Gooey Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Gooey Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Sweet memories flood back when you bite into these delightful caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls that dance between childhood nostalgia and gourmet indulgence.

Sticky marshmallow goodness combines with crunchy cereal in a magical blend.

Ribbons of rich caramel weave through each perfectly shaped sphere, creating an irresistible treat.

Crisp textures contrast with smooth caramel for a sensational experience.

No fancy equipment or complicated techniques stand between you and these dreamy bites.

Kitchen novices and dessert enthusiasts alike can craft these delectable morsels with ease.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that promises pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls to Try

  • Craft Sweet Bites: Create adorable, bite-sized treats perfect for parties, snacking, or satisfying sudden sugar cravings with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Quick No-Bake Magic: Transform simple ingredients into delightful dessert balls without turning on the oven, making preparation fast and stress-free for busy home cooks.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in a fun culinary activity where they can help roll marshmallows and coat them in crunchy cereal, turning dessert-making into a playful family bonding experience.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Impress guests with a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks professionally made but requires basic cooking techniques, suitable for potlucks, birthdays, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients in Caramel Marshmallow Krispies

Coating Ingredients:
  • Caramel Candies: Soft squares that create a sweet and sticky outer layer for the marshmallows.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps the caramel melt smoothly.
  • Milk: Provides smoothness and helps blend the caramel mixture.
Base Ingredients:
  • Marshmallows: Soft, fluffy centers that serve as the core of these delightful treats.
Crunchy Coating:
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Crispy rice pieces that add a satisfying crunch and textural contrast to the sweet marshmallow balls.

How to Make Rice Krispie Balls

Step 1: Prepare Caramel Coating

In a medium saucepan, combine the following ingredients over low heat:
  • Caramel candies
  • Butter
  • Milk

Stir the mixture constantly until it becomes completely smooth and silky, creating a glossy caramel sauce that will perfectly coat the marshmallows.

Step 2: Dip Marshmallows

Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to carefully dunk each marshmallow into the warm caramel mixture.

Ensure each marshmallow gets a complete and even coating, allowing excess caramel to drip off slightly.

Step 3: Create Crispy Exterior

Roll the caramel-covered marshmallow immediately in Rice Krispies cereal.

Gently press the cereal into the caramel to ensure a full and consistent coverage around the entire marshmallow. Make sure no bare spots remain.

Step 4: Set and Chill

Place the coated marshmallow balls on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Allow them to cool and set at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

The caramel will harden slightly, creating a delightful crispy shell around the marshmallow.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls to a serving plate.

These treats are perfect for parties, dessert tables, or a sweet afternoon snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips to Maximize Flavor in Krispie Balls

  • Melt caramel mixture slowly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
  • Use room temperature marshmallows for easier coating and more even caramel coverage.
  • Prepare a clean workspace with wax paper ready before starting to minimize mess and ensure quick assembly.
  • Keep caramel warm over low heat while dipping to maintain ideal consistency for coating marshmallows.
  • Work quickly when rolling marshmallows in Rice Krispies to prevent caramel from hardening before cereal sticks completely.

Flavor Twists for Rice Krispie Treats

  • Chocolate Drizzle Balls: Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over caramel-coated marshmallow rice krispie balls for extra richness.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Roll caramel-coated marshmallows in chopped pecans or almonds instead of Rice Krispies for a crunchy texture.
  • Dark Caramel Glaze: Use dark caramel sauce or replace regular caramel with homemade salted caramel for a more intense flavor profile.
  • Vegan Rice Krispie Balls: Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil, use vegan marshmallows, and replace milk with almond milk for a plant-based version.

What to Serve with Rice Krispie Balls

  • Sweet Party Poppers: Create bite-sized treats perfect for kids' birthday parties or holiday gatherings, offering a fun and interactive dessert experience.
  • Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Arrange the caramel marshmallow balls on a decorative platter with chocolate drizzle and colorful sprinkles for an eye-catching presentation.
  • Gift-Worthy Snack Bags: Package these delightful treats in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons as homemade gifts for friends, teachers, or office colleagues, adding a personal touch to sweet sharing.
  • Nostalgic Snack Station: Set up a DIY station where guests can customize their own caramel marshmallow balls with different toppings like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or mini chocolate chips.

Storing Caramel Marshmallow Krispie Balls

  • Store leftover Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
  • Refrigerate for extended freshness, keeping them crisp and preventing caramel from becoming too soft.
  • Reheat gently in microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore softness, but avoid overheating to prevent marshmallow from melting completely.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade marshmallows?

Yes, homemade marshmallows work great and can add a unique texture and flavor to the recipe.

  • How long do these rice krispie balls stay fresh?

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

  • Is it necessary to use whole milk, or can I substitute?

You can use low-fat milk or even non-dairy alternatives like almond milk without significantly affecting the caramel’s consistency.

  • Can kids help make this recipe?

Absolutely! Kids can help roll marshmallows in Rice Krispies and have fun with the dipping process, making it a great family cooking activity.

Print
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Gooey Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Gooey Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Chocolate-drizzled caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls deliver a nostalgic sweet treat with irresistible charm. Homemade snacks bring delightful memories and create special moments for family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces (280 grams) mini marshmallows
  • 6 cups (150 grams) Rice Krispies cereal
  • 14 ounces (397 grams) caramel candies (about 50 pieces)

Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Gently heat caramel candies, butter, and milk in a saucepan over low temperature, continuously stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
  2. Insert a toothpick into each marshmallow, preparing for dipping and coating.
  3. Carefully immerse each marshmallow into the warm, glossy caramel mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  4. Immediately roll the caramel-coated marshmallow through Rice Krispies cereal, pressing gently to create a thorough, crispy exterior.
  5. Transfer the freshly coated treats onto a wax paper-lined surface, allowing them to cool and solidify at room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes.
  6. Once the caramel has set and the cereal coating has slightly hardened, remove the toothpicks and arrange the treats on a serving platter.
  7. Serve at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Ensure low and slow heat when melting caramel to prevent burning, creating a silky smooth coating for marshmallows.
  • Experiment with different cereal textures like crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor variation.
  • Use room temperature marshmallows for easier coating and more even caramel distribution.
  • Refrigerate completed balls for 10-15 minutes to help caramel set quickly and maintain a firmer shape.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 172
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 43 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 1.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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