Caramel Apple Puppy Chow – Sweet, Crunchy & Irresistible Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
