Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats Recipe

Introduction

Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats offer a delightful twist on classic rice krispie treats by adding rich salted caramel and chewy dried apple pieces. This recipe combines creamy caramel with the crunch of cereal and the sweetness of marshmallows for a uniquely tasty snack or dessert.

Ingredients

• For the Salted Caramel:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Krispy Treats:
• 4 cups miniature marshmallows
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cups rice krispies cereal
• 1 cup dried apple pieces
• 1 cup salted caramel (prepared from above)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the salted caramel by combining the sugar and cold water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture turns medium to dark amber in color.
2. Step 2: Add the salted butter to the caramel and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until fully melted. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up.
3. Step 3: Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring. Allow the caramel to boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla and sea salt, and let the caramel cool and thicken before using.
4. Step 4: For the krispy treats, melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the marshmallows and 1 cup of the cooled salted caramel, stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Quickly fold in the rice krispies cereal and dried apple pieces, mixing until everything is well coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a prepared pan, pressing down firmly to create an even layer. Drizzle additional salted caramel on top if desired.
7. Step 7: Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart dried apple pieces for a nice contrast to the sweet caramel and marshmallows.
• For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before the caramel sets.
• Make sure the caramel is cooled enough before mixing with marshmallows to prevent separating or burning.
• Swap regular rice krispies cereal for chocolate-flavored cereal for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store the salted caramel apple krispy treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them softer, keep them in a sealed container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture. Reheat gently in short bursts in the microwave if you want a warm, gooey treat, but be careful not to overheat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apple pieces?

Fresh apples are not recommended as they add moisture that can make the treats soggy. Dried apple pieces provide a chewy texture and concentrated flavor that works best in this recipe.

How do I prevent the caramel from crystallizing?

Make sure to dissolve the sugar fully in the water before heating and avoid stirring once it begins to boil. Adding butter and cream at the right temperature also helps keep the caramel smooth and creamy.

Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats Recipe

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4.8 from 369 reviews

These Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats combine the classic chewy texture of rice krispies with the rich, buttery flavor of homemade salted caramel and the sweet, tangy bite of dried apples. Perfect as a decadent snack or dessert, these treats bring together a delightful mix of textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salted Caramel:

• 1 Cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 Cup cold water
• 1/2 Cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 Tablespoons salted butter
• 1 Teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon vanilla extract

Krispy Treats:

• 4 Cups miniature marshmallows
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 6 Cups rice krispies cereal
• 1 Cup dried apple pieces
• 1 Cup salted caramel (prepared from above)

Instructions

1. Make Salted Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and cold water. Stir gently and cook until the mixture turns a medium to dark amber color, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
2. Add Butter: Add the salted butter to the caramel and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the butter is completely melted and incorporated into the caramel.
3. Add Cream: Slowly drizzle in the heavy whipping cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble up vigorously due to the temperature difference—this is normal. Continue to stir while allowing the caramel to boil gently for about 2 minutes to thicken.
4. Finish Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool and thicken to room temperature before using it in the treats.
5. Prepare Krispy Treats Base: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the miniature marshmallows and 1 cup of the cooled salted caramel, stirring continuously over low heat until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
6. Combine Cereal and Apples: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the rice krispies cereal and dried apple pieces, mixing until all the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow-caramel mixture.
7. Shape the Treats: Pour the sticky mixture into a greased or parchment-lined pan. Press down firmly with a spatula or your hands to compress the treats into an even layer.
8. Drizzle Caramel: Drizzle additional salted caramel over the top of the pressed treats as desired for extra flavor and visual appeal.
9. Cool and Cut: Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature until set, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Be cautious when making caramel as it reaches very high temperatures and can burn quickly.
• The caramel will bubble up when butter and cream are added—this is a natural reaction; stir carefully to avoid splashing.
• Press the cereal mixture firmly into the pan to help the treats hold together better.
• Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• For softer treats, consider adding more marshmallows or caramel.

Keywords: salted caramel, apple, krispy treats, rice krispies, homemade caramel, marshmallow treats, dessert snack