There’s nothing quite as delightful as biting into a Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Ball. These bite-sized treats combine gooey caramel, fluffy marshmallows, and the satisfying crunch of crispy rice cereal. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or just as an indulgent snack, they’re a surefire way to bring smiles to anyone who tries them.
I remember the first time I made these; it was during a holiday baking marathon with my mom. We wanted something quick and fun to add to the cookie platter, and these became the standout star of the dessert table. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with them too.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls
Get ready to discover your new favorite treat. These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are more than just delicious; they’re a joy to make and eat.
First, they’re incredibly easy to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, this recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something impressive.
The flavor is out of this world. The buttery caramel wraps around the marshmallows and cereal, creating a delightful mix of chewy, gooey, and crunchy in every bite.
They’re also wonderfully portable and mess-free. Unlike sticky desserts that need plates and forks, these are perfect grab-and-go treats for parties or snack breaks.
Plus, they’re highly customizable. You can add sprinkles, drizzle chocolate, or mix in crushed candies to make them your own.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these treats lies in their simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a key role in making them irresistible.
Caramels: You’ll need soft, chewy caramels. Pre-packaged wrapped caramels work wonderfully, but feel free to make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
Sweetened condensed milk: This adds creaminess to the caramel mixture, making it easier to coat the marshmallows and cereal evenly.
Butter: A little bit of butter goes a long way in adding richness and preventing the caramel from sticking too much.
Mini marshmallows: These are the heart of the treat. Their fluffy texture contrasts perfectly with the crunch of the cereal.
Rice Krispies cereal: The crunch factor! Use fresh cereal for the best texture—stale cereal won’t give the same satisfying crunch.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe. Just grab a large saucepan, a mixing spoon, and a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
How To Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

Making these treats is as simple as melting, mixing, and rolling. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
Start by unwrapping all your caramels and placing them in a large saucepan. Add the sweetened condensed milk and butter. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramels are fully melted and everything is smooth and combined.
Once the caramel mixture is ready, lower the heat to keep it warm. Using a skewer or toothpick, dip each mini marshmallow into the caramel, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess caramel drip off before rolling the marshmallow in a bowl of Rice Krispies cereal.
After rolling, place the coated marshmallows on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Repeat the process until all the marshmallows are coated.
Allow the treats to set for about 20 minutes at room temperature. The caramel will firm up slightly, making the balls easier to handle.
Enjoy right away, or store them in an airtight container for later.
Storage Options
These treats store beautifully, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts or gifts.
For short-term storage, place the balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate the container. The treats will last up to a week in the fridge, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
For even longer storage, freeze the balls in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the finished balls for an extra layer of decadence.
- Holiday flair: Add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a seasonal touch.
- Nutty twist: Mix in crushed peanuts or almonds with the cereal for a nutty flavor boost.
- Different cereals: Try using Cocoa Krispies or Frosted Flakes for a fun variation.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free caramels and butter, and swap marshmallows for a vegan alternative.
No matter how you make them, these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are bound to be a hit. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making them for every special occasion!
PrintCaramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe
This Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls recipe combines gooey marshmallows, rich caramel, and crispy rice cereal for an irresistible dessert or snack. Perfect for parties, holidays, or quick treats, these bite-sized delights are easy to make and fun for the whole family to enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 bag (10 oz) large marshmallows
- 1 bag (14 oz) soft caramels, unwrapped
- ¼ cup butter
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter and caramels over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Remove from heat and quickly dip each marshmallow into the caramel mixture, coating it evenly.
- Roll the caramel-coated marshmallows in Rice Krispies cereal, pressing lightly to ensure the cereal sticks.
- Place the coated marshmallows on wax paper to set.
- Let them cool completely before serving.
Notes
- To prevent sticking, lightly grease your hands before rolling the marshmallows.
- Store the Rice Krispie Balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
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