Go Back
+ servings
Caramel apple puppy chow coated in powdered sugar with crunchy cereal pieces and chewy caramel bits.
Callie Brooks

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow

This fall-inspired Caramel Apple Puppy Chow blends crispy Chex cereal with gooey caramel, powdered sugar, and crushed freeze-dried apples for an addictive snack mix that channels fairground nostalgia in every bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 10 cups
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
  • 1 cup caramel bits or 14 oz soft caramels, unwrapped
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup crushed freeze-dried apple (optional)
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • to taste extra apple chunks, dried or fresh, as garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • microwave-safe bowl
  • rubber spatula
  • zip-top bag
  • parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Add 9 cups of Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel bits, butter, and milk. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 30-second bursts until smooth.
  3. Stir vanilla extract into the warm caramel mixture.
  4. Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and gently stir to coat evenly.
  5. In a large zip-top bag, combine powdered sugar and crushed freeze-dried apple (and cinnamon if using).
  6. Transfer the coated cereal into the bag. Seal and shake vigorously until evenly coated.
  7. Spread the coated mix on parchment paper to cool. Break into bite-sized pieces once set.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 170mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 450IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a festive twist, drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Always cool the mix before storing. Freeze-dried apples work better than fresh, and smaller coating batches yield better coverage.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!