Sweet, gooey, and satisfyingly crunchy, Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe is the ultimate no-bake treat that delivers nostalgia in every bite.
Perfect for holiday platters or edible gifts, these bite-sized sweets combine sticky caramel, soft marshmallow, and crisp cereal in an irresistible trifecta.
What You’ll Need for These Gooey Goodies
- Caramels – The heart of the coating, melted into a silky glaze that brings rich, buttery sweetness to every marshmallow.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Adds creamy texture and enhances the caramel’s smooth, luscious finish.
- Butter – A small addition that makes a big impact, adding richness and aiding in caramel smoothness.
- Large marshmallows – The soft, pillowy center that holds everything together and creates that chewy contrast.
- Rice Krispies Cereal – The final layer of crunch, adding lightness and classic cereal nostalgia with every bite.
How to Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls
Start by melting the caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Using a toothpick, dip each marshmallow into the caramel mixture and gently shake off the excess. Roll it right into a bowl of Rice Krispies, coating evenly.
Transfer the coated marshmallow to a parchment-lined sheet, then remove the toothpick. Let them rest and set for about 30 minutes until they’re ready to enjoy.
Sticky Situations Solved: Tips for Perfect Treats
Use fresh marshmallows and fresh cereal to get the best texture and flavor—stale ingredients can lead to a chewy or soggy coating.
Dip and roll quickly: caramel thickens as it cools, so work in small batches or keep the caramel warm on low heat. If the caramel starts to firm up, gently reheat to regain its silky texture.
These treats can be personalized, too. Try rolling the coated marshmallows in crushed pretzels, mini chocolate chips, or even sprinkles for a fun twist. For a salty-sweet kick, a light sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel before adding cereal adds gourmet flair.
Storing Your Sweet Creations
To keep Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls at their best, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving so the caramel softens slightly and the flavors fully bloom. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the cereal can lose its signature crunch.
Caramel-Coated Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 7 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 14 ounces caramels approximately 50 individually wrapped pieces
- 12 ounces large marshmallows
Instructions
- Unwrap the caramels and place them in a medium-sized saucepan along with the butter and sweetened condensed milk. Set over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture melts and becomes smooth.
- Insert a toothpick or skewer into each marshmallow, then dip them one by one into the warm caramel mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into a large mixing bowl. Roll each caramel-coated marshmallow in the cereal until fully covered.
- Transfer the coated marshmallows to a parchment-lined baking sheet, carefully removing the toothpick or skewer from each one.
- Allow the treats to set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before serving or storing.
