Gourmet Apricot Almond Krispies
Elevate your snacking experience with these Gourmet Apricot Almond Krispies, a modern twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat. Infused with rich brown sugar and delicately spiced with cinnamon, these bars are perfectly complemented by crunchy toasted almonds and sweet dried apricots. The final touch is a luxurious drizzle of white chocolate infused with a hint of Grand Marnier, making them a delightful treat for both kids and adults. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or late-night snacks, these bars are not just a childhood memory but a tantalizing gourmet experience!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the pan)
Light brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (cut into pieces)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
Miniature marshmallows
2 1/2 cups
Sliced almonds
1/3 cup (toasted)
Dried apricots
1/2 cup (diced)
Rice Krispies
4 - 4 1/2 cups
White chocolate chips
1/2 cup
Canola oil
1 - 3 teaspoons
Grand Marnier
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing a 9x9 inch baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring even coverage. Lightly spray your mixing spoon as well to prevent sticking.
2
Toast the sliced almonds in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Set aside to cool.
3
In a large saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and light brown sugar over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until both ingredients melt together, creating a smooth mixture, about 2 minutes.
4
Stir in the ground cinnamon until fully incorporated.
5
Add the miniature marshmallows to the saucepan, stirring constantly until they completely melt and the mixture is smooth and slightly loose.
6
Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies, toasted almonds, and diced dried apricots, mixing thoroughly until combined.
7
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use your lightly sprayed palms to press and level the mixture evenly into the pan.
8
Refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes, allowing them to firm up.
9
Once set, invert the pan and tap gently to release the bars. Slice into 12 equal pieces, arranging in a 4x3 grid.
10
Melt the white chocolate chips using a double boiler over low heat, ensuring no steam escapes. If you don't have a double boiler, place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
11
Add canola oil to the melted chocolate, stirring until smooth. If the chocolate thickens, reduce the heat.
12
Stir in the Grand Marnier, then use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate diagonally over the krispies bars, allowing it to drip down the sides.
13
For a quicker approach, you can drizzle the melted chocolate over the bars in the pan before refrigerating. Though less visually appealing, it remains just as delicious!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Apricot Almond Krispies?
They are an elevated version of the classic Rice Krispies treat featuring brown sugar, cinnamon, toasted almonds, dried apricots, and a white chocolate Grand Marnier drizzle.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What size pan is needed for these bars?
You should use a 9x9 inch baking pan.
How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my tools?
Lightly spray your mixing spoon and your palms with cooking spray before handling the mixture.
How do I toast the sliced almonds?
Toast them in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently until fragrant and golden.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into pieces.
How long does it take to melt the butter and sugar?
It takes about 2 minutes over medium-low heat to create a smooth mixture.
When should I add the cinnamon?
Stir in the ground cinnamon once the butter and brown sugar have melted together.
What is the best way to melt the marshmallows?
Stir them constantly in the saucepan over medium-low heat until the mixture is smooth and slightly loose.
Which cereal is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 to 4.5 cups of Rice Krispies cereal.
How should the dried apricots be prepared?
The dried apricots should be diced before being folded into the mixture.
How long do the krispies bars need to refrigerate?
They need to be refrigerated for about 30 minutes to firm up.
How should I slice the finished bars?
Slice them into 12 equal pieces, typically arranged in a 4x3 grid.
What is the best method for melting white chocolate chips?
Use a double boiler over low heat or place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
Why is canola oil added to the white chocolate?
Canola oil helps thin the melted chocolate to a smooth consistency for drizzling.
What gives the chocolate drizzle a gourmet flavor?
Stirring in 2 teaspoons of Grand Marnier gives the white chocolate a sophisticated citrus hint.
Can I apply the chocolate while the bars are still in the pan?
Yes, you can drizzle the chocolate over the bars in the pan before refrigerating for a quicker approach.
What is the texture of these krispie treats?
They are crunchy from the cereal and toasted almonds, yet chewy from the melted marshmallows.
What should I do if the chocolate thickens while melting?
Reduce the heat and stir in the canola oil to maintain a smooth consistency.
How do I release the bars from the pan?
Invert the pan and tap it gently once the bars have set in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute the almonds with other nuts?
Yes, while the recipe calls for sliced almonds, you could substitute other nuts like pecans or walnuts if preferred.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The 1/4 cup of light brown sugar should be packed.
What category of dessert is this?
These are categorized as Bar Cookies.
Are these suitable for lunchboxes?
Yes, they are described as perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or late-night snacks.
How much Grand Marnier is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of Grand Marnier.
How much miniature marshmallows are needed?
You will need 2.5 cups of miniature marshmallows.
What kind of sugar is used in the base?
Light brown sugar is used to provide a rich sweetness.
How do I ensure the drizzle looks visually appealing?
Use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate diagonally over the individual bars so it drips down the sides.
What size should the apricot pieces be?
They should be diced into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is a modern twist on a childhood favorite.