Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful snack that combines the sweet flavors of caramel and white chocolate with the crispness of Rice Chex cereal. With a touch of apple pie spice and dried apple chips, this treat is perfect for fall or any time you want a comforting, crunchy bite.

Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and caramel bits. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Pour the caramel mixture over the Chex and stir gently to coat evenly.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together apple pie spice, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the cereal and toss to coat completely.
- Step 7: Fold in crushed dried apple chips.
- Step 8: Spread the mixture on parchment paper and let cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the Rice Chex lightly before mixing.
- Swap dried apple chips with dried cranberries for a tart twist.
- Use maple-flavored white chocolate chips to deepen the fall flavor.
Storage
Store the caramel apple puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. If the coating softens, let the snack sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to regain some crispness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a stovetop instead of a microwave to melt the chocolate and caramel?
Yes, you can melt the white chocolate chips and caramel bits in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Just be careful not to overheat to prevent burning.
Are there any substitutions for the dried apple chips?
If you can’t find dried apple chips, chopped dried apricots or dried pears work well and provide a similar chewy texture and fruity flavor.
Print
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 9 cups (serves 12 as a snack) 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix combining crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious blend of white chocolate and caramel, infused with warm apple pie spices, and accented with crushed dried apple chips. This treat is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or anytime you crave a delicious sweet snack with a nostalgic twist.
Ingredients
Base
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
Coating
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Spiced Sugar Blend
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside to get ready for coating.
- Melt Chocolate and Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 cup caramel bits. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted caramel and white chocolate mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the warm caramel mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir to evenly coat all the cereal pieces without breaking them.
- Mix Sugar and Spice: In a separate small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon apple pie spice, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar to create the spiced sugar blend.
- Apply Sugar Blend: Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture over the coated cereal and toss thoroughly so every piece gets a sweet, spiced coating.
- Incorporate Apple Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup crushed dried apple chips carefully to distribute the crunchy apple flavor throughout the mix.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly onto parchment paper and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before serving to ensure it sets properly.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease clean-up.
- Melt white chocolate and caramel slowly to avoid burning; stir often.
- For a more intense apple flavor, substitute dried apple chips with fresh diced apples added just before serving, but this will reduce shelf life.
- Store the finished puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- Make sure to crush the dried apple chips finely enough to distribute evenly but not so fine that they become powdery.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Puppy Chow, Caramel Apple Snack, Chex Mix, Sweet Snack Mix, Fall Snack, Apple Spice, White Chocolate, Caramel Treat

