These Marshmallow Caramel Crunch Balls offer a perfect balance of textures—chewy marshmallows, creamy caramel, and crispy cereal. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and a short amount of time. The caramel sauce adds richness, while the cereal coating gives each bite a satisfying crunch. They’re great for parties, bake sales, or simply as a homemade snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth in a flash.
Ingredients
1 bag (10 oz) large marshmallows
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups crispy rice cereal (or any crunchy cereal of your choice)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Make the Caramel Sauce: Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
Add Vanilla: Remove the caramel sauce from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Coat the Marshmallows: Using a fork or skewer, dip each marshmallow into the caramel sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess caramel drip off before placing the marshmallow into a bowl of crispy cereal.
Roll in Cereal: Roll the caramel-coated marshmallow in the cereal, pressing gently to ensure it’s evenly coated on all sides.
Set the Balls: Place the coated marshmallows on a parchment-lined tray and allow them to set at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Serve: Once the treats are set, they are ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12–15 marshmallow balls
Variations
Cereal Variety: Feel free to use different types of cereal for added variety. Cornflakes, Cheerios, or even chocolate cereal work great as alternatives to crispy rice cereal.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel crunch balls after they’ve set.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts, like almonds or pecans, to the cereal for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Mini Version: Make smaller marshmallow balls for bite-sized treats, perfect for snacking.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store your marshmallow caramel crunch balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: You can refrigerate them to keep them fresher for longer, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sugar for the caramel?
Yes, you can use dark brown sugar or white sugar, but dark brown sugar will provide a richer flavor.
2. What if my caramel is too runny?
If your caramel sauce is too runny, continue simmering it on low heat for a few more minutes to thicken it up. The caramel should coat the marshmallow without dripping too much.
3. Can I use smaller marshmallows?
You can use mini marshmallows, but you may need to adjust the coating process, as they will be smaller. You could also make multiple mini balls with fewer marshmallows.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these marshmallow caramel crunch balls can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for a few days.
5. How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to my hands?
To avoid the caramel sticking, you can lightly grease your hands with butter or use a fork/skewer to dip the marshmallows instead of handling them directly.
6. Can I freeze these treats?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Allow them to thaw before serving.
7. Can I make these vegan?
To make these treats vegan, you can use dairy-free butter, coconut cream, and vegan marshmallows in place of the regular ingredients.
8. How can I make these more festive?
For a more festive touch, you can add colored sprinkles or dust the marshmallows with edible glitter after rolling them in the cereal.
9. Can I use caramel sauce from the store?
While homemade caramel sauce yields the best results, you can use store-bought caramel sauce in a pinch. Just be sure to heat it up to a pourable consistency.
10. How do I ensure the cereal sticks to the marshmallow?
Make sure the caramel is warm but not too runny. Press the cereal gently onto the caramel-coated marshmallow to ensure it sticks evenly.
Conclusion
Marshmallow Caramel Crunch Balls are a quick, fun, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy caramel, soft marshmallows, and crunchy cereal make a delightful combination that will please both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an easy treat to bring to a gathering, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these caramel crunch balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them today and enjoy the sweet, crunchy goodness!
Marshmallow Caramel Crunch Balls are a delightful sweet treat made with gooey marshmallows, rich caramel, and crispy cereal, offering the perfect balance of chewy, creamy, and crunchy textures.
Author:Amy
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:12–15 marshmallow balls
Category:Dessert
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 bag (10 oz) large marshmallows
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups crispy rice cereal (or any crunchy cereal of your choice)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens.
Remove the caramel sauce from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Using a fork or skewer, dip each marshmallow into the caramel sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess caramel drip off before placing the marshmallow into a bowl of crispy cereal.
Roll the caramel-coated marshmallow in the cereal, pressing gently to ensure it’s evenly coated on all sides.
Place the coated marshmallows on a parchment-lined tray and allow them to set at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Once set, the treats are ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
Use different types of cereal like Cornflakes or Cheerios for variety.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the treats for an extra decadent touch.
Add crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
