on a parchment-lined tray and let cool completely.
 - Optional: Drizzle red gel or jam over the top for a gory effect.
 
Notes
- Mix in strawberry jam for added flavor and pink hue.
 - Use silicone brain molds for precise shaping.
 - Add candy eyeballs or mount on sticks for brain pops.
 - White chocolate dyed red makes a creepy topping.
 - Don’t stack when storing—shapes may flatten.
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brain
 - Calories: 130
 - Sugar: 13g
 - Sodium: 80mg
 - Fat: 3g
 - Saturated Fat: 2g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 1g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 25g
 - Fiber: 0g
 - Protein: 1g
 - Cholesterol: 10mg
 
