Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful, sweet snack mix combining crispy Rice Chex cereal with melted white chocolate and caramel, enhanced by warm apple pie spice and crunchy dried apple chips. Perfect for parties, holiday treats, or anytime you crave a deliciously sweet and crunchy bite.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake, mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base
Chocolate and Caramel 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
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed
- Prepare the Cereal Base: Place 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, ensuring there is enough room to coat the cereal evenly in the following steps.
- Melt Chocolate and Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 cup caramel bits. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Flavorings: Stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted chocolate and caramel mixture to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon to coat every piece thoroughly without breaking the cereal.
- Mix Sugar and Spice: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon apple pie spice, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. This will add warmth and sweetness to the snack.
- Sprinkle Sugar Mix: Evenly sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the coated cereal. Toss gently but thoroughly until all pieces are well covered with the mixture.
- Add Crunchy Apple Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of crushed dried apple chips to add texture and an extra burst of apple flavor throughout the mix.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated and spiced cereal mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature so the coating hardens and the mix becomes crisp.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunch.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts when folding in the dried apple chips.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the powdered and granulated sugar by half.
- To easily crush dried apple chips, place them in a sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or use your hands.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger batches, perfect for gifting or larger gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 40g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: caramel apple puppy chow, caramel puppy chow, apple snack mix, white chocolate snack, chex mix, holiday treats, sweet snack mix