Easy Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are wonderfully chewy, gooey, and packed with that irresistible caramel flavor that everyone loves. They’re a fantastic twist on the classic Rice Krispie treat, and they’re surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. I love making these for parties, holidays, or just when a sweet craving strikes. The combination of melted caramel and soft marshmallows creates a wonderfully rich base that perfectly coats the crispy cereal. Making a batch of these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls means you’re only minutes away from a deeply satisfying, nostalgic treat. Forget the plain old version; this recipe brings a depth of flavor with the addition of creamy caramel that truly makes it special.

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are wonderfully chewy, gooey, and packed with that irresistible caramel flavor that everyone loves. They’re a fantastic twist on the classic Rice Krispie treat, and they’re surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. I love making these for parties, holidays, or just when a sweet craving strikes. The combination of melted caramel and soft marshmallows creates a wonderfully rich base that perfectly coats the crispy cereal.

Ingredients:

• 14 ounces caramels (about 50 wrapped Kraft caramels)
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 2 Tablespoon butter
• 12 ounces marshmallows (large)
• 7 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

Making the Caramel Marshmallow Base

This is where the magic happens. You’ll start by melting down the caramels and butter with the sweetened condensed milk. This creates a smooth, luscious sauce that is the heart of these treats. It’s important to melt these ingredients gently to avoid scorching, which can give your caramel a bitter taste. A double boiler is ideal for this, but if you don’t have one, a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water works just as well. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.

1. Melt the Caramels and Butter: Unwrap your caramels and place them in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan along with the 2 Tablespoons of butter. Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly as the caramels and butter begin to melt. You’re looking for a smooth, liquid consistency. Don’t rush this step; low and slow is the key to perfectly melted caramel without any burning. Once the caramels are mostly melted and combined with the butter, slowly pour in the 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk. Continue to stir over low heat.
2. Create the Gooey Sauce: Keep stirring the mixture gently until it’s completely smooth and has a uniform, glossy appearance. This process usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The sweetened condensed milk will help to thin out the caramel and make it incredibly creamy. The mixture should be thick but pourable. If it seems too thick, you can add another splash of sweetened condensed milk, but do so cautiously. Taste a tiny bit (carefully, it’s hot!) to ensure the caramel flavor is to your liking.
3. Melt the Marshmallows: Add the 12 ounces of large marshmallows to the saucepan with the caramel mixture. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting possible. You want the residual heat from the caramel sauce and the low burner to gently melt the marshmallows. Continue to stir and fold the marshmallows into the caramel mixture. This will take a few minutes. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and fully incorporated, creating a smooth, unified, gooey mass with the caramel sauce. The mixture will become very fluffy and airy as the marshmallows melt.

Incorporating the Cereal

Once you have that wonderfully smooth and gooey caramel marshmallow mixture, it’s time to add the star cereal. This is where you get the satisfying crunch that balances the chewiness of the caramel and marshmallows.

1. Add the Rice Krispies: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, gradually add the 7 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the melted marshmallow and caramel mixture. Use a sturdy spoon or a rubber spatula to gently fold the cereal into the mixture. You want to coat every single crispy piece with the gooey caramel goodness. Work quickly but gently; the mixture starts to set as it cools. Ensure all the cereal is evenly distributed. If you try to overmix or stir too vigorously, you might break down the cereal too much and end up with a mushy texture. The goal is to coat the cereal, not to smash it.

Forming the Balls

This is the fun part where your treats take shape. You can form these into traditional bars, but making them into balls is easy and makes for perfect single servings.

1. Shape the Balls: Lightly grease your hands with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also use a cookie scoop dipped in warm water for perfectly uniform balls. Take about a 2-tablespoon-sized portion of the Rice Krispie mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a ball. Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Work relatively quickly, as the mixture will become more difficult to handle as it cools. If the mixture becomes too sticky or hard to work with, you can briefly warm it up over very low heat again, just for a minute or two, to make it more pliable. Ensure your hands are re-greased as needed.

Allow the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls to cool completely on the parchment paper. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Once they are firm, they are ready to be enjoyed. These are best eaten fresh, within a day or two of making them. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence!

Conclusion:

These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are truly a step up from the original, offering a rich, chewy, and deeply satisfying caramel flavor. They’re so easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or just a simple weeknight dessert. I love serving them warm for extra gooeyness, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature. Don’t hesitate to try making a batch; you’ll see why they’ve become a fast favorite for so many. They’re a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of caramels?

Yes, you can experiment with different caramel brands, but stick to the soft, chewy varieties. Some caramels can be harder to melt or might have a different flavor profile, so always unwrap them to be sure. Kraft caramels are a reliable choice for this recipe because they melt smoothly.

How should I store these treats?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s particularly warm, you might want to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, as the caramel can get quite soft.

What if my mixture is too sticky?

If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. You can also dip your measuring cup or hands in a little water or butter when pressing the mixture into the pan, or when rolling the balls. This makes shaping them much easier.

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

Easy no-bake treats featuring a chewy caramel marshmallow base mixed with crispy rice cereal, rolled into bite-sized balls.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
About 18-24 balls

Ingredients

• 14 ounces caramels (about 50 wrapped Kraft caramels)
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 12 ounces marshmallows (large)
• 7 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Unwrap caramels and place them in a large microwave-safe bowl along with the sweetened condensed milk and butter.
2. Step 2
   Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir well. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes total.
3. Step 3
   Add the large marshmallows to the melted caramel mixture. Stir until the marshmallows are completely melted and combined.
4. Step 4
   Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow-caramel mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Step 5
   Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Take about 1/4 cup of the mixture at a time and roll it into balls.
6. Step 6
   Place the rolled balls on wax paper or parchment paper to cool and set.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.