If you’re searching for that perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and just a bit nostalgic, look no further than this recipe for Caramel Apple Puppy Chow: A Sweet Treat! It’s everything you love about cozy autumn desserts packed into tiny, munchable bites. Every handful delivers a delightful mix of creamy caramel, tangy apple, and the classic crunch of Chex, making it utterly irresistible for parties, after-school snacks, or even sneaking by the handful straight from the jar. Trust me, this is one crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, yet magical ingredients to create a snack that’s guaranteed to brighten your day. Every component adds its own special flair, from the buttery caramel to the fruity apple chips, ensuring every bite of A Sweet Treat is full of flavor and fun.

Rice Chex cereal: The crisp, airy base that soaks up every bit of flavor while staying satisfyingly crunchy.
White chocolate chips: These melt into a silky coating for the cereal and help the toppings stick.
Caramel bits: Sweet and creamy, these melt beautifully for that unmistakable caramel flavor.
Apple pie spice: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove bring warm, comforting notes that channel homemade pie.
Powdered sugar: Adds a luscious dusting of sweetness and helps the mixture set.
Granulated sugar: For a little extra sparkle and crunch on each piece.
Dried apple chips, crushed: These bring real fruit flavor and a pleasant chew to the mix.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor, adding a cozy, bakery-style aroma.
Pinch of salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.

How to Make A Sweet Treat

Step 1: Prepare the Chex Cereal

Start by measuring out 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal and placing them in a very large mixing bowl. This gives you plenty of room to coat every piece without crushing the cereal. Trust me, using a spacious bowl here keeps the snack light and airy!

Step 2: Melt the Caramel and Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and caramel bits. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir well. Repeat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Don’t rush this step; melting slowly ensures your caramel isn’t grainy and your white chocolate stays silky.

Step 3: Add Flavor

As soon as your caramel-chocolate mix is melted, stir in the vanilla extract and just a pinch of salt. This small yet essential addition brings out the deep, sweet notes and provides balance.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm, fragrant caramel mixture over the bowl of Chex. Using a spatula, gently but thoroughly fold the mixture until every piece of cereal is evenly coated. This is the moment where all that magic starts to happen!

Step 5: Mix the Sugars and Spice

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple pie spice, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar. This blend is what turns the coated cereal into the actual Puppy Chow you know and love, with the added bonus of fall flavor in every dusting.

Step 6: Coat with Sugar Mixture

Pour your sugar and spice mix right over the coated cereal. Toss everything together gently and patiently to ensure each piece is evenly dusted. You want those flavors in every nook and cranny!

Step 7: Add the Apples

Next, sprinkle in your crushed dried apple chips. Fold them into the mixture, letting their tart-sweet notes and chewy texture pop up in every handful. This step is what truly makes this a standout version of A Sweet Treat.

Step 8: Cool and Store

Spread the finished Puppy Chow onto parchment-lined baking sheets to let it cool and set completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh—and try not to eat it all straight off the tray!

How to Serve A Sweet Treat

Garnishes

Add an extra sprinkle of apple pie spice, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted caramel right before serving. A handful of extra crushed apple chips on top brings a lovely burst of color and flavor, making the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

This A Sweet Treat is perfect alongside crisp apple slices, a warm mug of cider, or your favorite scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cold and creamy with sweet and crunchy is a match made in dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop portions into cupcake liners for party-ready servings, fill cellophane bags tied with ribbon for adorable gifts, or pile it high in a big bowl for movie nights. You’ll love how easy it is to dress up this A Sweet Treat for any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra Caramel Apple Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, so you can sneak a handful whenever you like! Just be sure to seal the lid tightly every time to lock in that crunch.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, pack portions in zip-top freezer bags and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and give it a little shake to fluff it up before serving.

Reheating

This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is best enjoyed at room temperature. If it becomes a bit sticky or clumps together, simply spread it out on a baking sheet for a few minutes to let it crisp up again—no reheating required!

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Chex?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex gives the classic, crunchy texture, you can swap in other square-shaped cereals like Corn Chex or Crispix. The flavors will still blend beautifully in this A Sweet Treat.

What if I don’t have caramel bits?

No worries—you can use soft caramel candies instead. Just chop them into small pieces before melting. Add a splash of cream if needed to get that perfectly smooth, pourable caramel coating.

Can I make this A Sweet Treat gluten-free?

Yes! Rice Chex is already gluten-free, but double check every label just to be sure. All the other ingredients should be gluten-free as well, so you can safely share with friends who have gluten sensitivities.

Do I really need to use both sugars in the coating?

While you could skip the granulated sugar, the mix of both sugars gives a slightly crunchy texture and creates a more authentic puppy chow experience. If you’re after the ultimate A Sweet Treat, using both is the way to go!

Can I add nuts, pretzels, or chocolate candies?

You bet! Toss in chopped toasted pecans, pretzel sticks, or even mini chocolate candies right at the end for an extra layer of flavor and some playful color. Just don’t add these extras until after the mix has cooled and set.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Caramel Apple Puppy Chow: A Sweet Treat enough—it’s such a simple, joyful snack that packs big flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a party or just to keep around for “just because” cravings, give it a try and watch it become everyone’s new favorite!

A Sweet Treat Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with this Caramel Apple Puppy Chow recipe. A sweet and crunchy snack that combines the classic flavors of caramel apples with a hint of spice, perfect for satisfying your autumn cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Chex Cereal:

9 cups

White Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits Mixture:

1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup caramel bits

Apple Pie Spice, Powdered Sugar, Granulated Sugar Mixture:

1 tablespoon apple pie spice
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Dried Apple Chips:

1/2 cup, crushed

Vanilla Extract:

1 teaspoon

Salt:

Pinch

Instructions

Prepare the Cereal: Measure out 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl.

Set aside.

Melt Chocolate and Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and caramel bits. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Flavor the Mixture: Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted chocolate and caramel mixture.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal, gently stirring to coat the cereal evenly.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine apple pie spice, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar.
Coat the Cereal Again: Pour the sugar mixture over the coated cereal, mixing thoroughly.
Add the Final Touch: Mix in the crushed apple chips gently to distribute them throughout the cereal.
Cool and Store: Spread the Puppy Chow on parchment-lined baking sheets to cool. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

This Puppy Chow makes a great snack for parties or cozy nights in.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Mixing, Melting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Fall Snack Recipe, Sweet Treat, Apple Spice Snack, Puppy Chow Recipe