The Best Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe Ever
I just made a batch of this Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, and my kitchen smells like a fall festival! This recipe is incredibly simple and turns out so delicious every single time. It’s the perfect sweet, crunchy snack for any occasion, from movie nights to holiday parties.
I find it’s just as fun to make as savory dishes. For another great meal idea, you can also explore our guide to the Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf Recipe. This puppy chow is definitely a new favorite in my house!
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Having made this a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks that make a big difference.
- I recommend working quickly once the candy melts are ready. They can start to harden fast, so have your cereal bowls and spatulas ready to go for an even coating.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with the drizzle. While caramel is classic, I’ve tried melted white chocolate and it was also amazing.
- When shaking the bags, be firm but gentle. You want to coat the cereal, not crush it into dust. A gentle, rolling shake works best.
- Let the puppy chow cool completely on a baking sheet before storing. This prevents it from clumping together in the container.
Variations
One of the best things about puppy chow is how easy it is to customize. You can make simple swaps to fit different tastes or dietary needs. For more creative ideas, you can always explore a variety of dinner recipes for inspiration.
- Go Nutty: Add a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dry mix for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips instead of candy melts and ensure your cake mix is dairy-free.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Mix in a cup of mini chocolate chips after the puppy chow has cooled for a decadent chocolate-caramel apple flavor.
- Different Cereals: Feel free to experiment with other Chex flavors like Cinnamon or even Chocolate Chex for a unique taste.
Equipment You Need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.
- Large Mixing Bowls: For dividing the cereal and mixing it with the melted candy.
- Microwave-Safe Bowls: To melt the candy melts and shortening smoothly.
- Spatulas: For stirring the melted candy and coating the cereal evenly.
- Large Resealable Bags: Essential for shaking and coating the cereal with the cake mix mixture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring all your ingredients.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Puppy Chow
Presentation can make this simple snack feel extra special. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks great on any dessert table.
- Serve it in a large, decorative bowl for parties so guests can help themselves.
- Portion it into individual cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for party favors or gifts.
- Create a dessert board featuring this puppy chow alongside other treats. It would be a wonderful companion to something like an Lemon Pizza Recipe.
- For a fun movie night, serve it in classic popcorn boxes.
Calories Count
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving.
- Calories: 265kcal
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 341mg
- Sugar: 21g
How to Store
Proper storage is key to keeping your puppy chow fresh and crunchy.
Store the finished puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this recipe, as the texture of the cereal can become soggy upon thawing. If the puppy chow clumps together, simply give the container a gentle shake to restore its original texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this snack will become your new go-to treat.
- Incredibly Easy: With no baking required and simple steps, anyone can make this recipe in just 15 minutes.
- Perfect for Parties: It makes a large batch, making it ideal for sharing at holidays, tailgates, or family gatherings.
- Customizable Flavors: You can easily swap ingredients to create your perfect version of this classic snack.
- Amazing Taste and Texture: The combination of crunchy cereal, a sweet coating, and warm caramel is absolutely addictive.
More About This Delicious Treat
The name “puppy chow” might sound a little strange, but it comes from the snack’s resemblance to dog kibble. It’s also known as “muddy buddies,” especially when made with chocolate and peanut butter.
This caramel apple version is a festive twist on the classic, perfect for the autumn season when apples are at their peak.
It captures all the flavors of a caramel-dipped apple from the fairground in a convenient, shareable snack format. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in minutes
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, get your cereal ready for coating. Pour 5 cups of the Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal into one medium-sized bowl and the remaining 5 cups into a second medium-sized bowl. Setting them up separately makes the next steps much easier.
- Next, prepare your dry coating. You will need two large resealable plastic bags. In each bag, combine 1/2 cup of the vanilla cake mix, 1 cup of granola, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Shake each bag gently to mix the ingredients.
- In two separate microwave-safe bowls, melt your candy melts. Place the green candy melts with 1 teaspoon of shortening in one bowl and the lime green melts with 1 teaspoon of shortening in the other. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Pour the melted green candy mixture over one bowl of Chex cereal and the lime green mixture over the other. Stir each bowl gently with a spatula until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Carefully transfer the green-coated cereal into one of the prepared bags with the cake mix mixture. Pour the lime green-coated cereal into the second bag. Seal both bags securely and shake well until every piece is covered. Finally, pour both mixtures into a large serving bowl, drizzle with warm caramel topping, and gently toss to combine.