Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Fluffy Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet memories of childhood snacks take on a delightful caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls twist that instantly sparks joy.

Gooey marshmallows blend perfectly with crisp cereal pieces to create an irresistible treat.

Nostalgic flavors combine with modern kitchen magic for something special.

Crunchy textures meet rich caramel notes in every single bite.

Each ball promises a delectable experience that melts in your mouth.

Soft centers wrapped in sweet caramel make these treats impossible to resist.

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats Wow

  • Conquer Quick Treats: Whip up these delightful caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving something sweet.
  • Delight Kids and Adults: The combination of gooey caramel, soft marshmallows, and crunchy rice krispies creates a universal treat that appeals to all ages, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert.
  • Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Elevate basic pantry staples into a spectacular snack that looks impressive and tastes incredible, turning a few simple ingredients into a memorable culinary experience.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: These bite-sized treats work perfectly for birthday parties, potlucks, movie nights, or spontaneous dessert cravings, adding a touch of fun to any gathering.

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Ball Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Marshmallows: Soft, fluffy pillows that provide the chewy base for this sweet treat.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy rice squares that create a crunchy exterior coating.
  • Caramels: Rich, golden candies that add a smooth and sweet caramel layer.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Evaporated Milk: Creamy dairy product that helps create a smooth caramel sauce.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps blend the caramel mixture.
Optional Garnish:
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for cooling and preventing the treats from sticking.

Steps For Caramel Marshmallow Ball Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Caramel Coating

Grab a medium saucepan and combine the following ingredients:
  • Caramels
  • Evaporated milk
  • Butter

Melt these ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

The gentle heat helps blend everything together without burning.

Step 2: Skewer Marshmallows

Take wooden skewers and carefully pierce each marshmallow through the center.

This will help you easily dip and coat the marshmallows in the warm caramel mixture.

Make sure the skewer is secure but not tearing the marshmallow.

Step 3: Dunk in Caramel

Hold the marshmallow by the skewer and slowly lower it into the warm caramel mixture.

Twirl and rotate the marshmallow to ensure complete and even coverage.

Allow excess caramel to drip off for a thin, even layer.

Step 4: Roll in Crispy Coating

Pour Rice Krispies cereal into a shallow bowl.

Gently roll the caramel-coated marshmallow in the cereal, pressing lightly to help the crispy pieces adhere to the sticky caramel surface.

Rotate the marshmallow to cover every inch.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Carefully slide the coated marshmallow off the skewer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Make sure the marshmallows are not touching each other.

Let them cool and set at room temperature until the caramel hardens and the coating becomes crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once completely cooled, remove the marshmallow balls from the parchment paper.

Arrange on a serving plate and watch as friends and family devour these delightful treats.

Store in an airtight container if not serving immediately.

Pro Tips For Sweet Marshmallow Balls

  • Line your workspace with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup of the marshmallow balls.
  • Keep the caramel mixture on low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, even coating.
  • Use a skewer or two forks to help dip and roll marshmallows evenly in caramel and Rice Krispies for perfect coverage.
  • Refrigerate the balls for 15-20 minutes to help them set quickly and maintain their shape.
  • Replace regular Rice Krispies with gluten-free crispy rice cereal for a celiac-friendly version of this sweet treat.

Flavor Options For Rice Krispie Balls

  • Chocolate Caramel Crunch Balls: Replace Rice Krispies with chocolate-covered Rice Krispies for an extra chocolate layer and richer flavor.
  • Nutty Caramel Marshmallow Bites: Roll coated marshmallows in crushed almonds or pecans instead of Rice Krispies for added crunch and nutty taste.
  • Vegan Caramel Rice Krispie Spheres: Use dairy-free caramel sauce, plant-based butter, vegan marshmallows, and gluten-free Rice Krispies to create an allergy-friendly version.
  • Salted Caramel Marshmallow Treats: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel coating before rolling in Rice Krispies for a sweet and salty combination.

Fun Ways To Serve Marshmallow Balls

  • Sweet Party Platter: Arrange these caramel marshmallow balls on a decorative tray with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing at birthday parties or game nights.
  • Dessert Companion: Pair with cold milk, hot chocolate, or vanilla ice cream to enhance the gooey, crispy texture and create a delightful sweet experience.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack these treats in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a homemade gift that looks professional and tastes amazing. Perfect for holiday sharing or teacher appreciation presents.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Upgrade: Melt some dark or white chocolate and lightly drizzle over the cooled Rice Krispie balls for an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal.

Storing Rice Krispie Balls For Later

  • Store caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 3 days. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • Keep treats in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 2 days for best texture and flavor.
  • Warm gently in microwave for 5-10 seconds if desired, but best enjoyed at room temperature to maintain crispy texture.

FAQs

  • Are these Rice Krispie Balls difficult to make?

No, they’re super easy! You only need three main ingredients and can prepare them in about 15 minutes with simple steps like melting caramel, dipping marshmallows, and rolling in cereal.

  • Can kids help make these treats?

Absolutely! Kids can help roll marshmallows in Rice Krispies or use a skewer to dip them in caramel with adult supervision. It’s a fun, hands-on recipe perfect for family cooking time.

  • How do I prevent the caramel from being too sticky?

Melt caramels slowly over low heat and stir constantly. Adding evaporated milk helps create a smoother, less sticky coating that’s easier to work with.

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Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

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

Description

Caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls combine gooey sweetness with crunchy texture for an irresistible treat. Homemade confections deliver pure childhood nostalgia that will make you smile with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 large marshmallows
  • 1 cup (236 milliliters) Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) package of caramels

Binding/Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare a double boiler or use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to gently melt caramels, evaporated milk, and butter over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
  2. Insert a skewer into each marshmallow, carefully dipping and rotating to ensure complete coverage with the warm caramel mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  3. Immediately transfer the caramel-coated marshmallow into a shallow dish filled with Rice Krispies cereal, gently rolling and pressing to create an even, crispy exterior.
  4. Arrange the coated marshmallow balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to prevent sticking.
  5. Allow the treats to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, enabling the caramel to set and the crispy coating to adhere firmly.
  6. Once cooled and firm, remove the skewers and transfer the caramel marshmallow Rice Krispie balls to a serving platter.
  7. Serve at room temperature for optimal texture and enjoyment of these decadent, crunchy-chewy treats.

Notes

  • Use low heat when melting caramels to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Rotate marshmallows gently while dipping to achieve an even caramel coating without creating air pockets.
  • Work quickly when rolling in Rice Krispies to prevent caramel from hardening before cereal adheres.
  • Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Melting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 143 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 57 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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