Description
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic muddy buddies snack, combining the cozy flavors of caramel, apple pie spice, and crushed dried apple chips with crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a smooth white chocolate and caramel mixture. This sweet, crunchy treat is perfect for autumn gatherings, parties, game nights, or simply as a comforting snack any time you want to enjoy fall flavors in a bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the cereal base: Place 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, making sure it is clean and dry for even coating.
- Melt the 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 between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Add flavorings: Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted mixture to enhance the overall flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Coat the cereal: Pour the melted chocolate and caramel mixture over the cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to evenly coat every piece, being careful not to break the cereal.
- Mix the spice and sugar blend: In a separate small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon apple pie spice, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar, mixing thoroughly.
- Add the spice-sugar mixture: Sprinkle the apple pie spice-sugar blend over the coated cereal. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all cereal pieces are evenly covered with this flavorful mixture.
- Incorporate dried apple chips: Fold in 1/2 cup crushed dried apple chips to add a crunchy, fruity texture and deepen the autumn flavor profile.
- Cool and set: Spread the coated cereal mixture in a single layer over parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until the coating firms up and the puppy chow is crisp.
Notes
- For best results, crush the dried apple chips finely so they mix evenly without overwhelming the texture.
- Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crispness.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the granulated sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- You can substitute white chocolate chips with almond bark for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Mix gently when coating to avoid breaking the cereal pieces and keep the snack light and crunchy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, Autumn Snack, White Chocolate, Caramel, Apple Pie Spice, Chex Mix, Fall Treat, Sweet Snack
