If you love the flavors of caramel apples but don’t want the sticky mess, this Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is your new favorite fall treat. It’s everything you adore about autumn—sweet caramel, crisp apple flavor, and a satisfying crunch—all coated over bite-sized cereal pieces that are dangerously addictive. Perfect for parties, gift bags, or cozy movie nights, this sweet snack captures the essence of fall in every handful.
I first made this recipe for a fall festival at home, and it was an instant hit. Once, I added a drizzle of white chocolate and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar—it made the batch taste like caramel apple pie! The best part? It’s quick, easy, and no-bake. You can make it ahead of time and store it for days (if it lasts that long).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow takes the beloved muddy buddy snack mix and gives it a seasonal twist. It’s the perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and slightly tart, with a caramel coating that tastes just like your favorite fair treat. Easy to make, portable, and impossible to resist, it’s great for parties, school snacks, or gifting during the holidays.
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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow – Sweet & Crunchy Fall Treat
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet, crunchy fall twist on the classic puppy chow (Muddy Buddies), this Caramel Apple Puppy Chow combines apple chips, caramel, white chocolate, and Chex cereal for a deliciously addictive autumn treat.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups dried apple chips, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place Chex cereal and apple chip pieces in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Stir caramel sauce and cinnamon into the melted white chocolate until combined.
- Pour the caramel-white chocolate mixture over the cereal and apple chips. Gently toss until evenly coated.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine powdered sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add the coated cereal mixture to the bag, seal, and shake gently until the cereal is fully covered with the sugar mixture.
- Spread the puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- For a stronger caramel flavor, drizzle extra caramel over the cooled mix before serving.
- Try using cinnamon or caramel-flavored Chex for added flavor.
- Mix in some pecans, pretzels, or M&M’s for a fun variation.
- This makes a great edible gift for fall parties and holidays!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Snack / Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Rice Chex cereal – The perfect base; light, crisp, and ideal for coating with caramel and chocolate.
White chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts – Create a creamy, sweet coating that binds everything together.
Caramel baking chips or soft caramels – The heart of the recipe, providing that rich, buttery caramel flavor.
Apple cider mix or apple-flavored gelatin powder – Adds a tangy apple twist that balances the sweetness.
Powdered sugar – For coating the mix and adding that signature puppy chow texture.
Ground cinnamon – Brings warm, cozy spice to the mix.
Butter – Adds richness and helps the caramel and chocolate melt smoothly.
Dried apple chips (crushed) – Infuse extra apple flavor and texture.
Sea salt (optional) – A pinch enhances the caramel flavor perfectly.
Directions
- Prepare the cereal: Place the Rice Chex in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for cooling.
- Melt the caramel mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel chips (or soft caramels with a bit of butter) and white chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
- Add apple flavor: Stir in the apple cider mix (or gelatin powder) and a pinch of cinnamon until well combined.
- Coat the cereal: Pour the melted caramel mixture over the Rice Chex. Gently toss with a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Add powdered sugar: In a large zip-top bag, combine powdered sugar and cinnamon. Add the coated cereal and shake until fully covered.
- Cool and mix: Spread the coated cereal on the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool completely before adding the crushed apple chips.
- Serve or store: Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 cups of puppy chow and takes 20 minutes total—10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cool. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for last-minute gatherings or snacking.
Storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 2 months—just let it come to room temperature before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Caramel Apple Pie Mix
Add crushed graham crackers and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a pie-inspired twist.
Salted Caramel Apple Chow
Sprinkle sea salt over the coated cereal before it cools for a sweet-salty balance.
White Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled mix for an extra layer of indulgence.
Candy Apple Crunch
Add red candy-coated chocolates or mini caramel bits for more texture and color.
Pumpkin Apple Version
Mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for the ultimate fall flavor combo.
Nutty Caramel Mix
Add roasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy, buttery complement.
FAQs
1. What kind of cereal works best?
Rice Chex or Corn Chex are ideal because they hold the coating without becoming soggy.
2. Can I use caramel sauce instead of chips?
No, caramel sauce is too thin—it will make the mix sticky instead of crunchy.
3. Can I use green apple flavoring?
Yes! A drop or two of apple extract or candy flavoring adds extra tang.
4. Can I skip the apple flavor?
Of course—it becomes a simple caramel puppy chow that’s still delicious.
5. How do I keep it from clumping?
Shake well in the powdered sugar mixture and spread evenly to cool.
6. Can I use dairy-free chocolate?
Yes, dairy-free chips or candy melts work perfectly.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free cereal and check your caramel and candy ingredients.
8. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it stays fresh for a week and is great for prepping before parties.
9. Can I add nuts or candy?
Definitely—pretzels, nuts, or candy corn add great texture and fun colors.
10. What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve in a big bowl for sharing or portion it into snack bags for on-the-go treats.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is the ultimate sweet-and-crunchy fall treat—easy to make, fun to share, and utterly addictive. With its blend of caramel richness, apple tartness, and cozy cinnamon spice, it captures the flavor of caramel apples in snackable form. Whether you’re gifting it, bringing it to a party, or keeping it all to yourself, this treat is sure to make your fall celebrations extra special.
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