Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of gooey caramel, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy cereal in every bite of these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls. Perfect for holiday treats, parties, or an afternoon snack, these bite-sized delights are fun to make and even more fun to eat!

I first discovered this recipe during a family holiday baking session, where we needed a no-bake option to balance out the oven-heavy desserts. These sweet treats were an instant hit, and now they’re a staple in my dessert rotation. Let’s dive into the details so you can whip up your own batch of deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest, most crowd-pleasing recipes you'll ever make. These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are sure to win hearts for so many reasons:

• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a party, bake sale, or a cozy treat for the family, these little bites of joy fit the bill.
• No-bake simplicity: No oven? No problem! These come together on your stovetop with minimal effort.
• Kids will love helping: Rolling the sticky marshmallow-covered cereal into balls is a fun activity for little helpers.
• A great make-ahead option: These treats store beautifully, so you can prepare them in advance for a stress-free dessert solution.

The best part? Each bite has the perfect balance of caramel sweetness and marshmallow chewiness with just the right amount of crunch.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just a handful of pantry staples come together to create something spectacular.

• Rice Krispies: The foundation of this recipe. Their light, crisp texture perfectly balances the gooey caramel and marshmallow coating.
• Caramel candies: Melted caramel candies form the sticky, sweet base. Use soft, individually wrapped caramels for easy melting.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This adds a creamy richness to the caramel, ensuring it stays soft and luscious.
• Butter: A touch of butter helps the caramel stay smooth and prevents sticking.
• Mini marshmallows: These not only add chewiness but also help bind everything together when coated in caramel.
• Optional sprinkles: For a festive twist, roll your finished balls in colorful sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut.

You’ll also need some wax paper or parchment paper to keep things from sticking as you assemble your treats.

How To Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

Making these Rice Krispie balls is so straightforward, you’ll want to add them to your regular recipe rotation! Here's how to do it:

1. Prepare your workspace
   Lay out wax paper or parchment paper on a large baking sheet. Set aside a bowl of mini marshmallows and measure out your Rice Krispies for easy access.
2. Melt the caramel
   In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the caramel candies, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. This takes about 5-7 minutes – watch carefully to avoid scorching.
3. Coat the marshmallows
   Working quickly, drop a handful of mini marshmallows into the caramel and stir to coat them evenly. Use a fork or slotted spoon to transfer the coated marshmallows into the bowl of Rice Krispies, rolling them gently to cover with cereal.
4. Shape the balls
   Using your hands (greased lightly with butter), form the coated marshmallow-cereal mixture into 1-2 inch balls. Place each ball onto the prepared wax paper.
5. Cool and set
   Allow the balls to cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or store for later!

Expect to spend about 20 minutes on assembly and another 30 minutes for cooling, making this a quick and easy treat for any occasion.

Storage Options

These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls store wonderfully, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer the balls with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator: For a firmer texture, store in the fridge. They’ll last up to a week this way.
• Freezer: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

For best results, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other without a barrier – they’ll stick together!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it to your liking!

• Chocolate drizzle: Once the balls are set, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of decadence.
• Add-ins: Mix in crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips with the Rice Krispies for added texture.
• Swap the cereal: Use other cereals like Corn Flakes or Cocoa Krispies for a fun twist.
• Festive sprinkles: Roll the finished balls in colorful sprinkles for a holiday-themed dessert.
• Healthier swaps: Try using brown rice cereal and unsweetened coconut flakes to lighten things up.

The possibilities are endless – don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!

With just a few ingredients and a little bit of love, these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a treat to share with loved ones, these bite-sized delights never fail to impress. Enjoy!

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