Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls made with caramels, sweetened condensed milk, butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies cereal.
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I didn’t mean for Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls to become my signature holiday treat. It just… happened.
A few years ago, I brought them to a neighborhood Christmas cookie swap. You know the vibe — someone’s wearing reindeer earrings, someone else is complaining about shipping delays, and Mariah Carey is playing softly in the background like it’s legally required. I almost didn’t make these. I thought, “They’re too simple. Everyone’s bringing fancy cookies with powdered sugar snow.”
But I made the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls anyway. And guess what disappeared first?
Yep.
There’s something about these no-bake marshmallow caramel balls that makes people light up. It’s like they unlock a memory. Someone always says, “Oh wow, my aunt used to make these!” or “I haven’t had these since elementary school!”
And every time I dip a marshmallow into warm caramel for this Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls recipe, I get that little flicker of nostalgia too. Sticky fingers. Sneaking one before they’re set. That first crunch when you bite in.
It’s not fancy. It’s not delicate. It’s just good.
Why you’ll Love these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls?
Let’s be honest. Some desserts try too hard. Twelve layers. Complicated frosting. Ingredients you can’t pronounce.
This Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls recipe? It’s humble. And maybe that’s why it wins.
You’ve got soft marshmallow in the center, wrapped in creamy caramel, then coated in crispy cereal. It’s chewy and crunchy at the same time. It’s sweet, but not in a tooth-aching way. And because they’re bite-sized, you feel like you’re practicing restraint. Even if you’re not.
And the fact that they’re no-bake? That’s the real magic. Especially in summer when turning on the oven feels like betrayal. Or during the holidays when the oven is already fighting for its life.
Have you ever made something that looked impressive but secretly took almost no effort? That’s what these caramel marshmallow cereal balls are.
Ingredient Notes
When I first made Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls as an adult, I was almost suspicious of how basic the ingredient list looked. Like, this makes something that good?
Turns out… yes.
- Caramels – Please unwrap them before you start melting. I once tried multitasking and it turned into sticky chaos. Lesson learned.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – This is what makes the caramel smooth instead of stiff. It turns it into that glossy, creamy coating that hugs the marshmallow.
- Butter – Adds richness. Also makes everything melt together better. I don’t fully understand the science — I just know it works.
- Salt – Tiny amount, big impact. It balances the sweetness so these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls don’t taste one-note.
- Large Marshmallows – Fresh ones are easier to dip. Slightly stale ones? They get weirdly stubborn. Just saying.
- Rice Krispies Cereal – The crunch factor. Without it, you’d just have caramel marshmallows (which isn’t terrible… but this is better).
Simple ingredients, but when they come together? It’s kind of magic.
How to Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls?
Okay, let’s do this. Apron optional.
Step 1: Melt the Caramel Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the caramels, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt.
Set it over medium heat and stir constantly. I mean it. Caramel doesn’t forgive distraction. If you walk away to answer a text, it will seize up on you. Ask me how I know.
After a few minutes, everything melts into a smooth, silky mixture. It should look glossy and thick but still pourable. If it starts to feel too thick, lower the heat and keep stirring.
Take a second. It smells amazing.
Step 2: Dip the Marshmallows
Stick a skewer or toothpick into a marshmallow and dip it into the warm caramel. Rotate it so it’s fully coated.
Let the excess drip off. You want coverage, not a caramel landslide.
Your fingers might get sticky. That’s okay. That’s part of making Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls. It’s not a clean sport.
Step 3: Roll in the Cereal
Pour the Rice Krispies into a large bowl. Immediately roll the caramel-covered marshmallow in the cereal until fully coated.
Work fairly quickly because caramel firms up as it cools. If your caramel thickens too much, just gently reheat it.
Watching them turn into little crunchy spheres is oddly satisfying. Like edible snowballs — but better.
Step 4: Let Them Set
Place each ball onto parchment paper and remove the toothpick carefully.
Let them sit for about 30 minutes so the caramel firms up. This is the hardest part. Waiting.
I usually “accidentally” test one early. For quality control, obviously.
Storage Options
Store your Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
If you stack them, use parchment between layers so they don’t stick. The fridge works in hot weather, but it does make the caramel firmer.
Honestly, though? These marshmallow caramel cereal balls rarely survive long enough to worry about storage.
Variations & Substitutions
One of my favorite things about this Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls recipe is how flexible it is.
- Drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt for a salted caramel twist.
- Use chocolate Rice Krispies.
- Roll them in crushed pretzels for sweet-and-salty vibes.
- Add chopped peanuts for crunch.
One year I got bold and mixed in toffee bits with the cereal. It was chaotic. It was messy. It was… kind of incredible.
Have you ever taken a simple recipe and just gone rogue with it?
What to Serve With Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls?
These little no-bake Rice Krispie caramel balls are perfect for:
- Holiday dessert trays
- Bake sales
- Birthday parties
- Movie nights
- Or random “I need something sweet right now” evenings
Pair them with hot cocoa in winter or iced coffee in summer. They also look ridiculously cute wrapped in cellophane bags with a ribbon.
Portable nostalgia. That’s what they are.
FAQ
Can I make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls ahead of time?
Yes. They’re best within a couple of days, but making them the day before a party works beautifully.
Why did my caramel get too thick?
It probably cooked a little too long or cooled down. Just gently reheat while stirring and it should loosen up.
Can I use mini marshmallows?
You can, but dipping them is trickier. Large marshmallows are easier — less chaos.
These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are sweet, nostalgic, and slightly messy in the best way. They remind me that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable.
So tell me — are you team extra crunch or team extra caramel? Or are you already thinking about what you’d add to make them your own?
Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz bag caramels unwrapped
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 10 oz bag large marshmallows
- 7 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
Prepare the Caramel Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Reduce heat as necessary to prevent scorching.
Dip the Marshmallows
- Insert a skewer or toothpick into a marshmallow. Dip the marshmallow into the warm caramel mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess caramel to drip back into the saucepan.
Coat with Cereal
- Place the Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl. Immediately roll the caramel-coated marshmallow in the cereal until evenly coated on all sides. Work efficiently to prevent the caramel from setting before coating.
Set the Balls
- Transfer each coated marshmallow to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Carefully remove the skewer or toothpick. Allow the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls to set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, or until the caramel is firm.
Serve
- Once fully set, serve immediately or store as directed below.
Notes
