OMG! Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe – The Ultimate Sweet Fall Snack

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is everything a snack mix should be—sweet, crunchy, and full of cozy fall flavor. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and makes enough to share (though you’ll want to keep some for yourself). The mix of apple, caramel, and cinnamon turns an everyday treat into something extraordinary. It’s the perfect snack for autumn, holidays, or whenever you want a comforting bite of sweetness.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rice Chex cereal – The base of this treat, offering a crispy, light texture that holds up beautifully to the caramel coating.

White chocolate or vanilla melting wafers – Creates the creamy coating that binds the caramel and apple flavors together.

Caramel bits or soft caramels – Melted into the coating to add that rich, buttery caramel flavor.

Powdered sugar – Helps coat the cereal evenly and adds the signature sweet “puppy chow” finish.

Apple cider mix (or apple pie spice) – Infuses the mixture with a warm apple-cinnamon aroma and enhances the fall flavor.

Dried apple chips – Adds a natural sweetness and extra crunch that complements the cereal.

Butter – Gives smoothness and richness to the caramel coating.

Brown sugar – Adds depth to the caramel flavor and enhances the sweetness without being overpowering.

Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and balance to the overall flavor profile.

Salt – A pinch of salt offsets the sweetness perfectly, making the flavors pop.

Directions

1. Prepare the cereal: Pour the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for cooling.
2. Make the caramel coating: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar until smooth and bubbling. Add the caramel bits and stir until fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
3. Combine with chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate or vanilla wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir the melted caramel mixture into the white chocolate until fully combined.
4. Coat the cereal: Pour the caramel-chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal and gently toss until all pieces are coated.
5. Add powdered sugar: Mix powdered sugar and apple cider mix (or apple pie spice) in a large zip-top bag. Add the coated cereal in batches, seal, and shake until fully coated.
6. Cool and add mix-ins: Spread the coated cereal on the prepared baking sheet to cool completely. Once cool, toss in dried apple chips.
7. Serve or store: Transfer to an airtight container once cooled. Enjoy by the handful!

Essential Equipment

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, perfect for 8–10 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store your Caramel Apple Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer it extra crunchy, keep it in the refrigerator. Avoid storing in humid areas, as moisture can make the cereal lose its crispness. This snack doesn’t require reheating—just grab a handful and enjoy.

Variations and Customization

Chocolate Caramel Apple Mix – Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted milk chocolate for an extra sweet touch.

Cinnamon Sugar Crunch – Sprinkle a blend of cinnamon and sugar over the cooled mix for a churro-like finish.

Candy Apple Mix – Mix in red and green M&M’s for a fun, colorful presentation perfect for holidays.

Peanut Butter Twist – Melt a tablespoon of peanut butter into the caramel mixture for a nutty undertone.

Salted Caramel Version – Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the mixture before it cools for a sweet-salty contrast.

Apple Pie Edition – Add crushed graham crackers and a touch of nutmeg to mimic the flavor of apple pie.

Toffee Crunch – Stir in toffee bits once the mix cools for extra buttery crunch.

Vegan-Friendly Version – Use vegan butter and dairy-free white chocolate for a fully plant-based treat.

Spiced Maple Mix – Add a drizzle of maple syrup and extra cinnamon for a cozy, warming flavor.

Autumn Party Mix – Mix with pretzels, caramel popcorn, and roasted peanuts for a crunchy snack bowl.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of cereal?

Yes, Corn Chex or Crispix also work well for this recipe.

2. What’s the best way to melt the caramel?

Low and slow—use gentle heat and stir constantly to prevent burning.

3. Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apple chips?

No, fresh apples add moisture and will make the mix soggy.

4. How do I prevent the coating from clumping?

Stir well while coating and spread the mixture evenly to cool.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely—it stays fresh for up to a week when stored properly.

6. What’s the best caramel to use?

Soft caramel bits or individually wrapped caramels work best for easy melting.

7. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white?

Yes, but it will create a richer, less sweet version of the snack.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free Chex cereal and check that your caramel is gluten-free.

9. Can I freeze it?

You can freeze it for up to a month in a sealed container, but the texture may soften slightly after thawing.

10. How do I keep it from getting sticky?

Make sure it cools completely before storing and avoid overusing caramel or syrup.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is the ultimate fall treat—sweet, crunchy, and bursting with nostalgic caramel apple flavor. It’s effortless to make, easy to share, and guaranteed to disappear from any snack table. Perfect for autumn parties, cozy nights, or gifting in cute jars, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crave-worthy creation. Once you try it, you’ll be saying “OMG!” with every bite.

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