Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful snack that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of caramel and apple with crunchy Rice Chex cereal. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for sharing during fall gatherings or as a cozy, comforting 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: Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and caramel bits. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted mixture.
- Step 4: Pour the caramel mixture over the Chex cereal and stir gently to coat evenly.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together apple pie spice, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the coated cereal and toss to coat completely.
- Step 7: Fold in the crushed dried apple chips evenly throughout the mixture.
- Step 8: Spread the mixture on parchment paper and let it cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the Rice Chex cereal lightly before coating.
- Substitute dried apple chips with chopped dried apricots for a different fruity twist.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the coating mixture.
- Use gluten-free Rice Chex to make this treat suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Storage
Store the caramel apple puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain freshness and crunch, avoid refrigeration. If the mix softens, gently re-crisp in a low oven (250°F) for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular caramel instead of caramel bits?
Yes, you can melt regular caramel candies instead of caramel bits. Just chop them into small pieces for even melting and follow the same microwave process.
How long does this snack stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, caramel apple puppy chow stays fresh for about a week. Beyond that, it may become stale or lose its crunch.
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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful sweet snack mix combining crunchy Rice Chex cereal with melted white chocolate and caramel, infused with warm apple pie spices and finished with crushed dried apple chips for a perfect fall-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 tablespoon 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex into a large mixing bowl and set aside to be coated later.
- Melt the Chocolate and Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 cup caramel bits. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth without any lumps.
- Add Flavoring: Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted chocolate and caramel mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the warm caramel mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir to ensure each piece is evenly coated without breaking the cereal.
- Mix Sugar and Spice: In a separate small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon apple pie spice, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. This dry mixture will add flavor and sweetness to the snack.
- Combine Sugar Mixture with Cereal: Sprinkle the sugar and spice blend over the coated cereal, then toss thoroughly to cover all pieces completely with the mixture.
- Add Dried Apples: Fold in 1/2 cup crushed dried apple chips carefully to distribute evenly throughout the mix, adding tangy crunch.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated mixture evenly on parchment paper and allow to cool completely, letting the coating harden for easy serving and optimal texture.
Notes
- Use parchment paper when cooling to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Ensure the caramel and chocolate mixture is smooth before coating to avoid clumps on the cereal.
- Store the finished puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a stronger apple flavor, substitute dried apple chips with small diced dried apples.
- If you prefer a less sweet snack, reduce the granulated sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Chex Mix Snack, Apple Pie Spice Snack, Sweet Snack Mix, White Chocolate Caramel Snack
