Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls: no-bake, 30-minute candy with chewy caramel marshmallows and crispy cereal. Kid-friendly, party-perfect, freezer-friendly.
Meet your new holiday-hero dessert: Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls are the glossy, chewy, crispy little bites that disappear first at every party. Think soft marshmallows dipped in velvety caramel and rolled in crunchy Rice Krispies—no oven, no stress, just pure no-bake joy. This old-school candy gets a modern upgrade here with pro tips, gluten-free and dairy-free swaps, and two foolproof methods (stovetop or microwave) to nail that silky caramel coating. If you’re craving an easy holiday candy, last-minute bake sale treat, or kid-friendly dessert for movie night, you’re in exactly the right place.
PS: If you love quick sweets, peek at my no-bake desserts and the reader-fave chocolate treats lineup.
What Makes These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls Special?
Here’s why this version outranks the rest: I dialed in the caramel-to-marshmallow ratio, added a pro dip technique (no sticky hands!), and included gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options the whole crew can enjoy. Perfect for Christmas candy trays, potlucks, and weeknight sweet-tooth moments.
- Two easy methods: Choose stovetop caramel for control or a speedy microwave caramel. Both give you that glossy, dip-ready finish.
- Extra-smooth caramel texture: A touch of cream and butter keeps caramel silky—no gritty sugar crystals.
- Party and freezer-friendly: Make-ahead no-bake candy that stays fresh and stackable—ideal for gifting and potlucks.
- Diet-friendly swaps: Certified gluten-free crisped rice cereal + vegan marshmallows and dairy-free caramels for a crowd-inclusive treat.
- Low-mess dipping trick: Toothpicks + two-fork roll = clean fingers and evenly coated balls.
- Flavor upgrade ideas: Salted caramel, chocolate drizzle, peanut butter caramel, or butterscotch twist—customize for any occasion.
Ingredient Notes
Before you start: Here’s what you need for these soft, chewy, crispy candy bites. No amounts here—just the why and how to choose the best ingredients.
- Caramels: Use individually wrapped soft caramels or caramel bits. They melt smooth and set perfectly for no-bake candy.
- Cream or evaporated milk: A splash keeps caramel fluid for dipping and prevents seizing. Heavy cream gives the lushest texture.
- Butter: Adds shine and keeps the caramel tender (no jaw workout needed).
- Vanilla + pinch of salt: Rounds out the sweetness and amps the caramel flavor. Sea salt flakes are dreamy on top.
- Large marshmallows: The classic. Mini marshmallows work too—just cluster a few on a toothpick.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Use the classic or a certified gluten-free crisped rice cereal to make these gluten-free Rice Krispie balls.
- Optional chocolate drizzle: Melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate adds contrast. White chocolate is gorgeous for Christmas treats.
- Decorations: Holiday sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or toasted coconut for texture and flair.
How To Make Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls
Game plan: Set up a dip-and-roll station so you can move quickly while the caramel is perfectly fluid. You’ll have bite-size candy in 30 minutes.
- Prep the station: Line two baking sheets with parchment. Pour Rice Krispies into a wide bowl. Skewer each marshmallow with a toothpick for clean dipping.
- Make the caramel (stovetop): Add caramels, cream, and butter to a small heavy saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Make the caramel (microwave): Add caramels, cream, and butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat 30-second bursts, stirring well between, until melted and glossy. Finish with vanilla and salt.
- Dip the marshmallows: Hold a toothpick, dip a marshmallow into caramel, and let excess drip off. You want a thin, even coat for the best texture.
- Roll in Krispies: Drop the caramel-coated marshmallow into the cereal. Use two forks to coat, gently pressing Krispies so they adhere without crushing.
- Set on tray: Transfer to parchment, remove the toothpick with a slight twist, and patch the hole with a couple of Krispies if you like.
- Finish and set: Optional drizzle with melted chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky salt. Let set at room temp 20–30 minutes until the caramel is no longer tacky.
- Serve or store: Enjoy the same day for peak crispiness, or store using the tips below. Perfect for cookie swaps and dessert boards.
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Pro Tips
- Thin if needed: If caramel thickens while you work, warm it gently and whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of cream.
- Work in batches: Dip 6–8 marshmallows at a time so the caramel stays warm and the cereal stays crisp.
- Keep it smooth: Avoid overheating caramel—it can seize. Low and slow is your friend.
- Mess-free handling: Two forks > fingers. Or stick the toothpick into a foam block while caramel drips, then roll in cereal.
- Make it salted caramel: Finish with flaky sea salt for balance (a major upgrade for sweet-tooth skeptics).
- Gifting note: These are no-bake Christmas candy perfection—pack in mini liners so they don’t stick in treat boxes.
Storage & Reheating Options
Keep the crunch: Storing these right preserves that snappy Krispie shell and soft caramel center.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container, layered with parchment, up to 3 days. Best texture within 48 hours.
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week. Caramel will firm; let sit 15–20 minutes before serving for ideal chew.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp 30–45 minutes.
- Do not microwave to soften: It can melt the caramel and make cereal soggy. Room temp does the trick.
Variations & Substitutions
Make them yours: These no-bake Rice Krispie treats are total chameleons—dress them up for holidays or keep them weeknight-simple.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free crisped rice cereal and check that your caramels are GF.
- Dairy-free / vegan: Use vegan marshmallows, dairy-free caramels (or a coconut milk caramel), and plant-based butter.
- Chocolate-dipped: Half-dip set balls in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate; add festive sprinkles for holiday dessert trays.
- Salted caramel edition: Finish with flaky sea salt or stir ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt into the caramel.
- Butterscotch twist: Swap a portion of caramels for butterscotch chips for a nostalgic flavor.
- Peanut butter caramel: Whisk 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter into the melted caramel.
- S’mores style: Roll finished balls in crushed graham crackers, then drizzle with chocolate.
- Mini party bites: Use mini marshmallows (2–3 on a toothpick) for bite-size, kid-friendly pieces.
- Festive flair: Roll in toasted coconut, crushed peppermint, or freeze-dried berries.
Bottom line: These Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls deliver maximum delight with minimal effort—no-bake, wildly adaptable, and guaranteed to vanish. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for potlucks, bake sales, and last-minute “bring a dessert” texts. Craving more quick sweets? Browse my caramel recipes and holiday favorites.
FAQ
Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls
Ingredients
- 16 oz of high-quality caramels
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 and ½ packages of large marshmallows
- 1 box of Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Preparation of Ingredients: Begin by carefully unwrapping each caramel piece, ensuring no remnants of wrappers remain.
- Creation of Caramel Mixture: In an appropriately sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter, caramels, and sweetened condensed milk. It is paramount to exercise caution in this step; melt the ingredients in the microwave using short intervals. After each interval, stir the mixture diligently until you achieve a homogenous and smooth consistency.
- Marshmallow Coating: Individually immerse each marshmallow into the caramel mixture, ensuring it is generously coated on all sides.
- Rice Krispies Application: After coating the marshmallow with caramel, immediately roll it in the Rice Krispies cereal, ensuring an even and thorough coverage.
- Setting the Confectionery: Arrange the completed balls on a tray lined with wax or parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced appropriately to prevent sticking. Allow them to solidify for approximately one hour.
- Storage: Once set, these confections should be stored in a refrigerated environment or a freezer, depending on one's texture preference, until they are to be served. Ensure they are stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
