Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful snack that combines the sweetness of caramel and apple with the satisfying crunch of rice Chex cereal. This treat is perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy, flavorful snack.
Ingredients
- 10 oz vanilla candy melts, vanilla almond bark, or white chocolate chips
- 5 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 package Caramel Frosting Creations flavor mix
- 1 1/2 cups dry apple cake or muffin mix, toasted
- 1 small bag of apple chips (optional, I used Seneca Snacks Apple Chips)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour the rice Chex cereal into a large bowl.
- Step 2: Slowly melt the vanilla candy melts or almond bark in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Add the Caramel Frosting Creations flavor mix to the melted candy and stir until fully combined.
- Step 4: Pour the melted caramel mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir to coat evenly, being careful not to break the cereal pieces.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the toasted dry apple cake or muffin mix over the coated cereal and gently stir again to distribute it evenly. You may also place the mixture in a ziplock bag and shake, but stirring in the bowl works well too.
- Step 6: Let the coated cereal mixture dry completely.
- Step 7: If desired, add broken pieces of apple chips for extra texture and apple flavor, then gently toss to combine.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the dry apple cake or muffin mix in a dry skillet or oven before adding it for enhanced flavor and a slight crunch.
- Swap apple chips for dried cranberries or raisins for a different fruity touch.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of vanilla candy melts for a creamier coating.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the puppy chow crunchy and fresh.
Storage
Store the caramel apple puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer a crispier texture, keep it sealed tightly and avoid moisture. No reheating is necessary—simply enjoy it as a ready-to-eat snack.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without the caramel flavor mix?
Yes, you can omit the caramel flavor mix and rely on the vanilla candy melts or white chocolate chips alone, but the caramel adds a distinctive sweet depth that complements the apple flavors nicely.
Is this snack safe for dogs since it’s called “puppy chow”?
Despite the name, this recipe is intended for human consumption only. Traditional puppy chow snacks are named for their crunchy, bite-sized nature, but this version contains ingredients that are not safe for dogs.
Print
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 cups 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful and crunchy snack mix combining the sweet flavors of vanilla, caramel, and apple. This recipe features rice Chex cereal coated with melted vanilla almond bark blended with caramel flavoring and toasted apple cake mix, optionally enhanced with crisp apple chips for added texture and taste. It’s a perfect treat for fall or anytime you crave a sweet and crunchy snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 5 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 1/2 cups dry apple cake or muffin mix, toasted
- 1 small bag of apple chips (e.g., Seneca Snacks Apple Chips), optional
- 1 package Caramel Frosting Creations flavor mix
Wet Ingredients
- 10 oz vanilla candy melts, vanilla almond bark, or white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal: Pour 5 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, setting the base for your snack mix.
- Melt Vanilla Coating: Slowly melt 10 oz of vanilla candy melts or vanilla almond bark in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between to avoid burning.
- Add Caramel Flavor: Stir in the entire package of Caramel Frosting Creations flavor mix into the melted vanilla coating until fully combined, creating a rich caramel-vanilla blend.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the caramel-vanilla mixture over the rice Chex cereal and gently stir to evenly coat without breaking the cereal pieces.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of toasted dry apple cake or muffin mix over the coated cereal and lightly fold in to distribute evenly, enhancing texture and apple flavor.
- Dry: Allow the coated cereal mixture to dry completely at room temperature or on parchment paper to set the coating.
- Optional Apple Chips: Once dry, fold in broken pieces of apple chips, if desired, to add a crispy fruity element.
Notes
- To toast the dry apple cake or muffin mix, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use a gentle folding technique when coating to avoid crushing the rice Chex cereal.
- Allow sufficient drying time to ensure the coating sets and the snack mix does not clump.
- Store the finished puppy chow in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- If apple chips are not available, consider using dried apple pieces as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (toasting apple cake/muffin mix)
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, snack mix, Chex mix, caramel candy, apple cake mix, apple chips, sweet snack
