Introduction

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack that combines the flavors of crisp apples, warm caramel, and creamy white chocolate. Perfect for fall or anytime you want a cozy treat, this mix is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

The image shows a close-up of many small, square-shaped pieces of fried dough, golden brown in color with a slightly rough and crispy texture. Each piece is lightly dusted with a layer of white powdered sugar, evenly coating the top surfaces. The pieces are piled together tightly, filling the entire frame, highlighting the warm tones of the dough contrasted with the bright white sugar. The background consists of a white marbled texture, softly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup caramel bits
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 Tbsp apple pie spice
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed

Instructions

Step 1: Add 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Melt the white chocolate chips and caramel bits in the microwave, stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted mixture.
Step 4: Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix together the apple pie spice, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar.
Step 6: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the coated cereal, tossing until everything is evenly covered.
Step 7: Fold in the crushed dried apple chips for an extra burst of apple flavor and crunch.
Step 8: Spread the mixture on parchment paper and allow to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

Use white chocolate almond bark as a substitute for white chocolate chips for easier melting and coating.
Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
For a saltier contrast, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the mix after it cools.

Storage

Store caramel apple puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer, refrigerate for a slightly firmer texture. To refresh the crunch, let it come to room temperature before serving. Avoid moisture to keep it crisp.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of many small, square-shaped fried pastries piled together. Each pastry has a golden brown color with a slightly bumpy texture and is lightly dusted with white powdered sugar. The focus is sharp on the pastries in the center, showing their crispy and flaky surface. The background is a white marbled texture, making the golden pastries stand out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, any similar rice or corn-based cereal will work, but Rice Chex provides the ideal texture and flavor balance for this recipe.

How do I crush the dried apple chips?

Place the dried apple chips in a plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or use your hands to break them into small pieces without turning them into powder.

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 100 reviews

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix that combines the cozy flavors of caramel, white chocolate, and apple pie spice with crispy Rice Chex cereal. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a delightful treat any time, this easy-to-make snack is coated in a luscious blend of melted chocolates and spiced sugars, finished with crunchy dried apple chips for added texture and flavor.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 Tbsp apple pie spice
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed
Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup caramel bits
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, ensuring the bowl is big enough to mix comfortably without spilling.
Melt Chocolate and Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 cup of caramel bits. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
Add Flavorings: Stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted chocolate and caramel mixture to enhance the flavor.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and gently stir with a spatula or spoon, carefully coating all the cereal pieces without breaking them.
Prepare Spice and Sugar Mix: In a separate small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of apple pie spice, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix well.
Coat with Sugar-Spice Blend: Sprinkle the apple pie spice and sugar mixture evenly over the coated cereal. Toss gently to coat all pieces uniformly with the spiced sugar.
Add Dried Apple Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of crushed dried apple chips to add texture and a fruity twist to the mixture.
Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal mix evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature so the coating can harden and the mix becomes crunchy.

Notes

Ensure the white chocolate and caramel bits are melted gently to avoid burning.
Use a large bowl to make stirring easier and prevent ingredient spillage.
Crushing the dried apple chips finely allows better distribution throughout the mix.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
This snack mix can be served immediately after cooling or stored for up to 1 week.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Rice Chex snack mix, white chocolate snack, caramel dessert, apple spice snack, sweet crunchy snack