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Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats

5.0 (23 ratings)
|
By Ella
Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 10 min
Calories 235 kcal
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Servings

Directions / Instructions

Why You'll Love These Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats

These Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats are everything you love about classic rice cereal treats with a delicious fall-inspired twist. Gooey marshmallows, buttery caramel, crisp apple pieces, and flaky sea salt create the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Best of all, they're completely no-bake and come together in less than 30 minutes, making them an ideal dessert for busy weeknights, bake sales, holiday gatherings, and lunchbox treats.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups crispy rice cereal
  • 10 ounces mini marshmallows
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 cup finely diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith), patted dry
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus extra for topping
  • Optional: ¼ cup white chocolate chips for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Melt the Marshmallows

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract and cinnamon.

3. Prepare the Caramel

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

4. Combine Everything

Fold the crispy rice cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture until evenly coated. Gently stir in the diced apples and half of the caramel sauce.

5. Press into the Pan

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it into an even layer using a buttered spatula or lightly greased hands.

6. Finish the Treats

Drizzle the remaining caramel over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate.

7. Cool and Slice

Allow the treats to cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Expert Tips

Pat the diced apples dry to prevent excess moisture from making the treats soggy. Press the mixture gently into the pan rather than compacting it too firmly to keep the bars soft and chewy. Add the caramel while it's still warm for smooth, even drizzling.

Storage

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Because of the fresh apples, these bars are best enjoyed within the first 48 hours. Do not freeze, as the apples may become watery after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with hot apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, coffee, or vanilla ice cream. They're perfect for Halloween dessert tables, Thanksgiving buffets, school parties, and fall bake sales.

Recipe Variations

Mix in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, use Honeycrisp apples for extra sweetness, drizzle with dark chocolate instead of white chocolate, or stir mini toffee bits into the cereal mixture for even more caramel flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet caramel, while Honeycrisp and Pink Lady apples are excellent sweeter alternatives.
Yes, but they're best enjoyed within 24 to 48 hours because the fresh apples soften over time.
Absolutely. Homemade caramel adds an even richer flavor and works beautifully in this recipe.
Yes. Use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal and verify that your marshmallows and caramel are gluten-free.
Freezing isn't recommended because the fresh apples can become watery and affect the texture after thawing.
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