Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack that combines the cozy flavors of fall with a delightful mix of textures. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a tasty snack any time of year.
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: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and caramel bits together, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and fully combined.
- Step 3: Stir the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted mixture.
- Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate and caramel mixture over the cereal, gently stirring to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the apple pie spice, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the coated cereal, then toss gently until everything is evenly covered.
- Step 7: Fold in the crushed dried apple chips for added flavor and crunch.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the Rice Chex cereal lightly in the oven before adding the coating.
- Swap dried apple chips with chopped dried cranberries for a tart twist.
- If you prefer a less sweet snack, reduce the granulated sugar to 2 tablespoons.
Storage
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks. When ready to eat, let it come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate works well and gives a richer flavor, though it will change the classic caramel apple taste slightly.
How do I crush the dried apple chips?
Place the dried apple chips in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan until they reach your desired size.
PrintCaramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy snack mix featuring Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious blend of melted white chocolate and caramel, enhanced with warming apple pie spice and crushed dried apple chips for a delightful autumn-inspired treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 Tbsp 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 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, ensuring the bowl is big enough to accommodate mixing without spilling.
- Melt Chocolate and Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 cup of caramel bits. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Flavorings: Stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted chocolate and caramel mixture to enhance the flavor complexity.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate and caramel mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat all the cereal pieces evenly, being careful not to break the cereal.
- Prepare Sugar Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon apple pie spice, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix well to blend evenly.
- Coat with Sugar Spice Mix: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the coated cereal. Toss gently but thoroughly until all cereal pieces are evenly covered with the sugar-spice blend.
- Add Crunchy Apple Chips: Finally, fold in 1/2 cup crushed dried apple chips to add texture and reinforce the apple flavor, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the puppy chow.
Notes
- Use a large mixing bowl to prevent spillage while coating.
- Microwave times may vary; stir frequently to avoid burning the white chocolate and caramel.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crispness.
- For a stronger apple flavor, consider adding a small amount of apple extract to the melted chocolate mixture.
- To keep texture crispy, add the dried apple chips last to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Snack Mix, Rice Chex Snack, White Chocolate Snack, Apple Pie Spice, Autumn Snack
