Caramel Apple Puppy Chow – Sweet, Crunchy & Irresistible Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful snack that combines sweet, crunchy cereal coated in a luscious caramel-white chocolate mixture with a hint of apple spice. It’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or serving at gatherings.

Ingredients

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel bits (unwrapped caramel candies work too)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp apple pie spice
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed into small pieces
• Extra caramel bits for garnish (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Measure the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl with plenty of room for tossing. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for cooling. Crush the dried apple chips into small pieces using a rolling pin or your hands inside a ziplock bag.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, caramel bits, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely smooth (about 90 seconds total). Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
3. Step 3: Pour the caramel-white chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a rubber spatula to coat every piece without breaking the cereal.
4. Step 4: In a gallon-sized ziplock bag, mix the powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and apple pie spice. Let the coated cereal cool for 5 minutes, then add it to the bag. Seal and shake thoroughly to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated cereal on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with the crushed dried apple chips and extra caramel bits if using. Allow to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Wait 5 minutes before coating the cereal with sugar and spice to ensure the caramel mixture sticks better.
• Use unwrapped caramel candies if you don’t have caramel bits available.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth or substitute apple pie spice with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.

Storage

Store the caramel apple puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep it crunchy, avoid storing in a humid environment. If it loses some crispness, you can refresh it briefly in a low oven or microwave with caution.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can substitute Rice Chex with similar crisp cereals like Cheerios or Corn Chex, but the texture and coating may vary slightly.

How do I crush dried apple chips if I don’t have a rolling pin?

You can use your hands inside a sealed bag to break the apple chips into small pieces, or press gently with the bottom of a jar or cup.

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow – Sweet, Crunchy & Irresistible Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 108 reviews

This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy snack mix combining the delightful flavors of caramel, white chocolate, and apple pie spice with crispy Rice Chex cereal. Topped with crunchy dried apple chips and optional extra caramel bits, it’s an irresistible treat perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave a festive, easy-to-make sweet snack.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel bits (or unwrapped caramel candies)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Coating

• 1 Tbsp apple pie spice
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Topping

• 1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed into small pieces
• Extra caramel bits for garnish (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. Get Everything Ready: Measure the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl to allow easy tossing without spills. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for cooling and crush dried apple chips into small pieces using a rolling pin or your hands inside a ziplock bag.
2. Create the Foundation: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, caramel bits, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted—usually about 90 seconds total. Stir in vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated.
3. The Main Event: Pour the warm caramel-white chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture to coat every piece evenly. Avoid vigorous stirring to prevent cereal breakage.
4. Finishing Touches: In a large gallon-sized ziplock bag, mix powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and apple pie spice. Let the coated cereal cool for approximately 5 minutes to help the coating adhere better, then add it to the ziplock bag. Seal and shake thoroughly to evenly coat. Spread the coated cereal on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with the crushed dried apple chips. Allow the mixture to set for 10-15 minutes. Optionally, garnish with extra caramel bits before serving.

Notes

• Use a large mixing bowl to avoid messes when tossing the cereal with the coating.
• Microwave times may vary—adjust accordingly to avoid burning the chocolate or caramel.
• Wait about 5 minutes before coating in sugar to improve adherence.
• Handle the cereal gently when mixing to prevent breakage and maintain crunch.
• Store in an airtight container to keep the mix fresh and crunchy.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, caramel snack mix, sweet cereal mix, white chocolate snack, apple pie spice treat, holiday snack, crunchy sweet treat