Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls

I’ve been experimenting with no-bake treats lately, and these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls have become my go-to when I need something quick yet impressive. There’s something magical about the way the homemade caramel sauce transforms ordinary cereal into these irresistible bite-sized spheres. The mini marshmallows aren’t just decoration—they serve a purpose that completely changes the texture experience in ways you wouldn’t expect.

Recipe

I can promise you with absolute certainty that these Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls will become your new obsession—they’re dangerously addictive and disappear faster than you can make them!

What makes these little spheres of happiness so incredible is the perfect marriage of buttery, golden caramel that coats every single puffed rice kernel, combined with pillowy marshmallows that create pockets of chewy sweetness throughout each bite.

I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and I genuinely believe that the secret lies in using real butter for the caramel and letting it reach that perfect amber color that gives you that deep, rich flavor without any bitterness.

When you bite into one of these beauties, you get this amazing contrast of textures—the satisfying crunch of the Rice Krispies gives way to those soft, gooey marshmallow pieces, all held together by that luscious caramel coating that melts slightly on your tongue.

The aroma alone while you’re making these will have your entire family hovering around the kitchen, and honestly, these are so simple to make that even if you’ve never worked with caramel before, you’ll feel like a total dessert genius.

Trust me, once you roll these into perfect little balls and watch them disappear at your next gathering, you’ll understand why I make a double batch every single time!

Ingredients

These caramel marshmallow Rice Krispie balls are all about balancing textures and flavors—crispy cereal, gooey marshmallows, and that irresistible buttery caramel that holds everything together. The secret to perfect balls every time? Quality ingredients and knowing which ones you can swap versus the non-negotiables that make or break this treat.

For the Rice Krispie Base:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The original is truly superior here; generic brands often lack that perfect crisp-to-size ratio that gives you the ideal texture
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Creates the foundation for binding; salted butter will compete with the caramel’s flavor profile
• 4 cups mini marshmallows – Mini marshmallows melt more evenly than large ones, giving you that smooth, stretchy consistency without lumps
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract – This small addition amplifies the overall sweetness and rounds out the flavors

For the Caramel Coating:

• 1 bag (11 oz) soft caramel candies, unwrapped – Kraft caramels work beautifully, but any soft caramel candy will do; avoid hard caramels as they won’t melt smoothly
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk – Heavy cream creates a silkier caramel, but whole milk works in a pinch; avoid low-fat options as they can make the caramel grainy
• Pinch of sea salt – This is your secret weapon for cutting through the sweetness and making every flavor pop

Optional Finishing Touches:

• Melted chocolate for drizzling – Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work; microwave in 30-second intervals for smooth results
• Chopped toasted nuts – Pecans or almonds add a sophisticated crunch that elevates these from kid-friendly to dinner party worthy
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling – A light dusting transforms these into gourmet-level treats

How to Make the Best No-Bake Sweet Treats

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

This prep step is vital—trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling for parchment paper with sticky caramel mixture in hand! The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment, lightly grease a plate, but parchment works best for easy removal.

Melt caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

Start with 30 seconds, then stir vigorously. The caramels will look chunky at first—this is normal!

Continue heating in short bursts to prevent scorching. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is completely smooth and flows like thick honey. Overheating creates grainy, seized caramel that won’t bind properly.

Quickly stir in Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.

Work fast here because caramel starts firming up as it cools! Use a large spoon or spatula to fold the cereal in, making sure every piece gets that golden caramel coating.

The mixture should look glossy and hold together when pressed—if it’s too dry, your caramel may have cooled too much.

Roll mixture into 1.5-inch balls using slightly damp hands.

Damp hands are your secret weapon—they prevent the sticky mixture from clinging to your palms! Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll gently between your palms.

Don’t press too hard or you’ll compress the cereal and lose that satisfying crunch. Re-dampen your hands as needed.

Roll each ball in mini marshmallows, pressing gently to adhere.

Pour the mini marshmallows into a shallow bowl for easy rolling. Gently press the marshmallows into each ball—they should stick to the tacky caramel surface.

Don’t worry if some fall off; you can always press a few extra onto any bare spots. The marshmallows add sweetness and that irresistible chewy texture contrast.

Place finished balls on prepared parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Chilling sets the caramel and makes the balls easier to handle and store. They’ll firm up beautifully in the fridge, transforming from slightly soft to perfectly chewy.

If you’re in a hurry, 15 minutes in the freezer works too, but watch them closely—you want them set, not frozen solid. Consider using a Smart technology rice cooker for low-carb options if you’re looking for healthier meal prep solutions alongside these treats.

Chef Tips

While these caramel marshmallow Rice Krispie balls are straightforward to make, a few professional tricks will elevate your results from good to bakery-quality.

I recommend toasting the cereal lightly for enhanced crunch and flavor balancing.

For ideal texture control, let marshmallows cool slightly before mixing, preventing soggy cereal.

Work quickly once combining ingredients to maintain proper consistency.

Nutrition

These indulgent treats pack a sweet punch with their combination of buttery caramel, fluffy marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal. Each ball contains approximately 150-180 calories depending on size.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

These delightful little treats combine all your favorite flavors into one irresistible bite-sized snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls deliver pure happiness in every single bite.

No-bake convenience makes them perfect for busy schedules – you can whip up a whole batch without ever turning on your oven, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy these tasty treats with your family.

The perfect balance of textures creates an amazing eating experience – the crispy rice cereal provides a satisfying crunch while the gooey marshmallow and rich caramel create a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth.

They’re incredibly versatile and easy to customize – you can roll them in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes to match any theme or personal preference, making them a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and adventurous snackers alike.

Recipe Card

These delightful Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls combine the classic crunch of Rice Krispies cereal with gooey marshmallows and rich caramel for an irresistible no-bake treat.

Perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a quick sweet fix, these bite-sized balls are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Place Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter.
3. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt to the melted butter. Stir constantly and bring to a boil.
4. Continue boiling for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal and mix thoroughly until all cereal is coated.
7. Add mini marshmallows and gently fold into the mixture while it’s still warm.
8. Allow mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes until safe to handle.
9. Butter your hands with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls.
10. Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Notes:

• Work quickly when mixing in marshmallows as the warm mixture will begin to melt them
• Keep hands buttered while rolling to prevent sticking
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week
• Let come to room temperature before serving for best texture

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 24 balls

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do These Rice Krispie Balls Stay Fresh?

They’ll stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. I recommend following proper storage tips like keeping them in an airtight container to maximize their shelf life and maintain that perfect chewy texture.

Can I Freeze Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. I recommend wrapping each ball individually in plastic wrap as one of the best storage methods. These freezing tips help maintain their texture and prevent freezer burn.

What’s the Best Way to Transport These for Parties?

I’d use a sturdy container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Party tips include keeping them cool and transport methods like coolers work great since the caramel can get sticky in heat.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time for Events?

Yes, I’d make them up to three days ahead. Complete all ingredient preparation, then store finished balls in airtight storage containers in the refrigerator. They’ll maintain their texture and flavor perfectly for your event.

Why Are My Rice Krispie Balls Falling Apart?

Your balls are likely falling apart because you don’t have enough binding ingredients like marshmallow or caramel. I’d also check your storage solutions – humidity can break down the mixture’s structure.