Name: Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe: A Sweet and Chewy Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 7 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 10 ounces large marshmallows (approximately 40 marshmallows); 14 ounces Kraft caramels (unwrapped); 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)

These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls combine the gooey goodness of caramel, the soft texture of marshmallows, and the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies cereal. Perfectly bite-sized and easy to make, they’re an ideal treat for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

Add a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of colored sugar for a festive twist, or enjoy them as they are—delightfully sweet and delicious!

Why You’ll Love It:

Easy to Make: This no-bake recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and comes together in under an hour.
Perfect for Sharing: These bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, potlucks, or even as homemade gifts.
Customizable: Add your own spin with toppings, decorations, or different cereal coatings.
Sweet and Chewy Bliss: The combination of caramel, marshmallow, and crispy cereal creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Key Ingredients:

Rice Krispies Cereal: Stick to the classic Rice Krispies for the best texture, but you can also use other puffed rice cereals if desired.
Marshmallows: Large marshmallows work perfectly for this recipe, but you can substitute with jumbo or mini marshmallows if needed. Adjust the coating process for smaller or larger sizes.
Caramels: Kraft caramels melt smoothly, making them ideal for this recipe. If using caramel bits, you may need to reduce the melting time.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ensures the caramel mixture stays creamy and doesn’t harden too quickly. Avoid evaporated milk, as it won’t provide the same sweetness or consistency.
Butter: Adds richness to the caramel coating and prevents it from sticking.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare for Assembly

Line a Baking Sheet:
Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the Rice Krispie balls from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Melt the Caramels

Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add:
14 ounces of Kraft caramels
14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons of butter

Heat and Stir:
Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Stir continuously to melt the caramels and combine the ingredients into a smooth, creamy mixture.
This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Avoid letting the mixture boil or scorch.

Step 3: Coat the Marshmallows

Skewer the Marshmallows:
Insert a toothpick into each marshmallow for easy dipping.

Dip Marshmallows in Caramel:
Carefully dip each marshmallow into the caramel mixture.
Turn the marshmallow to coat it evenly in caramel. Work quickly to ensure a smooth coating before the caramel cools and thickens.

Step 4: Roll in Cereal

Prepare the Cereal:
Pour 7 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into a shallow dish or a baking sheet.

Roll Marshmallows:
Immediately after dipping a marshmallow in caramel, roll it in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
Press gently to ensure the cereal adheres to the caramel.

Place on Baking Sheet:
Transfer the coated marshmallow to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining marshmallows.

Step 5: Set to Cool

Remove Toothpicks:
Once all marshmallows are coated, gently remove the toothpicks.

Let Set:
Allow the Rice Krispie balls to sit on the parchment-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes. This helps the caramel firm up and the treats hold their shape.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve as Is:
Enjoy the Rice Krispie balls straight from the tray! Their chewy, crunchy texture makes them an irresistible snack or dessert.

Optional Enhancements:
Pair with Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures.
Add Festive Decorations: Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with colored sugar for a decorative and flavorful twist.

Serving Suggestions:

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve them for different occasions:

Party Treats: Arrange on a decorative platter for parties or gatherings.
Lunchbox Surprise: Pack one or two in a sealed bag for a fun lunchbox snack.
Holiday Gifts: Wrap individual balls in cellophane with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Dessert Table: Pair with other no-bake desserts like chocolate-dipped pretzels or peanut butter balls for a variety of treats.

Storage and Reheating:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week. Let the treats come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: These treats don’t freeze well, as the caramel can become sticky or brittle after thawing.

Variations:

Different Cereal Coatings: Use Cocoa Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or crushed graham crackers for a fun twist.
Nutty Crunch: Roll the caramel-coated marshmallows in crushed nuts like peanuts, almonds, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Sprinkle Magic: Add festive sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the caramel before rolling in cereal for a sweet-and-savory treat.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle with melted chocolate or dip half the ball in chocolate for an extra decadent variation.

Conclusion:

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are the ultimate combination of chewy, crispy, and sweet. With their easy preparation and endless customization options, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual family treats to festive celebrations.

This recipe is simple enough for beginners but delivers a wow factor that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.