Description
This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful sweet snack mix featuring crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious blend of melted white chocolate and caramel, enhanced with warm apple pie spice, and finished with crunchy dried apple chips. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime cravings, this treat combines the cozy flavors of caramel apple in a crunchy, powdered sugar-coated bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cereal Mix
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
Coating
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside to prepare for coating.
- Melt the Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and caramel bits. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Flavorings: Stir vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted caramel and white chocolate mixture to enhance the flavor depth.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted caramel mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and gently stir to coat all the cereal pieces evenly without breaking them.
- Mix the Sugar and Spice: In a small bowl, combine apple pie spice, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar. This mixture will add sweet and warm spiced notes to the snack.
- Toss with Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the coated cereal, then toss carefully to ensure complete coverage, creating a powdery, flavorful shell around each piece.
- Add Dried Apple Chips: Fold in the crushed dried apple chips into the coated cereal, distributing the tart and crunchy apple pieces throughout.
- Cool and Set: Spread the finished mixture onto parchment paper in a single layer and allow it to cool completely. This step helps set the coating and ensures a crisp texture before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking during cooling.
- Ensure the caramel and white chocolate are melted slowly and stirred well to avoid burning or graininess.
- For a stronger apple flavor, adjust the apple pie spice to taste or add a little cinnamon.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Crushing the dried apple chips into smaller pieces helps distribute the texture evenly in the mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel apple, puppy chow, snack mix, Rice Chex, white chocolate, caramel, apple pie spice, dried apple chips
