Go Back
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal - 1 cup mini marshmallows - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 large Granny Smith apple, diced - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) - A pinch of fine sea salt Each ingredient in Caramel Apple Rice Krispie Treats has a special job. The Rice Krispies cereal gives a nice crunch and texture. Mini marshmallows add sweetness and help hold everything together. Unsalted butter adds richness and creaminess to the mix. Caramel sauce brings that sweet, gooey flavor we all love. The Granny Smith apple adds a tart bite that balances the sweetness. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. Pecan pieces can add a nice crunch and nutty taste, but they are optional. Finally, a pinch of sea salt brightens the flavors and cuts through the sweetness. You can change things up a bit with different ingredients. Try adding nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch. You might also swap in dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture. For a chocolate twist, mix in some mini chocolate chips. If you want a fall flavor, add pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon. The fun is in mixing and matching to make these treats your own! 1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or spray. Set it aside. 2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. This takes about 2 minutes. Once melted, add 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until melted and smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes. 3. Infuse with Flavor: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, a pinch of fine sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well. 4. Mix in Rice Krispies: Gradually fold in 4 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Use a gentle stirring motion until all pieces are coated. This should take about 2 minutes. 5. Fold in Apple and Caramel: Carefully add 1 diced Granny Smith apple and 3/4 cup of caramel sauce. If using, add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans. Fold gently to mix. 6. Transfer to the Baking Pan: Pour the mixture into the greased dish. Press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands. 7. Add the Final Touch of Caramel: Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of caramel sauce on top. Use a spatula to swirl it into the mixture gently. 8. Cool and Set: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For faster cooling, refrigerate for around 15 minutes. 9. Cut and Serve: Once set, slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your treats! - Use fresh marshmallows for the best gooeyness. - Do not overheat the marshmallows. They should melt, not brown. - Press the mixture firmly into the pan for a good shape. - Allow the treats to cool fully for a firm texture. - When melting butter, it should become completely liquid with no bubbles. - The marshmallow mixture should be smooth and glossy without lumps. - The Rice Krispies should be evenly coated, looking shiny but not wet. - After cooling, the treats should feel firm to the touch and hold their shape when cut. When making caramel apple Rice Krispie treats, avoid overcooking the marshmallows. They should melt but not brown. If they brown, your treats may taste burnt. Also, don’t skip the salt; it enhances the flavor. If you overload the caramel, it makes the treats too sticky and hard to cut. To mix well, fold the Rice Krispies gently into the melted marshmallows. Use a spatula for even mixing. Press down the mixture firmly in the pan, but don’t squish it. This keeps the treats light and airy. Use a piece of wax paper to help spread the mixture evenly without it sticking to your hands. To get that perfect gooey texture, use fresh mini marshmallows. They melt better and provide a softer bite. Adding the diced Granny Smith apple gives a nice tartness, balancing the sweetness of the caramel. For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon on top before serving. A drizzle of caramel adds both beauty and a delightful taste. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of these treats for each season. For fall, try adding pumpkin spice. Just add one teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the butter and marshmallows. This gives the treats a warm, cozy flavor that fits right in with autumn. If you need gluten-free treats, use gluten-free Rice Krispies. They taste great and keep the same crunch. You can also swap the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. This keeps the treats soft and tasty. Boost the flavor with fun add-ins. Try adding chocolate chips or toffee bits for extra sweetness. You can mix in 1/2 cup of either when you add the Rice Krispies. This adds a nice crunch and makes the treats even more fun. You can also toss in dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist. To keep your Caramel Apple Rice Krispie Treats fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting hard or stale. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if they are stacked. This will keep them from sticking together. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection. These treats stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you place them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. However, they may become a bit firmer when chilled. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. If your treats get a bit hard, you can refresh them easily. Just place a damp paper towel on top and microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This will help soften the marshmallow again. Be careful not to overheat, or they may melt too much. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the best taste! Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. It saves time and tastes great. Just pour it over your treats as directed. If you want a homemade touch, you can make your own. You can use any puffed cereal. Crisped rice, corn puffs, or even granola work well. Each option gives a different taste and crunch. Yes! You can freeze these treats. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about two months. To reduce stickiness, butter your hands when pressing the mixture into the pan. You can also add a bit more cereal to the mix. Absolutely! You can make them a day or two ahead. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy whenever you want! In this blog post, we explored key ingredients and their roles, plus steps for perfect treats. You learned tips to avoid mistakes and ways to keep the texture just right. We also discussed fun variations and storage methods. Each point shows you how to make tasty treats easier and more enjoyable. Remember, the best treats come from following the steps and thinking outside the box. Enjoy creating your version!

Caramel Apple Rice Krispie Treats

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Caramel Apple Rice Krispie Treats with this easy recipe! Combining the crispiness of Rice Krispies, the tartness of Granny Smith apples, and rich caramel, these treats are perfect for any occasion. Discover how to make them with simple steps, and enjoy a sweet twist on a classic favorite. Click to explore the recipe and treat your taste buds today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 cup mini marshmallows

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 large Granny Smith apple, diced (for a tart kick)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

A pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pan: Begin by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside for later.

    Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, place the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely. Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows to the pan, stirring continuously until they are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

      Infuse with Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat source. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, a pinch of fine sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well combined.

        Mix in Rice Krispies: Gradually fold in the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow blend, using a gentle stirring motion until each piece is evenly coated with the sticky mixture.

          Fold in Apple and Caramel: Carefully fold in the diced Granny Smith apple and 3/4 cup of the caramel sauce, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the mixture. If you’re using pecans, add them at this stage, folding them in gently to maintain texture.

            Transfer to the Baking Pan: Pour the Rice Krispie mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan to create a level surface.

              Add the Final Touch of Caramel: Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of caramel sauce generously over the top of the treats. With a spatula, gently swirl the caramel into the top layer for an added gooey texture.

                Cool and Set: Let the treats cool at room temperature for around 30 minutes, or until they have set firmly. If you're in a hurry, you can refrigerate them for an approximate 15 minutes to speed up the cooling process.

                  Cut and Serve: Once the treats are set, slice them into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Enjoy the delectable, gooey goodness of your Caramel Apple Rice Krispie Treats!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12-16

                      - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful presentation, you can serve these treats on a decorative platter and drizzle extra caramel sauce on top with a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Enjoy!