Caramel Apple Rice Crispy Treats: A Cozy Fall Twist on a Classic

Ever wish your childhood rice crispy treats had a cozy fall makeover? These Caramel Apple Rice Crispy Treats are exactly that—soft, chewy, and packed with buttery caramel, warm cinnamon, and sweet bits of dried apple. I make these every year when the leaves start to turn, and trust me, they disappear fast! The best part? They come together in about 15 minutes with no baking required.

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	5 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes
Servings	12 bars
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~180 per bar (est.)

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How To Make Caramel Apple Rice Crispy Treats

A. Essential Equipment

You won’t need much for this one—just your favorite fall playlist and these simple tools:

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Silicone spatula (nonstick is best)
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray
• Sharp knife for cutting clean squares

B. Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and irresistible batch:

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup caramel bits (plus extra for drizzling)
• ½ cup chopped dried apples
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Substitution Table

Ingredient	Substitution	Note
Unsalted butter	Coconut oil or margarine	For dairy-free version
Dried apples	Dried pears or cranberries	Adds a fruity twist
Caramel bits	Butterscotch chips	Sweeter, softer flavor
Mini marshmallows	1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow crème	Skip melting step
Cinnamon	Apple pie spice	Boosts fall flavor

C. Instructions

1. Prep your pan.
   Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or spray. This will make lifting and slicing a breeze later on.
2. Melt the butter and marshmallows.
   In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add in the marshmallows and stir constantly until they’re completely smooth and glossy. Don’t rush this step—too much heat can make them hard once cooled. (I learned that one the hard way!)
3. Add caramel and cinnamon.
   Stir in the caramel bits, ground cinnamon, and salt. You’ll notice the caramel beginning to soften slightly—that’s exactly what you want.
4. Fold in the cereal and apples.
   Remove from heat and quickly fold in the crispy rice cereal and chopped dried apples. Work fast here, using a buttered spatula to mix everything evenly. The mixture should be thick, stretchy, and smell like fall heaven.
5. Press and set.
   Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Press gently with a buttered spatula (or the back of a measuring cup). Don’t pack it too tightly, or your bars will turn dense.
6. Drizzle and cool.
   Melt a few extra caramel bits in the microwave and drizzle over the top. Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting.

You’ll know they’re ready when the top feels set but still springy to the touch.

Tips & Notes for Success

Baking Tips

• Low and slow: Melt marshmallows on low heat for the perfect chewy texture.
• Nonstick everything: Butter your spatula and hands—this mixture sticks to everything!
• Don’t overmix: Once the cereal is coated, stop stirring to keep the treats light.
• Add-ins last: Fold in caramel and apples at the end so they don’t melt completely.
• Cut when cool: Wait until fully set before slicing for those perfect squares.

Troubleshooting

• Too hard? The heat was too high when melting marshmallows. Next time, keep the heat low and stir patiently.
• Not sticking together? Add a few more melted marshmallows and press firmly into the pan.
• Too sticky to handle? A light coat of butter or oil on your hands works wonders.
• Caramel burned? Use soft caramel bits or drizzle with store-bought caramel sauce instead.

Variations

• Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo.
• Apple Pie Bars: Add ½ teaspoon of apple pie spice and drizzle with white chocolate.
• Cranberry Crunch: Mix in ¼ cup dried cranberries for a tart pop.
• Halloween Treats: Top with orange sprinkles or drizzle melted white chocolate tinted orange.

More Related Recipes

If you loved these gooey fall bars, try these cozy favorites next:

• 5-Minute Cinnamon Apple Nachos
• 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Dump Cake
• Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
• Maple Pecan Cake
• 10-Minute Pumpkin Mousse

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Rice Crispy Treats are the ultimate no-bake fall dessert—simple, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect for bake sales, cozy family nights, or a quick treat to share with friends. Trust me, once you taste that caramel-apple-cinnamon combo, you’ll want to make them again and again!

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