Caramel Apple Puppy Chow – Sweet, Crunchy & Irresistible Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful mix of sweet, crunchy flavors that capture the essence of fall. This easy-to-make snack combines crisp Rice Chex cereal with creamy caramel, white chocolate, and a touch of apple pie spice for an irresistible treat.
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 every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Step 3: Stir vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted mixture.
- Step 4: Pour the caramel and white chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir gently 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, then toss carefully until everything is evenly covered.
- Step 7: Fold in the crushed dried apple chips for added texture and flavor.
- Step 8: Spread the mixture out onto parchment paper and let it cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer caramel flavor, use homemade caramel sauce instead of caramel bits.
- Substitute dried apple chips with chopped dried apricots for a different fruity twist.
- Ensure the white chocolate and caramel are fully melted and smooth to coat the cereal evenly without clumping.
Storage
Store the caramel apple puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it crunchy, avoid storing in humid environments. If the coating softens, you can refresh it in a low oven (250°F) for 5–7 minutes, then cool before eating.
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 Corn Chex or Wheat Chex for a slightly different texture, but avoid cereals that are too delicate or sticky as they may not hold up well to the coating.
How do I crush the dried apple chips?
Place the dried apple chips in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass until they break into small pieces.
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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow – Sweet, Crunchy & Irresistible Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix combining the crispiness of Rice Chex cereal with the rich flavors of white chocolate, caramel, and apple pie spices. Enhanced with powdered and granulated sugars and finished with dried apple chips for a delightful autumn-inspired treat that’s perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients
Cereal Base
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
Coating
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Spice and Sugar Mix
- 1 Tbsp apple pie spice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal: Place 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, ensuring enough space to thoroughly mix later.
- Melt Chocolate and Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 cup caramel bits together, heating in short intervals and stirring until completely smooth and combined.
- Add Flavorings: Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted chocolate and caramel mixture to enhance the flavor profile.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the melted mixture evenly over the Rice Chex cereal, stirring gently to coat every piece well without breaking the cereal.
- Mix Sugars and Spice: In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon apple pie spice, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar, mixing thoroughly.
- Apply Sugar Mix: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the coated cereal, tossing carefully to ensure an even, flavorful coating throughout.
- Add Dried Apples: Fold in 1/2 cup of crushed dried apple chips, distributing them evenly for extra crunch and apple flavor.
- Cool and Set: Spread the finished mixture onto parchment paper in a thin layer and allow it to cool completely until the coating is set and crisp.
Notes
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-30 second increments to prevent burning the chocolate and caramel.
- Ensure the cereal is fully coated to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the puppy chow fresh and crunchy for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free snack, ensure the Rice Chex cereal is certified gluten-free.
- Crushed dried apple chips add natural sweetness and texture but can be omitted or substituted with dried cranberries or raisins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple puppy chow, sweet snack mix, Rice Chex recipe, caramel and white chocolate snack, apple pie spice snack
