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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe

4.9 from 67 reviews

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy snack mix featuring Rice Chex cereal coated in a smooth blend of white chocolate and caramel, dusted with a spiced sugar coating and topped with crunchy dried apple chips. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you want a deliciously festive snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

  • 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

For the Coating:

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

For the Topping:

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

Instructions

  1. Get Everything Ready 📋: Measure the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl to allow room for tossing. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for cooling. Crush the dried apple chips into small bits using a rolling pin or your hands inside a ziplock bag.
  2. Create the Foundation 🏗️: 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. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  3. The Main Event 🎭: Pour the caramel and white chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold the mixture with a rubber spatula to coat every piece evenly without breaking the cereal.
  4. Finishing Touches ✨: Combine powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and apple pie spice in a large gallon-sized ziplock bag. Let the coated cereal cool for 5 minutes, then add it to the bag. Seal and shake vigorously until the cereal is well coated. Spread the coated cereal on the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with crushed apple chips, and allow to set for 10-15 minutes. Garnish with extra caramel bits if desired.

Notes

  • Make sure not to stir the cereal too aggressively after adding the caramel mixture to prevent breaking the pieces.
  • Allowing the coated cereal to cool for 5 minutes before adding to the sugar mixture helps the coating stick better.
  • Use a large bowl for mixing to avoid spills and messes.
  • Microwave times may vary based on your appliance; adjust accordingly.
  • For a variation, you can substitute dried apple chips with finely chopped dried apples or other dried fruit.

Keywords: caramel apple puppy chow, caramel snack mix, white chocolate cereal snack, apple pie spice snack, Chex mix dessert, easy fall snack, sweet snack recipe