Brown Butter Apple Jack Treats: A Fall Favorite!
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves start to turn, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a fall-inspired treat. These Brown Butter Apple Jack Treats are an easy, fun, and delicious dessert that will quickly become a favorite in your fall recipe repertoire. The warm, nutty flavor of browned butter combined with the cinnamon-y sweetness of Apple Jacks cereal makes for a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just want a cozy snack, these treats bring all the seasonal flavors together in a fun and simple way!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup salted butter (brown it yourself for extra flavor)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 16 oz Apple Jacks cereal
- 2 bags (16 oz each) mini marshmallows (divided)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Butter
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Allow it to bubble and foam.
- Keep stirring until the butter turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Once it’s browned, lower the heat to low and add the sweetened condensed milk.
Step 2: Make the Marshmallow Mixture
- Add one bag (16 oz) of mini marshmallows to the browned butter and sweetened condensed milk mixture. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and everything is well combined.
Step 3: Mix with Cereal
- In a large mixing bowl, pour your Apple Jacks cereal. Carefully pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and mix until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 4: Layer the Treats
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add half of the cereal mixture into the pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the remaining mini marshmallows over the top, pressing them gently into the cereal.
- Add the remaining cereal mixture on top, pressing it down firmly to create a uniform layer.
Step 5: Let It Cool & Serve
- Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes.
- Once cooled, cut them into squares and serve! These treats are perfect for parties, fall picnics, or just as a cozy snack at home.
Method of Creation:
This recipe uses a classic technique of making marshmallow cereal treats, but with a fall-inspired twist by incorporating brown butter and Apple Jacks cereal. Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that takes this treat to the next level, and the cinnamon in the Apple Jacks cereal complements the warmth of the fall season perfectly. The marshmallows bring sweetness and stickiness to hold everything together, creating a satisfying balance of crunch and gooeyness in every bite.
History of Rice Krispies and Cereal Treats:
Rice Krispies Treats, the iconic cereal bar, were first invented in the 1930s by Mildred Day, an employee at the Kellogg Company. The treat was initially created as part of a fundraiser for the Kellogg School. Fast forward to today, and these treats have evolved into an entire genre of recipes, with variations like this Apple Jack version being part of the new wave of cereal-inspired desserts.
The concept of mixing cereals with melted marshmallows is not new, but the addition of browned butter and unique cereals (like Apple Jacks) makes these treats stand out. The dish has become a nostalgic favorite for many, especially during the cooler months when the cinnamon-spiced flavors remind us of cozy fall nights.
Why You’ll Love These Brown Butter Apple Jack Treats:
- Simple & Quick: With only a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a big batch of these treats in under an hour.
- Fall-Inspired Flavors: The rich, nutty brown butter and cinnamon from the Apple Jacks cereal make this recipe perfect for fall.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving these at a fall get-together or just enjoying them at home, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out Apple Jacks for other cereals (like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or even Pumpkin Spice Chex) for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion:
These Brown Butter Apple Jack Treats are a delicious and festive way to celebrate the flavors of fall. The process is simple, the flavors are rich, and the result is a treat that’s both nostalgic and new. Perfect for sharing, these treats are a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come from the simplest ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying them at a fall festival, as an after-school snack, or with a hot cup of cider on the porch, they’ll bring warmth and sweetness to every moment!
Enjoy with Love:
These treats are made for sharing—whether with your closest friends or family, or as a little gift to brighten someone’s day. The warmth of the brown butter, the sweetness of the marshmallows, and the cinnamon-spiced Apple Jacks will make everyone who tries them feel like they’re wrapped in a cozy blanket of autumn goodness.
Happy Fall Baking! 🍂