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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 104 reviews

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful treat that combines the classic fall flavors of crisp apples and gooey caramel with the crunchy texture of Chex cereal. This sweet, crunchy snack is easy to make, perfect for gatherings, gifting, or cozy nights. The recipe features a luscious caramel apple white chocolate coating dusted with powdered sugar, creating a signature puppy chow snack with a multi-layered blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips (good quality)
  • 1 cup soft caramel bits or unwrapped soft caramel candies
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
  • ½ cup smooth apple butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)

Optional Mix-ins

  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • ½ cup dried apple pieces, finely diced
  • 1 cup mini pretzel twists

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Mixing Bowl: Grab your largest mixing bowl and pour in 9 cups of Rice or Corn Chex cereal. Set aside.
  2. Melt Butter and Caramel: In a medium saucepan over low to medium-low heat, gently melt 1 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup soft caramel bits or candies, stirring frequently until smooth. Alternatively, use 30-second microwave intervals stirring well until fully melted.
  3. Add Apple Butter and Spices: Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup smooth apple butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix until a thick, glossy caramel apple sauce forms.
  4. Melt White Chocolate: While still warm, add 1 cup white chocolate chips to the caramel apple mixture and stir continuously until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy coating.
  5. Combine with Cereal: Pour the warm caramel apple white chocolate sauce over the cereal. Gently fold using a rubber spatula or spoon from the bottom, coating every piece evenly without crushing.
  6. Powdered Sugar Coating: Divide the coated cereal evenly into two large resealable plastic bags. Add 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar to each bag. Seal tightly removing excess air and shake vigorously for 2-3 minutes until fully coated with powdered sugar.
  7. Add Optional Mix-ins: Open the bags and add any optional mix-ins like 1 cup chopped nuts, ½ cup diced dried apple pieces, or 1 cup mini pretzels. Reseal and shake gently for 30 seconds to 1 minute to distribute and lightly dust the mix-ins.
  8. Cool and Set: Spread the coated puppy chow on parchment paper-lined baking sheets or countertop in a single layer. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until set and crunchy.
  9. Break and Store: Once cooled, break apart any clusters gently. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

  • Use a large mixing bowl to avoid crushing the fragile Chex cereal while coating.
  • Heating caramel and butter slowly prevents burning and ensures a smooth sauce.
  • Patience during the shaking process is key to achieving an even powdered sugar coating.
  • Optional mix-ins add texture and flavor versatility to the snack.
  • This recipe requires no baking, making it quick and easy to prepare.
  • Perfect for gifting when packaged in clear cellophane and tied with festive ribbon.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow Recipe, Fall Snack, Sweet Crunchy Snack, Chex Mix Dessert, Caramel Apple Treat

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/caramel-apple-puppy-chow-recipe/