Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Fluffy Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet memories dance through my delectable caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls that promise pure childhood nostalgia.

Sticky marshmallows melt into golden caramel, creating irresistible clusters of crunchy delight.

Kids and adults alike will fall head over heels for these bite-sized treats.

Childhood comfort meets gourmet indulgence in each perfectly crafted morsel.

Crispy edges and gooey centers make these snacks impossible to resist.

Soft caramel swirls bring unexpected depth to classic rice krispie magic.

Whip up these irresistible spheres and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure joy.

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Snack Joy

  • Quick No-Bake Delight: Whip up these irresistible caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls in just minutes without turning on the oven, perfect for busy home cooks craving a sweet treat.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in a fun, easy recipe that lets them roll marshmallows in cereal, creating a hands-on culinary experience that sparks joy and creativity.
  • Versatile Party Snack: Serve these bite-sized treats at birthday parties, movie nights, or potlucks, offering a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines gooey caramel, soft marshmallows, and crunchy rice krispies.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Craft a delicious dessert using just four simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, making this recipe both budget-friendly and stress-free.

Rice Krispie Balls Caramel Marshmallow Ingredients

Main Sweet Components:
  • Large Marshmallows: Soft, gooey binder that helps hold the Rice Krispie balls together and adds sweetness.
  • Caramels: Rich, golden candies that create a luscious caramel coating and provide deep, buttery flavor.
Binding and Texture Ingredients:
  • Butter: Smooth fat that helps melt caramels and marshmallows, creating a silky mixture for coating.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy rice base that gives the balls their signature crunch and light texture. Look for fresh, crisp cereal to ensure maximum crunchiness.

Caramel Rice Krispie Balls Prep Directions

Step 1: Prepare Caramel Coating

In a medium saucepan, combine caramels and butter.

Melt the ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and completely blended.

Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to prevent burning the marshmallows.

Step 2: Dip Marshmallows

Use a skewer or fork to carefully dunk each marshmallow into the warm caramel mixture.

Ensure the marshmallow is completely and evenly coated with the golden caramel sauce.

Gently tap off any excess caramel to prevent dripping.

Step 3: Roll in Crunchy Cereal

Pour Rice Krispies cereal into a shallow bowl.

Immediately roll the caramel-coated marshmallow in the crispy cereal, pressing gently to help the cereal adhere to the sticky surface.

Rotate the marshmallow to create a full, even coating of crunchy goodness.

Step 4: Set and Cool

Place the finished Rice Krispie balls on a tray lined with wax paper or parchment paper.

Allow them to cool and set at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

The caramel will harden slightly, creating a delightful crunchy exterior around the soft marshmallow center.

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls With Sticky-Free Steps

  • Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray when rolling marshmallow balls to stop them from sticking.
  • Maintain low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning or scorching the caramel mixture.
  • Use two forks to dip and roll marshmallows for more even caramel coverage and cleaner handling.
  • Toast Rice Krispies cereal briefly in a dry skillet for extra crunch and deeper, nuttier flavor before coating.
  • Refrigerate finished Rice Krispie balls for 15-20 minutes to help caramel set faster and maintain their shape.

Keep Rice Krispie Balls Cool For Later

  • Store Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 3 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain their shape and prevent caramel from melting.
  • Wrap individual balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks for longer storage without losing texture or flavor.
  • Remove frozen balls from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This gradual warming prevents condensation and keeps the crispy coating intact.
  • If desired, warm slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften caramel, but avoid overheating to preserve the Rice Krispies' crunch.

Sweet Bites to Serve with Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

  • Pair Sweet Cocoa Bliss: Rich hot chocolate complements the caramel marshmallow treat, enhancing the sugary richness and creating a comforting dessert experience.
  • Serve Creamy Vanilla Companion: Smooth vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to the warm, sticky texture of the Rice Krispie balls, balancing sweetness and temperature.
  • Match Smooth Coffee Delight: Dark roast coffee cuts through the sugary caramel, offering a robust counterpoint that cleanses the palate between each delectable bite.
  • Enjoy Chilled Milk Magic: Classic cold milk perfectly softens the crispy cereal coating and harmonizes with the marshmallow's gooey center, creating a nostalgic childhood dessert moment.

Rice Krispie Balls with Caramel Marshmallow Fun Mixes

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace standard Rice Krispies with gluten-free crispy rice cereal, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap traditional marshmallows with vegan marshmallows, use plant-based butter, and select dairy-free caramel sauce to create a completely animal-product-free version.
  • Nut-Enhanced Variation: Roll caramel-coated marshmallows in crushed almonds, pecans, or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and nutty flavor complexity.
  • Dark Chocolate Drizzle: After coating with Rice Krispies, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the balls for an extra layer of rich, decadent sweetness.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade marshmallows for this recipe?

Yes, homemade marshmallows work great and can add a unique texture and flavor to the Rice Krispie balls.

  • How long do these caramel marshmallow balls stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain delicious for up to 3-4 days.

  • Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt content, but salted butter will work if that’s what you have on hand.

  • Can I make these in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can prepare these Rice Krispie balls a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

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Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls bring nostalgic childhood memories to life with a gooey, crispy twist. Irresistible clusters of marshmallow-coated cereal drizzled in rich caramel promise a delightful treat you’ll absolutely love.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 bag of large marshmallows

Binding/Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 bag (14 ounces / 396 grams) of caramels, unwrapped
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Preparation Ingredients:

  • None

Instructions

  1. Create a silky caramel base by gently melting caramels with butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
  2. Prepare a clean workspace with a wax paper-lined tray to hold the finished treats.
  3. Insert a skewer or fork into each marshmallow, carefully dunking it into the warm caramel mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  4. Immediately transfer the caramel-coated marshmallow to a shallow dish filled with Rice Krispies cereal, rotating and rolling to create a uniform, crispy exterior.
  5. Delicately place each coated marshmallow onto the prepared tray, allowing them to cool and solidify at room temperature.
  6. Once the caramel has set and the Rice Krispies have adhered, the treats are ready to be served or stored in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Toast Rice Krispies lightly in a dry pan before coating to enhance their nutty flavor and create extra crunch.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture to balance the sweetness and create a more complex taste profile.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Rice Krispies or puffed rice cereal to maintain the same texture and crunch.
  • Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished balls for an elegant, decadent touch that elevates the classic treat.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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