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- 4 cups rice cereal (Krispy Rice) - 1 cup mini marshmallows - ½ cup unsalted butter - ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 medium apple, diced (tart varieties like Granny Smith work best) - ½ teaspoon sea salt - Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) Choosing the right apple is key. For these treats, I suggest tart apples. They balance the sweet caramel. Granny Smith apples are my favorite. They stay crisp and add a nice bite. When you pick apples, look for these signs: - Firm skin - Bright color - No bruises or soft spots Fresh apples make your treats taste better. Always wash your apples before dicing. This keeps them clean and crunchy. You can use store-bought or homemade salted caramel. If you buy it, check the label. Look for quality ingredients, like real sugar and cream. This ensures a rich taste. For homemade, use simple ingredients: sugar, butter, and cream. - Cook sugar until golden. - Add butter and stir until melted. - Slowly mix in cream for a smooth sauce. This will give you a fresh, creamy caramel. It enhances every bite of the treats. You can find the full recipe for these delightful treats in the recipe section. First, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the treats out later. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray or a bit of butter. This step keeps the treats from sticking. Next, take a large saucepan and set it over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once it is melted, toss in the mini marshmallows. Stir them continuously until they are fully melted and smooth. This mix is the base for your treats. Once the marshmallows melt, remove the pan from heat. Now, mix in the salted caramel sauce. Add the vanilla extract and stir until everything is creamy and well blended. Then, it’s time to combine this with the rice cereal. - Add 4 cups of rice cereal into the pan. Stir gently until every piece is coated. If you want some crunch, add ¼ cup of chopped nuts at this point. Fold them into the mix. Now, it's time for the star of the show: the apples. Take 1 medium apple and dice it into small pieces. Gently fold the apple pieces into the mixture. Be careful not to mash them. You want to keep those apple bits whole for a nice bite. Now, pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly. Make sure it is even and flat. Finally, lightly sprinkle ½ teaspoon of sea salt on top. This will enhance the caramel flavor and balance the sweetness. Let the treats cool at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. This will help them set nicely. Once cooled, use the parchment to lift them out. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy! For the full recipe, refer back to the ingredients and instructions provided. When making Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats, some simple errors can ruin your fun. Here are key mistakes to watch out for: - Not Greasing the Dish: If you skip greasing, your treats may stick. Always grease your dish or use parchment paper. - Overcooking the Butter: Melt the butter gently. If it burns, it changes the flavor and texture. - Adding Apples Too Early: If you add apples while mixing, they can break down. Wait until the mixture cools slightly before folding them in. To get the right texture, follow these steps: - Melt Marshmallows Fully: Ensure marshmallows are completely melted. Lumps can lead to uneven treats. - Press Firmly: When you pack the mixture into the dish, press firmly. This helps the treats hold together. - Cool Properly: Let the treats cool at room temperature. Avoid the fridge, as it can make them hard. Making your own salted caramel sauce is simple and adds a special touch. Here’s how: 1. Ingredients Needed: - 1 cup granulated sugar - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - ½ cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon sea salt 2. Make the Caramel: - In a saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring until melted and golden. - Add butter carefully. The mixture will bubble. - Once combined, slowly pour in heavy cream. Stir until smooth. 3. Add Salt: After removing from heat, mix in sea salt. Let it cool before using in your treats. This homemade sauce brings depth and flavor to your Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats. If you want to follow the full recipe, be sure to check it out! {{image_2}} You can make these treats even more fun with chocolate. After they cool, melt some chocolate chips. Use a microwave or a double boiler for this. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the treats. This adds a rich taste that pairs well with the caramel. It also makes them look fancy and special. Your guests will love the extra touch! You can change the flavor by adding nuts or dried fruits. Try using chopped pecans, walnuts, or even almonds. They add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. These give a hint of sweetness and chewiness. Mix in any of these options when you add the rice cereal. This makes each bite a little different and exciting! If you need gluten-free treats, there are easy swaps. Use gluten-free rice cereal instead of regular ones. Check the labels to be sure. You can also make sure your caramel sauce is gluten-free. Most brands are, but it's always good to check. These changes make the treats safe for everyone. You won't lose any flavor, just the gluten! For the full recipe, see above. To keep your Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their chewy texture and rich flavor. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This prevents sticking and keeps them easy to grab. When stored properly, these treats can last for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you notice them getting too hard, they may be drying out. Keep an eye on them, and enjoy them while they are still soft and tasty! If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature before indulging. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. Yes, you can use regular caramel sauce. However, it will lack the salty contrast. Salted caramel adds a nice balance to the sweet treats. If you want to mimic that flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top. This will enhance the taste and make it more exciting. I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith. Their tartness pairs well with the sweet caramel. Other good choices include Honeycrisp and Fuji. They hold their shape well and add crunchiness. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, as they may turn mushy. To make these treats vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based butter. Use vegan mini marshmallows instead of regular ones. For the caramel, look for a vegan version or make your own using coconut milk. These changes keep the treats just as tasty and fun! In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and steps to create delicious treats. We covered how to choose fresh apples and the best salted caramel sauce. We also provided tips for avoiding common mistakes and achieving perfect consistency. You can try fun variations like chocolate drizzle or gluten-free options. Remember, storing leftovers properly can keep them fresh for a longer time. These treats are fun to make and enjoy. I hope you try this recipe and share the joy with others!

Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats

Indulge in the ultimate sweet and crunchy treat with these Salted Caramel Apple Krispy Treats! Combining rice cereal, gooey marshmallows, and tart apples, these simple squares are perfect for any occasion. With a delightful blend of flavors and textures, they’re sure to impress. Follow our easy recipe to create your own batch! Click through to discover how to make this delicious dessert that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups rice cereal (Krispy Rice)

1 cup mini marshmallows

½ cup unsalted butter

½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 medium apple, diced (tart varieties like Granny Smith work best)

½ teaspoon sea salt

Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray or butter.

    Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.

      Add Caramel and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the salted caramel sauce and vanilla extract until well combined and creamy.

        Combine with Rice Cereal: Stir in the rice cereal until evenly coated with the marshmallow-caramel mixture. If using chopped nuts, fold them in along with the cereal.

          Add Apples: Gently fold in the diced apple pieces, being careful not to mush them, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands (greased with butter or cooking spray), press the mixture down firmly into an even layer.

              Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Once level, lightly sprinkle the top with sea salt to enhance the flavors of the caramel and offset the sweetness.

                Let It Set: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes until set and firm.

                  Cut and Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block out of the dish. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

                    - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 12-16 squares

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the treats on a decorative platter and drizzle some extra salted caramel sauce over the top for garnish. You can also sprinkle a few extra diced apples and nuts around the treats for a colorful, appetizing look.