Sweet Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe: No-Bake Joy

Sticky, gooey, and utterly irresistible, these caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls dance with sweet nostalgia on every bite.

Sweet caramel swirls through classic rice krispie treats, creating a decadent twist that makes ordinary snacks extraordinary.

Childhood memories collide with indulgent flavors in this simple yet magical dessert.

Each ball offers a perfect blend of crispy texture and rich, molten caramel.

Melted marshmallows bind the crisp rice cereal into delightful spheres of pure comfort.

The result is a handheld treat that melts in your mouth with layers of sugary bliss.

Let’s find out this recipe and transform your ordinary snack time into an unforgettable sugar-coated adventure.

How to Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

• Caramel Prep

Melt caramel with condensed milk and butter in a saucepan, stirring smoothly until everything blends into a silky golden mixture. Keep heat gentle to prevent burning.

• Marshmallow Coating

Carefully dip each fluffy marshmallow into warm caramel using a toothpick, ensuring complete coverage. Let excess drip back into the pan for an even layer.

• Cereal Crunch

Roll caramel-coated marshmallows in crispy rice cereal, gently pressing to create a delightful crunchy exterior. Press lightly to help cereal adhere perfectly.

• Cooling Zone

Place coated treats on parchment-lined baking sheet, removing toothpicks carefully. Allow balls to rest and set for about 30 minutes until firm and cool.

• Optional Sparkle

For extra pizzazz, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle colorful decorations over the rice krispie balls. Store in sealed container to maintain freshness and crunch.

Flavor Tips for Rice Krispie Balls

• Melt dark, milk, or white chocolate and create elegant swirls over the Rice Krispie balls for an impressive gourmet touch that elevates the dessert's appearance.
• Replace standard Rice Krispies with toasted chopped almonds or crushed pecans to add delightful texture and rich, deep flavor profiles to your sweet treats.
• Incorporate seasonal sprinkles or colored sugar crystals matching specific celebrations like Halloween orange, Christmas red and green, or birthday party colors for festive visual appeal.
• Prepare these delightful bites up to two days in advance and store them carefully in a cool, dry place to streamline party preparation and reduce last-minute stress.
• For gluten-sensitive friends, ensure using gluten-free Rice Krispies and dairy-free caramel alternatives to create inclusive, delicious treats everyone can enjoy without worry.

Serving Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

• Sweet Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert display by arranging these caramel marshmallow Rice Krispie balls on a decorative platter with different heights using cake stands or small pedestals.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the balls for an elegant and decadent touch that elevates the basic recipe and adds sophisticated flavor complexity.
• Kids' Dessert Station: Set up a fun interactive station where children can help decorate the Rice Krispie balls with colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed nuts, making it a playful and engaging treat.
• Gifting Delight: Package these treats in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a homemade gift perfect for holidays, birthdays, or as a sweet surprise for friends and family.

Storing Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Right

• Sweet Spot Storage: Keep these delightful caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they remain fresh and deliciously crispy for 2-3 days.
• Chill Zone Strategy: When refrigerated, the caramel might become slightly firmer, so let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their soft, gooey texture.
• Single Layer Protection: Place wax paper between each layer when stacking in your storage container to prevent the balls from sticking together and maintain their perfect round shape.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these treats up to two days in advance for parties or gatherings, giving you extra time to focus on other party preparations without sacrificing taste or quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 146 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients for Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

• Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy foundation providing delightful crunch and structure to the treats, select fresh and crunchy cereal for optimal texture.
• Marshmallows: Soft binding agent that melts smoothly to create sticky cohesion, choose large marshmallows for easier melting and consistent texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds creamy depth and prevents sticking, select high-quality butter for richer taste and smoother melting.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides luxurious sweetness and silky smooth consistency, opt for full-fat version for maximum richness.

• Kraft Caramels: Delivers intense caramel flavor and creates glossy exterior, select unwrapped caramels for convenient melting and smooth coating process.

What You’ll Need for Rice Krispie Balls

• Baking Sheet: Essential for cooling and laying out Rice Krispie balls.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Toothpicks: Helps dip and coat marshmallows with caramel.
• Medium Saucepan: Used for melting caramels, condensed milk, and butter.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring caramel mixture smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for rolling marshmallows in Rice Krispies.

Gooey Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Homemade caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls combine gooey sweetness with crunchy texture. Delightful spheres of nostalgic comfort deliver pure happiness for snack enthusiasts seeking a simple yet irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 oz (397 g) unwrapped Kraft caramels
• 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 10 oz (280 g) large marshmallows
• 7 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal of the final treats.
2. Caramel Creation: Melt Kraft caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform consistency without boiling.
3. Marshmallow Preparation: Insert toothpicks into marshmallows, creating convenient handles for dipping and coating.
4. Coating Process: Submerge each marshmallow completely in the warm caramel mixture, ensuring thorough and even coverage. Immediately roll the caramel-coated marshmallow in Rice Krispies cereal, applying gentle pressure to help the crispy pieces adhere perfectly.
5. Setting and Finishing: Arrange the coated marshmallows on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball. Carefully remove toothpicks to maintain the ball’s shape. Allow treats to cool and set at room temperature for 30 minutes until firm.
6. Optional Enhancement: For added visual appeal and flavor, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with decorative toppings.
7. Storage: Preserve the completed treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

Notes

• Prevent Caramel Burning: Stir continuously and keep heat at medium to avoid scorching, which can ruin the smooth caramel texture.
• Master Marshmallow Coating: Insert toothpicks before dipping to create clean, uniform balls without messy handling.
• Cereal Adhesion Trick: Use a light, rolling motion when coating to ensure crispy pieces stick evenly without falling off.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep treats in a single layer and avoid humidity to maintain crispness and prevent marshmallows from becoming sticky.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 146
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg