My kids, bless their hearts, always know how to make a mess, but they also know how to make my heart full. Just last week, after a particularly chaotic afternoon of finger painting, my youngest, Leo, came up to me with sticky hands and an even stickier smile. “Mommy, can we make those special treats?
The caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls?” He meant our family’s beloved caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls, a recipe passed down from my grandmother. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s pure joy, a little bit of comfort, and a whole lot of love rolled into one delightful bite. These caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls bring everyone together.
We love making these easy caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls on a cozy weekend. This recipe for caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls is a definite family favorite. Everyone adores these classic caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
These caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls are incredibly simple to prepare. First, you need minimal ingredients. Furthermore, they require no baking.
This makes them perfect for busy moms like me. Children love helping with these delicious caramel-marshmallow Rice Krispies balls. Moreover, they taste absolutely divine.
The gooey caramel and soft marshmallows create an irresistible combination. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You will quickly find yourself making these caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls often.
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caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 30 servings 1x
Description
Our family’s beloved Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Balls, a recipe passed down from a grandmother, are a simple, no-bake dessert that brings joy and comfort. These treats are easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy parents and a favorite for children to help make.
Ingredients
0.5 cup Unsalted Butter
10 oz Mini Marshmallows
11 oz Caramel Candies
6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Pinch Salt
Instructions
- Lightly grease a large bowl and a baking sheet to prepare your workspace
- In a large non-stick pot, melt the butter over low heat
- Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth
- Stir in the unwrapped caramel candies. Keep stirring until the caramel melts and combines with the marshmallow mixture, creating the signature flavor
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Mix until the cereal is fully coated, but do not overmix
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly for a few minutes to make it easier to handle
- Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter
- Place the finished caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls on the greased baking sheet
- Let them set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also chill them in the refrigerator for faster setting
Notes
Always use fresh ingredients, as stale marshmallows will not melt properly.
Keep the heat low when melting butter and marshmallows; high heat can make the treats tough.
Work quickly but carefully when forming the balls, as the mixture cools and hardens fast.
Grease your hands generously to prevent sticking. For perfectly round balls, press gently and avoid compacting them too tightly.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week (they may become slightly firmer).
Bring refrigerated balls back to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Do not microwave, as it can make them overly soft and sticky.
You can freeze these for up to 1 month by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls, no-bake, dessert, snack, easy, family favorite, kid-friendly, rice krispies
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Mini Marshmallows | 10 oz bag (about 5 cups) |
| Caramel Candies (unwrapped) | 11 oz bag (about 40 pieces) |
| Rice Krispies Cereal | 6 cups |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Pinch of Salt |
Substitutions & Variations
Get creative with your caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls! For instance, use chocolate rice krispies for a twist. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
This enhances the caramel flavor beautifully. Try different extracts like almond or maple. Add a cup of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Fold in chopped nuts for some crunch. These caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls are wonderfully versatile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls is straightforward. First, prepare your workspace. Lightly grease a large bowl and a baking sheet.
- In a large non-stick pot, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir constantly. Continue stirring until they are completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the unwrapped caramel candies. Keep stirring until the caramel melts and combines with the marshmallow mixture. This creates the signature flavor of our caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Mix until the cereal is fully coated. Do not overmix.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly for a few minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
- Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
- Place the finished caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls on the greased baking sheet.
- Let them set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also chill them in the refrigerator for faster setting.
Pro Tips for Success
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store your caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
They might become slightly firmer when chilled. Bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Do not microwave these caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls. It can make them overly soft and sticky.
FAQs
Can I make these caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare these delicious caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls a day or two in advance. Store them properly. This saves you time.
Why are my caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls hard?
This usually happens if you overcook the marshmallow mixture. Also, too much butter can sometimes contribute. Ensure you melt everything slowly over low heat. Don’t overmix the cereal.
Can I freeze caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
These caramel marshmallow rice krispie balls are a delicious treat. Please remember they are an indulgence.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 80mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 1g |
No-bake desserts offer a fantastic alternative for creating delicious treats without turning on the oven, making them ideal for quick preparations or hot weather. These simple recipes often combine cereals, melted binders like marshmallows or chocolate, and various mix-ins to create delightful no-bake desserts that set up in the refrigerator.