Gooey Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Homemade Fluffy Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Sticky, gooey, and irresistibly sweet, these marshmallow rice krispie balls tap into childhood nostalgia with a delightful twist.

Sweet marshmallow rice krispie balls deliver a burst of pure indulgence in every single bite.

No baking required means this treat comes together faster than you can say “dessert.” Melted marshmallows bind crispy rice cereal into perfect little spheres of sugary bliss.

Each ball offers a delicate crunch that melts wonderfully in your mouth.

The simple ingredients hide a world of delectable texture and flavor waiting to be explored.

Let’s find out this quick and easy recipe that promises to delight both kids and adults alike.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 155 kcal

Servings: 21

Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Ingredient Guide

For Crispy Base:
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Provides delightful crunch and airy texture, look for fresh, crisp cereal without staleness.
For Binding and Sweetening:
  • Large Marshmallows, Kraft Caramels, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Create luxurious, stretchy caramel coating that holds balls together, choose soft marshmallows and unwrapped caramels for easier melting.
For Richness and Smooth Melting:
  • Butter: Adds velvety richness and helps ingredients meld smoothly, select unsalted butter for better flavor control and consistent melting temperature.

Tools for Making Caramel Marshmallow Balls Easily

  • Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for melting caramels, condensed milk, and butter smoothly.
  • Toothpicks or Forks: Essential for dipping marshmallows into caramel mixture.
  • Parchment-lined Baking Sheet: Provides a non-stick surface for cooling marshmallow treats.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring caramel mixture and ensuring even coating.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring ingredients like condensed milk.

How to Prepare Krispie Balls with Caramel Marshmallow

  • Caramel Fusion Preparation

Combine sweet caramel ingredients in a warm saucepan, allowing them to melt together into a silky, golden mixture that promises delicious potential.

  • Marshmallow Magic

Gently immerse each fluffy marshmallow into the warm caramel bath, ensuring a complete and luxurious coating that promises a delectable treat.

  • Crispy Coating Adventure

Transform the caramel-drenched marshmallows by rolling them through a sea of crunchy Rice Krispies, creating a textural wonderland that delights the senses.

  • Cooling and Setting

Arrange the freshly coated marshmallow balls on a parchment-lined surface, letting them rest and transform into a perfectly structured sweet treat that will tantalize taste buds.

  • Serving Delight

After a short resting period, these caramel marshmallow spheres will be ready to enjoy – a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet sensations that promise pure culinary joy.

Tips for Rolling Sticky Rice Krispie Balls

  • Use two forks to dip marshmallows for a more even caramel coverage and minimize messy fingers during preparation.
  • Crush Rice Krispies slightly before rolling to create a more compact and crunchy exterior that hugs the marshmallow tightly.
  • Keep treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Experiment with different cereal types like cocoa crisp or graham crackers for unique taste experiences that will surprise your taste buds.
  • Work quickly when coating marshmallows to prevent caramel from hardening too fast, ensuring smooth and even coverage on each treat.

Serve Krispie Balls for Dessert Tables

  • Sweet Snack Party Platter: Create a colorful dessert board with these caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls alongside chocolate-drizzled pretzels, fresh strawberries, and mini chocolate chips for a delightful presentation.
  • Chilled Dessert Delight: Refrigerate the rice krispie balls for 15 minutes before serving to enhance their texture and provide a cool, refreshing treat perfect for summer gatherings.
  • Decadent Dipping Station: Set up a fun dipping area with melted chocolate, crushed nuts, and sprinkles so guests can personalize their caramel marshmallow balls with extra toppings and crunch.
  • Gift-Worthy Treat Packaging: Package these sweet bites in cute clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a homemade gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes absolutely irresistible.

Storing Rice Krispie Balls to Keep Them Soft

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful treats in an airtight container, layering them between wax paper sheets to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated.
  • Room Temperature Freshness Hack: If serving within 24 hours, leave the caramel marshmallow balls at room temperature, covered loosely with plastic wrap to maintain their crispy texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the batch up to two days before your event. Wrap individually in clear plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacking and to maintain their shape.
  • Freezing Friendly Method: Stack these sweet bites in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Can be frozen for up to one month – perfect for advance preparation and unexpected sweet cravings.
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Gooey Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe

Gooey Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 21 1x

Description

Classic marshmallow rice krispie balls combine crispy cereal with gooey marshmallow magic for irresistible treat enjoyment. Sweet spheres deliver nostalgic comfort and simple childhood pleasure you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz (283 g) large marshmallows
  • 14 oz (397 g) kraft caramels
  • 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 7 cups rice krispies cereal
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) butter

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth workspace for assembling caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls.
  2. Caramel Creation: Melt caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, golden-brown caramel sauce with no visible lumps.
  3. Marshmallow Dipping: Cool the caramel mixture briefly, then insert toothpicks into marshmallows. Submerge each marshmallow completely in the warm caramel, ensuring an even, thorough coating that covers the entire surface.
  4. Coating Process: Immediately roll the caramel-coated marshmallows in crispy rice cereal, gently pressing to help the cereal adhere and create a crunchy exterior. Place the coated marshmallow balls onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining space between each treat.
  5. Finishing Touch: Remove toothpicks carefully, leaving smooth, perfectly formed caramel marshmallow balls. Allow treats to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, permitting the caramel to set and firm up completely. Once the caramel has solidified and the exterior is crisp, serve and enjoy the decadent treats.

Notes

  • Prevent Burning: Constantly stir caramel mixture to avoid scorching and maintain smooth, even consistency.
  • Cooling Technique: Let caramel cool briefly before dipping marshmallows to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
  • Coating Tricks: Gently press rice cereal onto caramel-covered marshmallows for maximum crunch and even coverage.
  • Storage Tip: Store treats at room temperature for optimal texture, keeping them away from direct heat or sunlight to maintain crispness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 21
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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