Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Sweet & Gooey Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Sticky, sweet, and utterly irresistible, these caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls are a nostalgic treat that dance between childhood memories and gourmet indulgence.

Creamy caramel weaves its magic through crunchy rice krispies, creating a texture that’s both familiar and exciting.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of crisp cereal and gooey marshmallow goodness.

Rolled into perfect little spheres, these treats offer a playful twist on the classic rice krispie square.

The golden caramel adds a rich depth that transforms an ordinary snack into something extraordinary.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a dream for dessert lovers seeking a quick and delectable sweet.

Caramel Rice Krispie Balls – Why You’ll Want More

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal technical expertise and basic kitchen tools.
  • Quick Sweet Treat: Prepare these delightful balls in just a few simple steps, making them ideal for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Kid-Friendly Creation: Engage children in the fun process of mixing ingredients and rolling balls, turning baking into a memorable family activity that sparks joy and creativity.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls work wonderfully for potlucks, birthday parties, school events, and casual get-togethers where everyone loves a sweet, nostalgic bite.

Ingredients for Chewy Marshmallow Balls

Base Ingredients:
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: A crispy, light cereal that provides a crunchy texture to the marshmallow balls.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Soft, sweet marshmallows that help bind the ingredients together and create a gooey base.
Caramel Coating:
  • Caramel Candies: Sweet, rich candies that melt into a smooth sauce for added flavor and richness.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel mixture.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps to create a creamy, silky texture for the caramel sauce.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray, Butter: Helps prevent sticking and makes forming the balls easier.
  • Parchment Paper: Provides a non-stick surface for cooling the marshmallow balls.

Easy Steps for Caramel Krispie Treats

Step 1: Create Luscious Caramel Base

Grab a saucepan and combine:
  • Soft caramel candies
  • Creamy butter
  • Rich heavy cream

Melt these ingredients over gentle heat, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth liquid.

Step 2: Marry Marshmallows With Caramel

Pour the warm caramel directly over mini marshmallows in a spacious mixing bowl.

Gently fold the marshmallows into the caramel, ensuring they’re perfectly coated and glistening.

Step 3: Incorporate Crispy Cereal

Add Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow-caramel blend.

Stir with care, making sure every single cereal piece gets wrapped in the sweet, sticky goodness.

Step 4: Shape Delectable Treats

Prepare your hands by lightly coating them with butter or cooking spray.

This prevents the mixture from sticking as you roll.

Scoop small portions and roll them into bite-sized spheres, creating uniform balls of deliciousness.

Step 5: Cool And Set

Arrange the freshly formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Allow them to rest and firm up at room temperature, letting the caramel and marshmallow set into a perfect, chewy texture.

Pro Tips for Rice Krispie Balls

  • Generously grease hands with butter or cooking spray before shaping rice krispie balls to prevent mixture from sticking.
  • Melt caramel over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
  • Use gentle, light pressure when forming balls to maintain their round shape without compressing too tightly.
  • Refrigerate rice krispie balls for 15-20 minutes to help them set quickly and maintain their structural integrity.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate, sprinkle sea salt, or roll in chopped nuts for extra taste and visual appeal.

Creative Variations for Krispie Balls

  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle over cooled caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls for extra richness.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the cereal mixture for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace Rice Krispies with gluten-free crispy rice cereal to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Transformation: Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil, use vegan caramel candies, and swap marshmallows with vegan marshmallow alternatives for a plant-based version.

How to Serve Rice Krispie Balls Fun-Style

  • Sweet Party Platter: Arrange these caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls on a decorative serving tray with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing at birthday parties or game night gatherings.
  • Dessert Gift Idea: Package the balls in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons, perfect for homemade gifts or holiday treat exchanges with friends and family.
  • Kids' Snack Station: Create a fun dessert bar where children can pick up these bite-sized treats, pairing them with chocolate drizzle or sprinkles for extra excitement.
  • Elegant Dessert Presentation: Dust the rice krispie balls with powdered sugar or cocoa powder and place them on individual mini dessert plates for a sophisticated touch at dinner parties.

Keeping Krispie Balls Tasty for Days

  • Store caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer between wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
  • Wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Keep in a sealed container away from direct sunlight or heat. Consume within 2 days for best texture and flavor.
  • Microwave chilled balls for 5-10 seconds to restore softness and bring back their gooey caramel essence.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade marshmallows for this recipe?

Yes, homemade marshmallows work perfectly and can add a more authentic flavor to your rice krispie balls.

  • How long will these caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls stay fresh?

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

  • Are these suitable for kids' parties?

Absolutely! These bite-sized treats are fun, easy to eat, and loved by children of all ages.

  • Can I add chocolate drizzle or coating?

Definitely! Melted chocolate can be drizzled over the balls or used as a coating for extra indulgence.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

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

Description

Sweet caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls merge gooey marshmallow magic with crispy rice cereal and rich caramel notes. Delightful handheld treats melt in your mouth, promising pure comfort in each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups rice krispies cereal
  • 1 bag (10 ounces / 283 grams) mini marshmallows
  • 1 bag (11 ounces / 312 grams) caramel candies

Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Gently melt caramel candies, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat (around 200°F), continuously stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
  2. Transfer the warm caramel mixture into a spacious mixing bowl containing mini marshmallows, carefully folding the ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
  3. Introduce Rice Krispies cereal into the caramel-marshmallow blend, stirring methodically to coat every crisp morsel with the sweet, sticky coating.
  4. Lubricate hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then meticulously shape the mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter.
  5. Arrange the freshly formed caramel marshmallow balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing them to rest and solidify at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until they maintain their structural integrity.

Notes

  • Butter your hands generously to prevent sticky mixture from clinging and make shaping rice krispie balls easier.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth caramel mixture and consistent coating of marshmallows and cereal.
  • Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help them set faster and maintain their round shape.
  • For gluten-free version, swap regular Rice Krispies with gluten-free rice cereal to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Melting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star