I love making seasonal twists on puppy chow (aka muddy buddies), and this Caramel Apple Puppy Chow might just be my new favorite fall snack mix. Last autumn, I shared my Pumpkin Spice Latte Puppy Chow, and during the holidays, I made a Peppermint Mocha Puppy Chow that was a total hit. Now, I’m bringing you this sweet-and-salty caramel apple version that’s perfect for cozy movie nights, Halloween parties, or gifting in little treat bags.
This recipe has all the best fall flavors—caramel, roasted peanuts, buttery pecans, and tart freeze-dried apple chips—all coated in creamy peanut butter and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s crunchy, sweet, salty, and just a little nutty (like me in the kitchen).
Ingredients
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup caramel bits
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1/2 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup roasted & salted peanuts (optional)
- 1 cup freeze-dried apple chips (optional)
- 1 cup mini pretzel twists (optional)
Instructions
- Separate the Chex Cereal
Separate the Chex Cereal into two large mixing bowls, 4 cups of cereal each. - Melt the Caramel Bits
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and salt. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. - Melt the Candy Melts
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the green candy melts. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the apple pie spice until fully mixed. - Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted salted caramel bits mixture over one bowl of the cereal and gently stir with a spatula until every piece is coated. Pour the apple spice melted candy melts over the second bowl of cereal, and gently stir with a spatula until every piece is coated. - Powdered Sugar Coating
Transfer the coated cereal mixture into two separate ziploc freezer bags. Add 1/3 cup of powdered sugar to each bag, seal with some air inside, and shake until well coated.
Add more powdered sugar if needed, and shake again until fully coated. - Mix in the Add-Ins
Pour the coated cereal into a large serving bowl, and add the optional add-ins: roasted peanuts, freeze-dried apples, and mini pretzel twits. - Stir & Serve
Stir to combine, and enjoy!
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Tips:
- For extra caramel flavor, drizzle melted caramel or caramel sauce over the finished mix before serving—it will make the apple flavor pop even more!
- Use a caramel sauce instead of caramel bits to coat the Chex cereal if you have some on hand.
- Add your favorite caramel apple add-ins: Mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, pecans, coconut flakes, etc!
- Swap the apple pie spice for apple extract for a more apple-y, less spiced flavor.
More Puppy Chow Recipes
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow
This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is the perfect fall snack! A sweet-and-salty mix of Chex cereal, candy melts, caramel, peanuts, pretzels and apple chips—easy to make in 15 minutes.
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Servings: 12 cups
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowls
- 2 microwave safe bowls
- 1 large serving bowl
- 2 Ziploc freezer bags
Ingredients
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup caramel bits
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1/2 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup roasted & salted peanuts optional
- 1 cup freeze-dried apple chips optional
- 1 cup mini pretzel twists optional
Instructions
- Separate the Chex Cereal into two large mixing bowls, 4 cups of cereal each.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and salt. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the green candy melts. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the apple pie spice until fully mixed.
- Pour the melted salted caramel bits mixture over one bowl of the cereal and gently stir with a spatula until every piece is coated. Pour the apple spice melted candy melts over the second bowl of cereal, and gently stir with a spatula until every piece is coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal mixture into two separate ziploc freezer bags. Add 1/3 cup of powdered sugar to each bag, seal with some air inside, and shake until well coated. Add more powdered sugar if needed, and shake again until fully coated.
- Pour the coated cereal into a large serving bowl, and add the optional add-ins: roasted peanuts, freeze-dried apples, and mini pretzel twits.
- Stir to combine, and enjoy!
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