Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Recipes: Sweet & Sour Fall Treats
Fall is in the air, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of apples and the excitement of seasonal treats. But this year, let’s add a tangy twist to our autumnal baking with the new Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest! These chewy candies, with their signature sour-then-sweet kick and delicious apple flavors (caramel apple, apple cider, and green apple), offer a unique and playful addition to classic fall recipes. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore innovative and delicious ways to incorporate Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest into your favorite desserts and snacks.
## Why Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s appreciate why Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest are the perfect ingredient for your fall baking spree:
* **Unique Flavor Profile:** The sour coating followed by the sweet, authentic apple flavors creates a dynamic and intriguing taste experience that sets them apart from other candies.
* **Texture:** Their chewy texture adds a pleasant contrast to baked goods, providing a delightful bite.
* **Visual Appeal:** The vibrant green, red, and brown colors of the candies add a festive and eye-catching element to your creations.
* **Kid-Friendly Fun:** Sour Patch Kids are universally loved, making them a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen and excited about baking.
## Recipe 1: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Caramel Apple Blondies
These blondies are a delightful twist on the classic caramel apple. The chewy blondie base, studded with Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest, creates a sweet, sour, and utterly irresistible treat. The caramel drizzle adds a touch of richness that complements the apple flavors perfectly.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 cup Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest, chopped
* 1/4 cup caramel sauce, for drizzling
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Add Sour Patch Kids:** Gently fold in the chopped Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies.
6. **Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. **Cool and Drizzle:** Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a more intense apple flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice to the dry ingredients.
* You can use a store-bought caramel sauce or make your own.
* If you prefer a softer blondie, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
* Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
## Recipe 2: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Apple Cider Donuts
These donuts are a fall favorite with a fun and tangy twist. The apple cider in the batter provides a warm, comforting flavor, while the Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies add a burst of sour-sweet goodness. The cinnamon-sugar coating completes the autumnal experience.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup apple cider
* 1/2 cup Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest, chopped
**For the Coating:**
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually whisk in the apple cider until well combined.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Add Sour Patch Kids:** Gently fold in the chopped Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies.
6. **Fill Donut Pan:** Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full. You can use a piping bag or a spoon to do this.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Prepare Coating:** While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt the butter in a separate bowl.
9. **Coat Donuts:** Let the donuts cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. While the donuts are still warm, dip each donut in the melted butter, then immediately dredge in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of melted butter.
* You can add a glaze to the donuts instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating.
* Use apple cider donuts mix for a simplified preparation.
* For a healthier option, try baking these in an air fryer.
## Recipe 3: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Apple Crisp
This classic apple crisp gets a playful upgrade with Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies. The tart apples, crunchy oat topping, and sweet-sour candies create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This is a perfect dessert for a cozy fall evening.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest, chopped
**For the Topping:**
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. **Prepare Apple Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Gently toss to coat. Stir in the chopped Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies.
3. **Prepare Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the apple filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a combination of different apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
* Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the topping for extra crunch.
* Substitute the butter in the topping with coconut oil for a vegan option.
* Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the topping for a salty-sweet contrast.
## Recipe 4: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Popcorn Balls
These popcorn balls are a fun and festive snack that’s perfect for Halloween or any fall gathering. The combination of crunchy popcorn, sticky caramel, and chewy Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest creates a delightful treat that kids and adults will love.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 cups popped popcorn
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup corn syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Popcorn:** Pop the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels. Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
2. **Make Caramel:** In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer (firm-ball stage), about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Add Vanilla and Sour Patch Kids:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies.
4. **Combine Popcorn and Caramel:** Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn, stirring quickly to coat evenly.
5. **Shape Popcorn Balls:** Let the mixture cool slightly until you can handle it. Grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Scoop up about 1/2 cup of the popcorn mixture and shape it into a ball. Place the popcorn ball on a sheet of parchment paper.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Repeat until all of the popcorn mixture has been used. Let the popcorn balls cool completely before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use air-popped popcorn for a healthier option.
* Add chopped nuts, such as peanuts or almonds, to the popcorn mixture.
* Drizzle the popcorn balls with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
* Wrap the popcorn balls individually in cellophane for easy serving.
## Recipe 5: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Bark
This easy-to-make bark is a perfect holiday treat or a fun gift for friends and family. The combination of melted chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and chewy Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest creates a delightful sweet-and-salty snack that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces chocolate (milk, dark, or white), chopped
* 1 cup pretzels, broken into small pieces
* 1 cup Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest, chopped
* Optional: sprinkles, chopped nuts, sea salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. **Spread Chocolate:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and spread it into an even layer.
3. **Add Toppings:** Sprinkle the broken pretzels and chopped Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies evenly over the melted chocolate. Add any other desired toppings, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
4. **Chill:** Refrigerate the bark for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
5. **Break into Pieces:** Once the bark is firm, break it into pieces. Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a combination of different types of chocolate for a more complex flavor.
* Add peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips for extra richness.
* Use different types of pretzels, such as pretzel rods or mini pretzels.
* Add dried cranberries or chopped dried apples for a festive touch.
## Recipe 6: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Milkshake
This milkshake is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a unique twist. The creamy vanilla ice cream blends perfectly with the tangy Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink that’s perfect for a warm fall day.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups vanilla ice cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest
* Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
* Caramel sauce, for topping (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, and Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies.
2. **Blend:** Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. **Pour and Serve:** Pour the milkshake into a glass. Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce, if desired.
4. **Enjoy:** Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a scoop of apple sorbet for an extra apple flavor.
* Use almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
* Garnish with extra Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies.
* Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming spice.
## Recipe 7: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Infused Vodka
For the adults, this infused vodka adds a fun and flavorful twist to your cocktails. The Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies infuse the vodka with a sweet and sour apple flavor that’s perfect for fall-themed drinks. Please consume responsibly.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup vodka
* 1/2 cup Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a clean glass jar, combine the vodka and Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies.
2. **Infuse:** Seal the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 3-5 days, shaking the jar occasionally. The candies will dissolve and infuse the vodka with their flavor.
3. **Strain:** Strain the vodka through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining candy pieces.
4. **Store:** Store the infused vodka in a clean bottle or jar.
5. **Use:** Use in your favorite cocktails, such as apple martinis or apple cider cocktails. Please drink responsibly.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a high-quality vodka for the best flavor.
* Adjust the amount of Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies to your liking.
* Experiment with different flavors of Sour Patch Kids.
* Add a cinnamon stick or apple slices to the jar for extra flavor.
## Recipe 8: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Trail Mix
A simple and satisfying snack, this trail mix combines the sweet and sour of Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a boost of energy and flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
* 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries
* 1/2 cup raisins
* 1/2 cup Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine:** In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
2. **Mix:** Stir well to combine.
3. **Store:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
4. **Enjoy:** Snack on throughout the day.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add sunflower seeds or flax seeds for extra nutrients.
* Use different types of dried fruit, such as dried apples or apricots.
* Add chocolate chips or yogurt-covered raisins for an extra treat.
* Adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your liking.
## Recipe 9: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Cupcakes
These cupcakes are moist, delicious, and packed with apple flavor, thanks to the addition of apple sauce and the star ingredient: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest. The tangy candy adds a fun surprise to every bite.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup applesauce
* 1/2 cup Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest, chopped
**For the Frosting:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Green food coloring (optional)
* Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. **Fold in Candy:** Gently fold in the chopped Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies.
7. **Fill Cupcake Liners:** Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool Completely:** Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Make Frosting:** While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Tint with green food coloring, if desired.
11. **Frost and Garnish:** Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the buttercream frosting. Garnish with Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for extra warmth.
* Fill the cupcakes with caramel sauce before frosting.
* Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream frosting.
* Decorate with apple slices or caramel drizzles.
## Recipe 10: Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest Rice Krispie Treats
A classic treat gets a sour-then-sweet upgrade! These Rice Krispie treats are gooey, crunchy, and packed with the tangy apple flavors of Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
* 10 ounces marshmallows
* 1/2 cup Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Pan:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Melt Butter and Marshmallows:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
3. **Remove from Heat:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies.
4. **Press into Pan:** Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. **Cool and Cut:** Let the treats cool completely before cutting them into squares.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use brown butter for a richer flavor.
* Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet contrast.
* Cut the treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
* Dip the treats in melted chocolate.
## Conclusion
Sour Patch Kids Apple Harvest candies offer a delightful way to add a touch of fun and autumnal flavor to your favorite recipes. From blondies and donuts to milkshakes and even infused vodka, the possibilities are endless. So grab a bag of these chewy treats and get creative in the kitchen! Happy baking, and happy fall!