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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow | Sweet Fall Snack Mix

Looking for the ultimate fall snack? This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is crunchy, sweet, and bursting with caramel-apple flavor. Made with Chex cereal coated in caramel and apple candy mix, then tossed in powdered sugar, it’s a festive treat that’s as easy as it is irresistible. Perfect for autumn parties, Halloween snack tables, or even Thanksgiving dessert spreads, this no-bake recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Bag it up for gifts, serve it in a bowl at your next gathering, or sneak handfuls while watching your favorite fall movie.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill/Set Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 snack portions
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 9 cups rice Chex cereal
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • ½ cup caramel chips or caramel candies, melted
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp apple pie spice
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup dried apple chips or apple rings chopped
  • ½ cup caramel bits or mini caramel candies

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium microwave-safe bowl
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheet (optional, for spreading)
  • Spatula or large spoon
  • Zip-top bag (for coating with sugar)

Method
 

Step 1: Melt coating
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips, caramel chips, and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in apple pie spice.
Step 2: Coat the cereal
  1. Place Chex cereal in a large bowl. Pour the melted caramel mixture over cereal and gently toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Add powdered sugar
  1. Transfer mixture to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until cereal is well coated.
Step 4: Add mix-ins
  1. Pour coated cereal into a bowl. Stir in dried apple chips and caramel bits.
Step 5: Serve or store
  1. Spread on a baking sheet to cool and set, then serve immediately or portion into snack bags.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Not freezer-friendly (cereal softens).
If it clumps, break apart before serving.
🥄 Variations
Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Swap apple pie spice for cinnamon sugar.
Chocolate Apple Chow: Add mini chocolate chips once cooled.
Salted Caramel Apple Chow: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Nutty Mix: Stir in toasted pecans or walnuts.
Halloween Version: Add candy eyeballs or festive sprinkles.
❓ 10 FAQs
What is puppy chow? – A sweet snack mix made with cereal, chocolate, peanut butter (or caramel), and powdered sugar.
Does this recipe contain actual dog food? – No, it’s a human treat (just a funny name).
Can I use another cereal? – Yes, Crispix or corn Chex also work.
Do I have to use dried apples? – They add chewy texture, but you can skip them.
Can I make this nut-free? – Yes, just avoid nut mix-ins.
Can I use caramel sauce instead of chips? – No, it’s too runny—stick with melted chips or candies.
How do I prevent soggy cereal? – Don’t overheat the coating; spread cereal out to cool quickly.
Can kids help make this? – Yes! They’ll love shaking the bag of cereal and sugar.
Can I make this ahead of time? – Yes, prepare 1–2 days before serving.
Is this messy? – A little—powdered sugar sticks to fingers (that’s part of the fun!).
🏁 Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is the perfect fall snack—crunchy Chex cereal coated in caramel and apple-spiced sweetness, tossed in powdered sugar, and finished with chewy apple chips and caramel bits. It’s festive, fun, and dangerously addictive.
Serve it at parties, package it in gift bags, or keep it on hand for family movie nights. However you enjoy it, this snack mix is guaranteed to become a fall favorite.