Name: Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz bag mini marshmallows; 5 cups rice cereal; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon apple pie spice; 1/4 cup caramel sauce (suggested: easy tahini vegan salted caramel)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 14 reviews

I absolutely love desserts that bring a nostalgic crunch with a cozy twist, and this Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe does exactly that. To me, it’s like biting into a warm, comforting slice of apple pie wrapped up in the fun, chewy texture of Rice Krispies, with just the right touch of caramel sweetness on top. When I want a quick, fuss-free treat that feels special and homemade, this recipe is my go-to. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for anytime I’m craving a little fall-inspired magic.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

What makes these Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats truly stand out for me is their incredible flavor profile. The addition of apple pie spice and vanilla infuses the familiar marshmallow base with warm, aromatic notes that instantly remind me of cozy family gatherings and crisp autumn afternoons. The sprinkling of caramel sauce on top adds just the perfect touch of indulgence without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors. It tastes like a hug in dessert form!

Another thing I adore about this Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is how accessible and easy it is to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment, and the ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together in less than 10 minutes. Because it sets at room temperature, there’s no baking or waiting around by the oven, which is perfect when you want a quick treat or have unexpected guests. This recipe is fantastic for holidays, potlucks, or even as a special after-school snack that everyone can enjoy without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A thick rectangular bar made of light brown puffed rice cereal forms the base layer, resting on wrinkled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. On top, a smooth caramel-colored sauce with a glossy texture is being poured from a small white jug held by a woman's hand, dripping slowly and covering the puffed rice bar unevenly with some sauce spilling down the sides. In the background, two small shiny metal bowls sit on the white marbled surface, one filled with white mini marshmallows and the other containing crumbly light brown pieces. The scene is softly lit, emphasizing the textures and warm colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect taste and texture. From the gooey marshmallows that bind everything, to the crunchy rice cereal that brings delightful crispness, each component contributes to the magic of these treats.

10 oz mini marshmallows: The essential gooey binder that adds softness and sweetness.
5 cups rice cereal: Provides that iconic crispy crunch and structure.
2 tablespoons milk: Helps melt the marshmallows smoothly and keeps them creamy.
1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps with the marshmallow melt.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Elevates the flavor with warm, comforting depth.
1 teaspoon apple pie spice: The star that brings cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove warmth—like biting into an apple pie.
1/4 cup caramel sauce: Drizzled on top for a luscious, sweet finishing touch. (I love using a vegan salted tahini caramel for a unique twist!)

Directions

Step 1: Begin by reserving about 1/2 heaping cup of mini marshmallows and set those aside. You’ll add these later to keep some texture in the treats.

Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the remaining marshmallows with the milk and butter. Keep stirring frequently to ensure the marshmallows melt evenly without burning. You want a smooth, creamy mixture – this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the apple pie spice and vanilla extract. This is where your kitchen will start smelling amazing, like fresh apple pie right out of the oven!

Step 4: Pour the rice cereal into the pot and stir thoroughly to coat every piece with the melting marshmallow mixture. Then add the reserved marshmallows and gently fold them in so they stay somewhat intact but still sticky enough to hold together.

Step 5: Transfer the mixture into an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper. This helps the treats come out cleanly once set.

Step 6: Using your fingers or a piece of parchment paper, lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Don’t press too hard – you want them firm but not overly compacted.

Step 7: Allow the treats to rest at room temperature until fully set, which usually takes about 30 minutes. This gives them the perfect chewy texture.

Step 8: Once set, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top. This finishing touch adds gooey sweetness and a little elegance to your homemade treats.

Servings and Timing

This Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe makes about one 8×8 pan of treats, which usually yields 9–12 square servings depending on how big you cut them. Prep time is incredibly quick—around 10 minutes. There’s no actual cooking time since the marshmallows just melt on the stove. Allow about 30 minutes for the treats to fully set at room temperature before drizzling the caramel and serving. So you’re looking at just shy of 45 minutes total from start to finish, making it a fantastic last-minute but impressive dessert.

How to Serve This Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

The image shows a stack of several square-shaped crispy rice treats arranged on a wooden board. Each treat has a light golden color with a slightly bumpy texture from the puffed rice cereal. The treats are layered closely together, forming a small pile with some squares leaning on each other. The background consists of a white marbled surface with a soft napkin blurred out in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats, I like to keep it simple because they’re already packed with flavor. They shine on their own but can be paired wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence or a dollop of whipped cream lightly dusted with cinnamon to echo the spice in the treat. If I’m feeling festive, I sometimes sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top of the caramel for a crunchy contrast.

Presentation-wise, I cut these into bite-sized squares or rectangles that are easy to grab at parties or family get-togethers. I love arranging them on a warm-toned wooden board or a bright fall-themed platter to complement the warm hues of the apple pie spices. For beverage pairings, a hot apple cider or a lightly spiced chai latte feels like a natural match, but these treats also pair surprisingly well with a crisp white wine or a mellow hard cider if you want to adult-up the snack for gatherings.

These treats are best served at room temperature so you get that ideal soft-yet-crisp texture. If you need to make them ahead, just leave them covered on the counter and add the caramel drizzle right before serving to keep that fresh drizzle shine and texture intact. They’re perfect for everything from casual weeknight desserts to festive holiday spreads or even as thoughtful homemade gifts.

Variations

Over time, I’ve experimented with some tasty twists on this Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe to suit different preferences or dietary needs. For a nuttier flavor, I sometimes swap out regular rice cereal for a gluten-free crispy rice cereal, which makes this treat safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising the crunch.

If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can easily substitute the butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows plus a plant-milk of your choice. For the caramel drizzle, I highly recommend trying my vegan tahini salted caramel recipe—it adds a unique depth and richness that elevates these treats beautifully. For an extra burst of apple flavor, mixing in finely diced dried apples or a sprinkle of dried apple chips into the mixture before setting can be delightful.

For a different texture experience, you can lightly toast the rice cereal beforehand to give the treats a slightly toasted flavor, which adds complexity. Alternatively, for a layered look, try spreading half the cereal mixture in the pan, drizzle a thin layer of caramel, then top with the remaining cereal mix before pressing and setting. It’s a bit more work, but absolutely worth it if you love caramel extravaganza!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps keep them soft and chewy without drying out. Using containers with a tight seal, like plastic or glass containers with lids, works great. They usually stay fresh and delicious for up to 3–4 days, which means you can enjoy these treats well into the week without a problem.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these treats for longer storage, I recommend cutting them into individual squares first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents freezer burn and keeps the texture intact. Frozen Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them overnight at room temperature or for a few hours on the counter.

Reheating

Unlike some baked goods, these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. I don’t usually recommend microwaving them because they can become too soft or sticky. If you want to soften leftover chilled treats, leave them out for 15–20 minutes before serving to bring back the chewy texture. The caramel drizzle may get a bit firmer in the fridge, so warming the plate slightly in a low oven (around 200°F/90°C) for 5 minutes can gently restore that lovely gooey quality without melting the treats themselves.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! If you only have regular marshmallows on hand, just slice them into smaller pieces to help them melt evenly and mix better with the rice cereal. Mini marshmallows just speed up the melting process, but the flavor and texture remain great either way.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose a gluten-free certified rice cereal. Some brands may contain gluten, so double-check the packaging if you have dietary restrictions. Also, all other ingredients like marshmallows, butter, and caramel sauce are typically gluten-free.

Can I make these treats without caramel sauce on top?

Definitely! While the caramel drizzle adds a delicious finish, the treats are fully tasty on their own with the apple pie spice infusing the marshmallow mix. You can also substitute caramel with melted white chocolate, chocolate drizzle, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for different flavor twists.

How do I prevent the treats from sticking to my hands or pan?

I find that lightly buttering your hands or using a piece of parchment paper to press the mixture into the pan works best. This stops the sticky marshmallow from adhering and keeps the surface smooth for easy cutting once they set.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe?

Yes, adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries can give a nice texture and flavor contrast. Just fold them in gently with the cereal before pressing the mixture into the pan. It’s a great way to customize and add a personal touch!

Conclusion

I hope you feel just as excited as I do to whip up this Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. It’s one of those rare desserts that feels both nostalgic and new, comforting yet fun to eat. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, these sweet, spiced, and irresistibly crispy treats are sure to become a favorite go-to. Go ahead and give it a try—I promise it will bring a little warm, autumnal happiness to your day!