Introduction

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a cozy fall twist on classic muddy buddies. With a sweet caramel and white chocolate coating, apple pie spice, and crunchy dried apple chips, this no-bake snack is perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or a comforting treat any time of year.

A close-up view of many small square-shaped treats, each covered in a light dusting of white powdered sugar, giving them a soft, powdery texture. Underneath, the treats have a shiny, caramel-colored glaze with a slightly bumpy surface. The squares appear to be layered with a gooey caramel center peeking from some of the edges. They are piled closely together, filling the frame with their warm brown and creamy white colors. The background is a white marbled texture. 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
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup dried apple chips, crushed

Instructions

Step 1: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Melt the white chocolate chips and caramel bits together in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted mixture.
Step 4: Pour the chocolate and caramel mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and stir gently to coat 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 and toss well to cover completely.
Step 7: Fold in the crushed dried apple chips gently.
Step 8: Spread the mixture on parchment paper and allow it to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
Drizzle with butterscotch for additional indulgence.
For a stronger apple flavor, add a few drops of apple extract.
Use gluten-free Rice Chex to make the recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store your Caramel Apple Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If needed, gently warm before serving to restore a slight softness to the coating, but it is best enjoyed at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows many small, square-shaped snack pieces with a golden-brown color and a slightly bumpy texture. Each piece is dusted with a light layer of white powdered sugar that covers the surface unevenly, creating a contrast with the warm brown underneath. The pieces are piled closely together, highlighting their crunchy and crispy appearance. The background is not visible because of the tight clustering of the snacks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cereals besides Rice Chex?

Yes, you can substitute with other crispy cereals such as corn Chex or even pretzel sticks for a different texture, but Rice Chex offers the best coating and crunch balance.

Do I have to use caramel bits, or can I use caramel sauce?

Caramel bits work best because they melt smoothly and coat the cereal evenly. If using caramel sauce, use a thicker variety and be careful not to make the mix too sticky or soggy.

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe

Print Recipe

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5 from 745 reviews

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a no-bake, sweet, and crunchy fall-inspired snack combining Rice Chex cereal coated in a smooth blend of white chocolate and caramel, accented with apple pie spice, powdered and granulated sugars, and crushed dried apple chips. Perfect for Halloween parties, cozy fall gatherings, or simply a comforting treat at home.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

9 cups Rice Chex cereal

Coating

1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup caramel bits
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Seasoning Mix

1 Tbsp apple pie spice
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar

Add-ins

½ cup dried apple chips, crushed

Instructions

Prepare the base: Place 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl to set up for coating.
Melt coatings: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and caramel bits together, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined.
Add flavorings: Stir the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted mixture to enhance the depth of flavor.
Combine cereal and coating: Pour the melted chocolate and caramel mixture over the Rice Chex cereal, gently stirring to coat the cereal pieces evenly without breaking them.
Mix sugars and spice: In a separate bowl, combine the apple pie spice, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices.
Coat cereal with sugar blend: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the coated cereal, tossing thoroughly until all pieces are evenly covered.
Add apple chips: Gently fold in the crushed dried apple chips to infuse extra apple flavor and add a crunchy texture.
Cool and set: Spread the coated puppy chow mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray, allowing it to cool completely and set before serving.

Notes

For a stronger apple flavor, add a few drops of apple extract to the melted chocolate and caramel mixture.
Incorporate toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture.
Use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate to change the flavor profile.
Drizzle with butterscotch sauce for additional indulgence and sweetness.
For a gluten-free version, ensure to use gluten-free Rice Chex cereal.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep fresh for up to 5 days.

Keywords: caramel apple, puppy chow, muddy buddies, fall snack, no bake