There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of gooey caramel and fluffy marshmallows that takes me back to childhood. It was during a lazy afternoon spent in the kitchen with my family when we decided to whip up a treat that was both simple and indulgent—Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls! The moment the rich caramel mixed with sweetened condensed milk started bubbling on the stove, the excitement was palpable.
These treats are not just easy to make; they’re a crowd-pleaser that will impress both kids and adults alike. Perfect for celebrations or just to brighten a typical Wednesday, you’ll love how quickly they come together. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to break free from mundane fast food routines! Join me as we dive into this fun and nostalgic recipe that captures the essence of homemade joy and sweetness. Let’s get started!
Why love Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls?
Quick prep: This recipe takes only 50 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to create delicious treats in no time.
Nostalgic flavor: The blend of caramel and marshmallow creates a taste that will remind you of childhood treats, bringing joy to every bite.
Endless delight: Perfect for parties or snacks, these rice krispie balls will wow both kids and adults, making them a crowd favorite.
Easy assembly: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have delightful goodies ready without any fuss.
Versatile option: Try adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings for a unique twist that keeps things fresh and exciting.
Gather the ingredients and enjoy a sweet escape from fast food monotony with these delightful treats!
Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Ingredients
For the Caramel Mixture
• Caramels – 14 ounces, these melt into a rich, gooey base that perfectly coats the marshmallows.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – 14 ounces, adding creaminess and bind that enhances the caramel flavor.
• Butter – 2 Tablespoons, this helps in achieving a velvety smooth caramel texture and prevents sticking.
For the Treats
• Marshmallows – 12 ounces, large marshmallows are essential for that delightful fluffy texture in your Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls.
• Rice Krispies Cereal – 7 cups, providing a crispy crunch that complements the gooey caramel and marshmallow beautifully.
Feel free to get creative! You can easily customize these treats by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for that extra pop of flavor. Enjoy crafting these delightful goodies!
How to Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls
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Unwrap the caramels and heat them. In a medium saucepan, place the unwrapped caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
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Dip each marshmallow. Using a toothpick or skewer, carefully dip each large marshmallow into the warm caramel mixture. Make sure to tap off any excess caramel to avoid a gooey mess.
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Roll in Rice Krispies. Pour the Rice Krispies into a large bowl and gently roll each caramel-covered marshmallow in the cereal until fully coated. This adds a delightful crunch to your treats.
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Place on a lined cookie sheet. After rolling, position each Rice Krispie ball on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently remove the toothpick or skewer from each marshmallow once it’s set in place.
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Let set for 30 minutes. Allow the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls to cool and firm up for about 30 minutes, which helps them maintain their shape and texture.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled treats for a decadent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Variations
Feel free to explore these exciting twists that will elevate your caramel marshmallow creations!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt your favorite chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled balls for a deliciously rich finish. This adds a chocolatey contrast that will delight your taste buds.
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, when rolling the marshmallows in Rice Krispies. The crunch and flavor enhance the treat beautifully.
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Sugar-Free Option: Swap out regular caramels for sugar-free alternatives to satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugars. It’s a guilt-free indulgence!
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Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the Rice Krispies for a surprising kick. It adds an unexpected depth of flavor that will intrigue your palate.
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Coconut Bliss: Roll the balls in sweetened shredded coconut instead of Rice Krispies for a tropical twist. The coconut pairs wonderfully with the caramel and marshmallow.
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Festive Additions: Add seasonal sprinkles or colored sugar after coating, perfect for holidays or celebrations, turning your treats into a festive masterpiece.
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Caramel Swirl: Instead of completely coating in caramel, drizzle warm caramel on the finished balls for a stylish and gooey finish. This gives a delightful texture contrast.
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Banana Flavor: Mix in some banana extract or diced dried bananas while preparing the caramel for a fruity twist. It creates a lovely harmony with the other sweetness.
What to Serve with Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls?
Indulging in sweet, gooey treats feels even better when paired with complementary flavors and textures to complete your meal.
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Chocolate Milkshake: A creamy chocolate milkshake enhances the sweetness of the rice krispie balls, creating a nostalgic dessert experience. The velvety richness pairs perfectly with the crunchy bites.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate after each chewy bite. The natural sweetness balances the indulgence of the treats beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm, caramel-filled balls, creating a delightful temperature contrast in every forkful.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For those craving extra sweetness, a drizzle of caramel sauce adds an indulgent touch. This enhances the existing flavors while giving an extra layer of gooeyness, perfect for caramel lovers!
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Mini Fruit Tarts: These small, elegant desserts featuring fresh fruit and creamy filling complement the rice krispie balls’ sweetness, providing a light, refreshing finish that keeps the party going.
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Nutty Trail Mix: An assortment of nuts and dried fruits alongside the treats can offer a crunchy, savory complement, balancing the sweetness and creating a delightful texture contrast.
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Sparkling Water with Citrus: A refreshing beverage like sparkling water infused with citrus not only quenches thirst but also cuts through the sweetness, providing a zesty cleanse that enhances the overall flavor experience.
Make your gathering extra special by mixing and matching these delightful pairings perfect for celebrating life’s little moments with sweet joy!
How to Store and Freeze Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls
Room Temperature: Keep these tasty treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful crunch and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If desired, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to soften; enjoy them fresh for the ultimate experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the caramel mixture and coat the marshmallows up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the first few steps of the recipe: unwrap the caramels, mix with sweetened condensed milk and butter, and dip the marshmallows. Once coated, let them set and then transfer to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, just roll them in Rice Krispies (which can also be pre-measured and stored separately). This way, you’ll achieve delicious results with minimal effort while saving precious time on busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls
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Perfect Temperature: Ensure the caramel mixture is smooth but not too hot; overheating can make it hard to dip marshmallows.
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Even Coating: Tap off excess caramel from the marshmallow to achieve a balanced coating and avoid becoming overly sticky.
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Rice Krispies Freshness: Use crisp, fresh Rice Krispies for the best texture; stale cereal won’t provide the delightful crunch you desire.
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Setting Time: Allow the Rice Krispie balls to set undisturbed for at least 30 minutes for the best shape and firmness.
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Creative Add-ins: Consider adding mini chocolate chips or nuts when rolling in Rice Krispies for a personalized twist on these delectable Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls.
Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best caramels for the recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing caramels, look for soft, high-quality brands like Kraft or Werther’s Original. They should be fresh and pliable to melt perfectly without becoming gritty. Avoid any that have dark spots or a hard texture, as they won’t incorporate well into your caramel mixture.
How should I store Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls?
To keep your treats fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, placing them in the fridge will keep them good for up to 1 week. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze leftover Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls?
Absolutely! To freeze, start by placing the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months! When you want to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or microwave them for 10-15 seconds to soften.
What should I do if the caramel mixture is too thick?
If you find your caramel mixture is too thick to dip the marshmallows, simply add a splash of milk or more sweetened condensed milk while stirring. Return it to low heat and mix until you achieve a smoother consistency. Be cautious not to overheat it, as this can lead to a sticky mess!
Are these treats safe for kids and those with dietary restrictions?
Very! Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are generally safe for kids but be mindful of allergies. They contain nuts, dairy, and gluten from the Rice Krispies. For a nut-free version, check the labeling of your ingredients or use gluten-free Rice Krispies. Always consult ingredient labels if you’re concerned about specific allergies, especially when serving to children.
Can I customize the Rice Krispie Balls with other ingredients?
The more, the merrier! You can easily personalize the recipe by adding mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even crushed pretzels for extra crunch. Mix these add-ins with the Rice Krispies before rolling the caramel-covered marshmallows, or even drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a delightful finishing touch!
Delicious Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Unwrap the caramels and heat them. In a medium saucepan, place the unwrapped caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Dip each marshmallow. Using a toothpick or skewer, carefully dip each large marshmallow into the warm caramel mixture. Make sure to tap off any excess caramel to avoid a gooey mess.
- Roll in Rice Krispies. Pour the Rice Krispies into a large bowl and gently roll each caramel-covered marshmallow in the cereal until fully coated.
- Place on a lined cookie sheet. After rolling, position each Rice Krispie ball on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and gently remove the toothpick or skewer.
- Let set for 30 minutes. Allow the Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls to cool and firm up for about 30 minutes.