There's something magical about the sweet, gooey perfection of Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls. Imagine biting into a soft, marshmallowy center wrapped in crunchy caramel-coated cereal—a dessert that's just as fun to make as it is to eat. These little treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply as an afternoon pick-me-up.

I discovered this recipe years ago when searching for a no-bake dessert that would wow my kids and their friends. Now, it's a family tradition, especially around the holidays. The best part? They come together with just a handful of pantry staples and zero fuss. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls
Get ready to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing treat! These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are as delightful to eat as they are easy to make. Here's why they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation:
First, they’re a breeze to whip up. No oven? No problem! This no-bake recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute dessert needs.
They’re also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or looking for something to add to your holiday dessert table, these treats fit any occasion.
Finally, these Rice Krispie balls strike the perfect balance of textures and flavors—chewy, crispy, sweet, and buttery. Each bite is like a nostalgic trip back to childhood.
Pro Tip: These treats store beautifully, making them ideal for meal-prepping desserts in advance.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Rice Krispies Cereal: The star of the show, these crispy, airy morsels form the outer layer of the balls, providing the perfect crunch. You can also use a generic puffed rice cereal to save a few bucks.
Marshmallows: The gooey centerpiece! Mini marshmallows work best because they melt evenly, but you can cut larger ones into smaller pieces if that’s what you have on hand.
Caramel Squares: These melt down into a silky, buttery coating. Be sure to unwrap them before starting—your future self will thank you! You can also use homemade caramel if you’re feeling ambitious.
Butter: A small amount of butter adds richness and helps keep the caramel from sticking to the pan.
Optional Add-Ins: While the classic version is irresistible, feel free to jazz it up with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Equipment: You’ll need a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a spatula, and parchment paper for this recipe. A small cookie scoop can also help form the balls uniformly.
How to Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

Making these Rice Krispie Balls is a fun and straightforward process. Here’s how to bring them to life:
- Melt the Caramel
Start by unwrapping about 30 caramel squares and adding them to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan, and set it over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. - Prepare the Assembly Line
While the caramel is melting, set up your workspace. Spread a layer of Rice Krispies cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Have your mini marshmallows ready in a separate bowl. - Assemble the Balls
Working quickly, use a fork or small tongs to dip a marshmallow into the melted caramel, coating it completely. Immediately roll the caramel-coated marshmallow in the Rice Krispies until fully covered. Place it on the parchment paper to cool. - Repeat
Continue this process until all the marshmallows are coated. If the caramel starts to thicken, warm it gently over low heat to maintain a workable consistency. - Let Them Set
Allow the Rice Krispie Balls to cool and firm up at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. They’ll harden into perfectly portable, poppable treats.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation and assembly are quick and satisfying, with minimal cleanup required.
Storage Options
Storing these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls is simple and ensures you can enjoy them for days to come:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Line layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerator: These treats stay fresh for about a week when refrigerated. They’ll become slightly firmer but are just as tasty.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheat them gently in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so don’t hesitate to put your spin on it. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Dip the caramel-coated marshmallow in melted chocolate before rolling it in the cereal.
- Peanut Butter Fans: Stir a tablespoon of peanut butter into the caramel mixture for a nutty undertone.
- Holiday Version: Use colored sprinkles or seasonal cereal varieties to match festive occasions.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your Rice Krispies cereal is certified gluten-free for a safe, allergy-friendly treat.
Experimenting with flavors and textures makes this recipe endlessly adaptable. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to end up with a treat that disappears fast!
These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are a delightful addition to any dessert table, packed with nostalgia and irresistible flavor. So grab your ingredients, gather the family, and make a batch of these crowd-pleasers today. They're guaranteed to become a new favorite!
PrintCaramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe
Indulge in these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls! Made with caramel, marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal, this easy no-bake dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 bag (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 bag (10 oz) large marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt caramels, butter, and milk over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each marshmallow into the caramel mixture, coating completely.
- Roll the caramel-coated marshmallow in Rice Krispies cereal until fully covered.
- Place on parchment paper to set and cool.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Work quickly to coat the marshmallows before the caramel sets.
- For added variety, try using flavored marshmallows or adding a drizzle of chocolate on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 50mg
Leave a Reply