There's nothing quite like the delightful combination of gooey marshmallow, buttery caramel, and crispy rice cereal. These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are bite-sized treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering or just need a quick snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, these no-bake goodies are sure to be a hit.
I first discovered this recipe when looking for a unique addition to our family cookie swap. With their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, these little gems quickly became the star of the dessert table. Let’s dive into what makes these treats so special.
Why You'll Love This Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe
Get ready to enjoy a treat that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
First, they’re ridiculously easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and no oven required, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules or last-minute cravings. Plus, the kids can join in on the fun—rolling the sticky balls is a perfect family activity.
They’re also wonderfully portable. Whether you’re packing them for a picnic, a potluck, or a holiday party, these treats hold their shape and stay delicious, making them a practical choice for sharing.
And let’s talk about flavor. The combination of chewy marshmallow, buttery caramel, and crispy cereal creates an irresistible texture and taste that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.
Finally, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Want to add a hint of chocolate or some festive sprinkles? These treats are a blank canvas for your creativity.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making these treats irresistible.
Caramels are the star of the show here. You’ll need a bag of soft, individually wrapped caramels. When melted, they form the rich, buttery base for these treats. Be sure to unwrap them before you start, as this will save you time once you begin cooking.
Sweetened condensed milk is added to the melted caramels to create a creamy, smooth consistency that coats the cereal perfectly. This ingredient ensures the caramel mixture stays pliable and easy to work with.
Butter adds richness and prevents the caramel from becoming too sticky. It’s the secret to making these treats both flavorful and easy to handle.
Mini marshmallows are the hidden surprise in each bite. As they soften inside the caramel-coated cereal, they add a delightful gooeyness that complements the crunch.
Rice Krispies cereal provides the essential crispy texture. Stick with the classic brand for the best results, as it maintains its crunch even when coated in caramel.
You won’t need any special equipment, but a large saucepan and a nonstick spatula are helpful for mixing. Wax paper or parchment paper is also useful for shaping and setting the balls.
How To Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

Making these treats is straightforward and fun. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure success every time.
Start by preparing your ingredients. Unwrap the caramels and measure out your Rice Krispies cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set out a sheet of wax paper on the counter for the finished treats.
In a large saucepan, combine the caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once the caramels have completely melted and the mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat.
Working quickly, pour the hot caramel mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until the cereal is evenly coated. The caramel will cool and thicken as you stir, so it’s essential to move fast.
To assemble the treats, scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture into your hands, flatten it slightly, and place a mini marshmallow in the center. Wrap the cereal mixture around the marshmallow, rolling it into a smooth ball. Set the ball on the wax paper to cool.
Repeat until all the mixture is used. Allow the balls to set for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure they hold their shape.
These treats are ready in under an hour, from start to finish. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool before digging in!
Storage Options
Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are perfect for making ahead and storing. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
If you’d like to freeze them, arrange the balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with wax paper. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a great starting point for creativity. Here are some ideas to customize your Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls.
- Add chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished balls or dip them halfway for an extra layer of decadence.
- Use flavored cereal: Swap out Rice Krispies for Cocoa Krispies or another cereal of your choice for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate mix-ins: Fold in chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or crushed pretzels before shaping the balls for added texture and flavor.
- Festive touches: Roll the finished balls in sprinkles, shredded coconut, or crushed candies for a holiday-ready treat.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, and opt for vegan marshmallows and caramel.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment. However you customize them, these treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
PrintCaramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe
Indulge in these irresistible caramel marshmallow Rice Krispie balls! Made with gooey caramel, soft marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal, this no-bake dessert is perfect for holidays, parties, or as an everyday snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 14 oz caramel candies (about 50 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the caramel candies with butter and milk over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to dip each marshmallow into the melted caramel mixture.
- Roll the coated marshmallow in Rice Krispies cereal until fully covered.
- Place on wax paper to cool and set.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For easier coating, use a double boiler to keep the caramel warm.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a sweet-salty flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
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