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)

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie BallsThis recipe uses gooey caramel, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies cereal to create a chewy, crunchy, insanely addicting treat. They’re bite-sized, easy to whip up and make the perfect party, holiday or unattended-for-too-long treat.

Drizzle some chocolate or sprinkle on some colored sugar for a little festive flair, or just eat them as is — wonderfully sweet and delicious!

Why You’ll Love It:

So Easy: A few pantry staples and 30 to 40 minutes with this no-bake recipe.

Great for Passing Around: These mini nibbles are suited for parties, potlucks and homemade gifting, as well.

Flexible: Top, add or crust with whatever you like.

Soft Happiness: Providing rich sweetness with a comforting bite and crunch of caramel, marshmallow and crispy cereal.

Key Ingredients:

Rice Krispies Cereal: Classic Rice Krispies are the best texture, but any puffed out rice cereal will also work.

Marshmallows (giant): This recipe uses giant marshmallows, but jumbo or mini marshmallows will also do the trick, if needed. Smaller or larger sizes will require you to adjust the coating process.

Caramels: Kraft caramels melt easily, and work perfectly here. If using caramel bits, you might have to cut the melting time.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: This keeps the caramel mixture creamy and from hardening too much. Don’t go for evaporated milk — it won’t give you comparable sweetness or texture.

Butter: Contributes richness to the caramel coating and stops it from sticking.

Full ingredient list with amounts and instructions are at the bottom of the recipe card

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Baking Sheet

Heat your oven to 350°F, with a rack in the center position. This will guarantee that the Rice Krispie balls will slide right off, and it’ll be even easier for you to clean afterward.

Step 2: Melting the Caramels

Gather Ingredients:

14 ounces Kraft caramels

1 can (14 ounces) evaporated milk

2 tablespoons butter

Put the caramels, evaporated milk and butter in a medium-size saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat, and stir constantly until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take 5-7 minutes to do. Just make sure you don’t boil it or burn it.

Step 3: Coat the Marshmallows

Make Marshmallows: Stick a toothpick in each marshmallow to make dipping easier.

Dip and Coat: Dip each marshmallow in the caramel mixture, twisting slightly to cover completely. Work quickly; the caramel will cool and thicken rapidly.

Step 4: Roll in Cereal

Prepare the Cereal:

If using homemade marshmallows, pour 7 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into a shallow dish or a baking sheet.

Roll Marshmallows:

Quickly after dipping a marshmallow in caramel, roll it in the Rice Krispies cereal right away until completely coated.

Fold in the cereal until it’s lightly coated with the caramel.

Place on Baking Sheet:

Gently transfer the coated marshmallow to a prepared baking sheet. Continue as above with remaining marshmallows.

Step 5: Set to Cool

Remove Toothpicks:

I recommend doing this one at a time, so once the marshmallow is coated, gently pull out the toothpicks.

Let Set:

Let the rice Krispie balls rest on the parchment-lined baking sheets for 30 minutes. This makes the caramel firm up, the treats hold their shape.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve as Is:

The Rice Krispie balls look great just as they are in the tray!The chewy, crunchy texture makes them an almighty snack or dessert.

Optional Enhancements:

Pair with Ice Cream Save with Image: A scoop of vanilla ice cream will contrast the texture.

Holiday Decor: Drizzle melted chocolate or colored sugar.

Serving Suggestions:

Just as a nutrition fact, these carmJan Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls. Here’s how to serve ’em for different occasions:

Party Treats: For parties or gatherings, arrange on a pretty platter.

Lunchbox Surprise: Toss one or two into a sealed bag for an exciting lunchbox treat.

Holiday Gifts: Wrap balls individually in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a nice homey gift.

Dessert Table: Serve alongside other no-bake sweets like chocolate-dipped pretzels or peanut butter balls for a sweet spread.

Storage and Reheating:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.

Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate in a covered container for a week. Refrigerate until serving, then bring to room temperature.

Freezing: These are not suitable for freezing; the caramel turns sticky or hard upon thawing.

Variations:

Wild Cereal Coating: You might get really funky and make it with Cocoa Krispies, Fruity Pebbles or crushed graham crackers for a zesty kick.

Nutty crunch: For added texture and flavor, roll your caramel-encased marshmallows in crushed nuts — peanuts, almonds or pecans each work well.

Add a little sprinkle: You can add sprinkles by holiday or occasion.

Salted caramel: Sprinkle on a bit of flaky sea salt before dipping in cereal for a sweet-and-savory crunch.

For Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle with melted chocolate, or dip half of the ball into chocolate for an even richer version.

Conclusion:

Somewhere in the middle is a delightful combination of chewy, crispy and sweet. What I landed on was the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls. They’re also perfect for any occasion, from relaxed treats for the family to festive affairs, owing to how easy they are to prepare, and how endlessly you can customize them.

This recipe is easy enough for a beginner but impressive enough for everyone to enjoy. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves and prepare to enjoy a delightful treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat.