Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats - Ooey and gooey, sweet and chewy, these no-bake salted caramel apple rice krispie treats are the jazzed up version of the traditional rice krispy square, dressed up and ready for fall!
Salted caramel rice krispie treats are a cozy fall twist on a classic favorite. Made with gooey marshmallows, dried apples, and caramel topping with a hint of sea salt, these tasty treats are the perfect no-bake fall dessert!
They’re sweet and salty, crispy and chewy, and so good you’re going to look forward to making these every year from now on. No oven required, so the kids can get in on the action!
If you’re looking for more no bake treats to make this season, try my no bake mini cheesecakes or microwave peanut brittle with chocolate!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A decadent upgrade. Elevated with just a few simple ingredients!
- Make ahead friendly. Prep them, cool them, then pack them up for later!
- Versatile. Great for parties, bake sales, or a quick weeknight treat.
- Sweet and salty. You’ll love the flavor combination of the caramel and sea salt.
Ingredients for this Easy Rice Krispy Treat Recipe
- Crispy Rice Cereal: I make sure that I use gluten-free crispy rice cereal. Most rice cereal is, but always check the label if necessary.
- Unsalted butter: I prefer to use unsalted butter because I can control the amount I use with the sea salt.
- Mini marshmallows: You’ll need a 10 oz bag.
- Pure vanilla extract: For a delicious, warm flavor.
- Sea salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Dried apples: Finely chop your dehydrated apples or use apple chips.
- Caramel sauce: Any store-bought caramel sauce will do. You can also use dule de leche. I use it on my chocolate thumbprint cookies and dulce de leche cookies and it’s delicious!
- Flaky sea salt: To sprinkle on top!
See the recipe card for the full information on recipe ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Caramel Apple Rice Krispy Treats
Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Then, stir in the marshmallows until combined and smooth. Add vanilla and salt, stir a bit more.
Step 2: Remove the pot from the heat and fold in the rice krispies and chopped dried apples. Use a rubber spatula to ensure everything is well mixed and evenly coated.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. Gently press the mixture into the pan. Avoid compacting it too much, otherwise your squares will be hard and dense.
Step 4: Drizzle the caramel overtop, add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and let them cool and set for 30 minutes. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Be sure to grease or line your baking dish. Rice krispie treats with caramel sauce can be quite sticky!
- Melt the butter and marshmallows over medium or medium-low heat to help melt everything evenly and avoid burning.
- Use fresh marshmallows. Stale marshmallows will have a funny taste and texture and won’t melt the same.
- To keep your bars soft and chewy, avoid pressing the mixture down too hard into the dish.
- Let them sit for the full 30 minutes (or more). If you cut into them too soon, they won’t be even squares.
- For clean, easy slicing, use a plastic knife or spray a kitchen knife with cooking spray.
Recipe FAQs
They are! Most marshmallows and rice cereals are gluten free, so as long as the caramel sauce is gluten free, this no bake gluten-free dessert will stay that way.
First, you want to make sure not to pack them down too much when you’re adding the mixture to the dish. Then, once they’re ready and cooled, you’ll want to keep them airtight so they don’t dry out.
Sure, you can! These are a great make-ahead treat for easy snacking. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when covered in an airtight container.
You could do a caramel and chocolate combination. Or, a spread of apple butter instead of caramel. For extra crunch, you could throw on crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, or extra dried apples.
More Fall Desserts You’ll Love
- Easy Apple Cake Recipe
- Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins (with Cream Cheese or without!)
- Easy Apple Cobbler
- The Best Pumpkin Pie
- Cinnamon Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
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📖 Recipe
Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 5 cups crispy rice cereal gluten-free or original
- ½ cup butter unsalted
- 10 oz mini marshmallows more if you like to have more marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup dried apples finely chopped
For Topping
- caramel sauce or dulce de leche to taste
- flaky sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Melt the Butter & Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Mix in the Cereal & Apples: Add the crispy rice cereal and chopped dried apples to the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently fold everything together until the cereal and apples are evenly coated.
- Press into the Pan: Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press it down gently — don’t press too hard, or the treats will lose their soft, chewy texture.
- Add the Caramel & Salt: Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the top of the treats. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty finish.
- Let Set & Serve: Allow the treats to cool for about 30 minutes. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overheat Marshmallows: Melt over medium heat and stir constantly. High heat can scorch the marshmallows, affecting flavor and texture.
- Gentle Folding: When mixing in Rice Krispies and dried apples, fold gently to avoid crushing the cereal and keep the treats light and airy.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Press the mixture lightly into the pan. Pressing too hard will make the bars dense instead of soft and chewy.
- Custom Fruit & Mix-Ins: Swap dried apples for dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a fun twist.
- Caramel Drizzle Tip: Warm your caramel slightly before drizzling so it flows easily over the treats.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Make It Fun for Kids: Let kids sprinkle a little extra sea salt or colorful sprinkles on top before it sets for a playful, tasty touch.
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