Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a fun and festive snack that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and caramel with crisp apple cinnamon cereal. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
- 10 cups Rice Chex™ Apple Cinnamon cereal (divided)
- 2 cups granola
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1 cup lime green candy melts
- 2 teaspoons shortening
- 1 cup vanilla cake mix (divided)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
Instructions
- Step 1: Divide the Rice Chex™ Apple Cinnamon cereal into two medium-sized bowls, 5 cups in each bowl. Set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare two Ziplock storage bags. In each bag, combine half of the vanilla cake mix, 1 cup of granola, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Seal the bags and set aside.
- Step 3: In separate microwavable bowls, melt the green candy melts with 1 teaspoon of shortening, and the lime green candy melts with 1 teaspoon of shortening. Stir until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the melted green candy melts over one bowl of cereal and the melted lime green candy melts over the other. Gently stir each to coat the cereal evenly.
- Step 5: Transfer each coated cereal mixture into its corresponding prepared Ziplock bag. Seal and shake well to coat each piece with the cinnamon cake mixture.
- Step 6: Combine both bags’ contents into a large bowl and gently mix together. Drizzle with caramel topping if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use wax paper to spread the coated cereal out to dry if you prefer a crunchier texture before mixing in the cinnamon cake blend.
- Substitute pumpkin spice for cinnamon to add a seasonal twist.
- Try adding chopped nuts or dried apple pieces for extra texture and flavor.
Storage
Store the Caramel Apple Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, bring to room temperature to restore crispness. Avoid storing in humid environments to maintain crunch.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of Apple Cinnamon Chex?
Yes, you can substitute with other cereals like plain Rice Chex™ or cinnamon-flavored cereals, but the apple cinnamon flavor is key to this recipe’s unique taste.
How do I prevent the candy melts from clumping when coating the cereal?
Make sure to melt the candy melts slowly in short intervals and stir well until smooth. Adding shortening helps create a thinner consistency, making it easier to coat the cereal evenly.
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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cups of caramel apple puppy chow 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a fun and colorful snack mix featuring Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal coated in vibrant green candy melts and a cinnamon-vanilla cake mix blend, combined with granola for extra crunch and finished with a drizzle of caramel topping. This festive treat offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, perfect for parties or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
Cereal & Dry Mixes
- 10 cups Rice Chex™ Apple Cinnamon cereal (divided)
- 2 cups granola
- 1 cup vanilla cake mix (divided)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
Candy Coating
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1 cup lime green candy melts
- 2 teaspoons shortening (divided)
Topping
- Caramel topping, for drizzling
Instructions
- Divide the cereal: Pour 5 cups of Rice Chex Apple Cinnamon cereal into a medium bowl, and the remaining 5 cups into another medium bowl. Set both aside to prepare coatings separately.
- Prepare cinnamon cake mix bags: Take two Ziplock storage bags. In each bag, mix half of the vanilla cake mix, 1 cup of granola, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Seal and set aside. These will be used for coating the cereal after candy melting.
- Melt the candy melts: In two separate microwavable bowls, melt the green candy melts with 1 teaspoon of shortening in one, and the lime green candy melts with 1 teaspoon of shortening in the other. Heat in short 20-30 second intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the cereal with candy melts: Pour the melted green candy mixture over one bowl of 5 cups Chex cereal and gently stir to fully coat the cereal. Repeat with the melted lime green candy mixture over the other 5 cups of cereal.
- Mix coated cereal with cake mix mixture: Pour each candy-coated cereal batch into the corresponding prepared Ziplock bag containing the cinnamon vanilla cake mix and granola. Seal the bags and shake vigorously until all cereal pieces are well coated with the cake mix, creating a sweet and spiced crust.
- Combine and finish: Pour both cereal mixtures together into a large bowl and gently mix to combine the two vibrant colors and flavors evenly. Finally, drizzle the entire mix with caramel topping for an extra layer of sweetness. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use shortening to help the candy melts coat smoothly without seizing.
- Be gentle when stirring the coated cereal to prevent breakage.
- Use fresh cereal for best crunchiness.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- This recipe makes a colorful and festive snack ideal for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Apple Cinnamon Chex Snack, Candy Melt Coated Cereal, Puppy Chow Snack Mix, Festive Snack Mix
