Apple Cinnamon Crunch Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup dried apple pieces, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan:

   • Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, chopped dried apple pieces, and ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.

3. Prepare the Caramel Mixture:

   • In a small saucepan, combine the caramel sauce, unsalted butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Pour the warm caramel mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold and stir until all the cereal and apple pieces are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.

5. Press into Pan:

   • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or a piece of parchment paper to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.

6. Chill:

   • Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.

7. Slice and Serve:

   • Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice into squares or bars of your desired size.

8. Enjoy:

   • Serve these delicious apple cinnamon crunch bars as a delightful snack or treat. They're perfect for packing in lunchboxes, enjoying on-the-go, or indulging in as a sweet pick-me-up anytime!

Note: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If the bars become too soft, you can pop them back in the refrigerator for a short while to firm up again. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor and texture.