Description
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful, crunchy snack mix blending the sweet warmth of caramel and white chocolate with the crispness of Rice Chex cereal and the tartness of dried apple chips. Coated with a spiced sugar blend featuring apple pie spice, this treat is perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Coating Mix
- 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 into a large mixing bowl and set aside to have the base 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 increments, stirring thoroughly between each until the mixture is melted and smooth without lumps.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted caramel and white chocolate mixture to enhance flavor complexity.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the warm caramel mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure all cereal pieces are evenly coated without breaking.
- 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, mixing well to create a spiced sugar blend.
- Apply Spiced Sugar: Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly over the coated cereal. Toss the mixture thoroughly to ensure the sugar coats every piece, creating a sweet and slightly spiced shell.
- Add Dried Apple Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup crushed dried apple chips gently to add texture and a tart apple flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Cool and Set: Spread the puppy chow mixture on a sheet of parchment paper in an even layer. Let it cool completely at room temperature so that the coating sets firm before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to melt the white chocolate and caramel bits slowly to avoid burning. Use short intervals in the microwave and stir frequently.
- Store the Caramel Apple Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can substitute Rice Chex with other similar rice-based cereals for a different texture if desired.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the coating.
- Dried apple chips add a nice natural tartness but can be omitted if unavailable, or replaced with dried cranberries for a flavor twist.
- 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 treat, white chocolate caramel snack, fall snack, spiced sweet snack, apple pie spice, caramel puppy chow
