There's something magical about the sweet, gooey goodness of Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls. These bite-sized treats combine the nostalgic crunch of classic Rice Krispies with the indulgent richness of buttery caramel and the fluffy charm of marshmallows.

The first time I made these, it was for a holiday cookie exchange. Not only were they the easiest treat on the table, but they were also the first to disappear. Now, they’re a staple in our home, especially during festive seasons when sweet snacks are a must-have. Let me show you why this recipe is such a crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

Get ready to add your new favorite treat to your dessert repertoire. These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are perfect for any occasion and so simple to make.

First, they’re a no-bake recipe! That means you can whip these up without worrying about oven space or preheating. Perfect for busy days or hot summer afternoons when you don’t want to turn on the stove.

Second, the combination of flavors is irresistible. The creamy caramel coating, fluffy marshmallows, and crispy cereal come together in perfect harmony, delivering a sweet and satisfying crunch in every bite.

They’re also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a school bake sale, or just a family movie night, these treats fit the bill. You can even customize them with festive sprinkles or drizzles of chocolate.

Lastly, they’re kid-friendly in every way. From assembling to eating, kids will love helping to roll these sticky, fun-to-make treats. And you’ll love how quick and easy the cleanup is.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make.

Caramel candies: These are the foundation of the caramel coating. I recommend using soft, individually wrapped caramel candies for easy melting. If you can’t find them, caramel baking bits also work wonderfully.
Sweetened condensed milk: This adds richness and helps the caramel stay smooth and glossy. Be sure not to substitute with evaporated milk – the results won’t be the same.
Butter: A small amount of unsalted butter prevents the caramel from sticking and gives it a silky texture.
Mini marshmallows: These are the surprise center of each ball. Their soft, fluffy texture is the perfect complement to the chewy caramel coating.
Rice Krispies cereal: The crunch! Choose a fresh box to ensure maximum crispness. Stale cereal can make the texture disappointing.

Optional tools include a candy thermometer to ensure the caramel reaches the right consistency and a pair of silicone gloves or lightly greased hands to help with rolling the balls.

How To Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

Making these delightful treats is as easy as 1-2-3! Let me guide you step-by-step through the process.

Prepare your workspace: Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on your countertop for easy cleanup. Pour the Rice Krispies into a large, shallow dish or bowl.
Melt the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine caramel candies, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and don’t rush by cranking up the heat – burnt caramel is a sad affair.
Assemble the balls: Using a fork or skewer, dip a mini marshmallow into the warm caramel mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Immediately roll the caramel-coated marshmallow in the Rice Krispies until evenly covered.
Shape and cool: Quickly transfer the coated marshmallow to the parchment paper and gently shape it into a ball with greased hands if needed. Repeat until all the marshmallows are used. Let the balls cool and set for about 20 minutes before serving.

The entire process should take around 30 minutes, and the payoff is totally worth it – chewy, crispy perfection in every bite!

Storage Options

These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are as convenient to store as they are to make. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the layers are separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate these treats for up to a week. Just allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, so the caramel softens slightly.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

To reheat or refresh, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back a touch of gooeyness – just be cautious not to overheat.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Here are some fun twists to try:

Add a chocolate drizzle: Once the balls have cooled, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for an extra layer of decadence.
Holiday sprinkles: Roll the balls in festive sprinkles instead of Rice Krispies to match the season or occasion.
Nutty twist: For a little crunch and extra flavor, add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the Rice Krispies before rolling.
Salted caramel version: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each ball before the caramel sets to balance the sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
Peanut butter lovers: Stir a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the caramel mixture before dipping the marshmallows. It adds a nutty depth that’s absolutely delicious.

Feel free to get creative – this recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Who knows? You might discover a new family favorite variation.

With their chewy centers, crispy coatings, and irresistibly sweet flavor, Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are a treat worth trying. Whether you're making them for a party, a gift, or just because, they’re guaranteed to delight everyone who tries them. Enjoy!