There’s something about fall that makes me crave cozy little snacks—the kind you can nibble by the handful, share with friends, or gift in pretty jars tied with rustic twine. Enter Caramel Apple Puppy Chow. If you’ve never tried this before, think crunchy Chex cereal coated in a luscious mix of caramel and white chocolate, kissed with apple pie spice, and finished with sweet, crisp apple bits. It’s a treat that feels like autumn in every bite. Best of all? It comes together in minutes, no oven required. This is one of those recipes that looks impressive, tastes irresistible, and travels beautifully—perfect for parties, tailgates, or just curling up on the couch with a mug of cider. Save this recipe now, because once you make it, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand all season long.
Why You’ll Love It
🍏 Big apple-cinnamon fall flavor – like warm apple pie in a crunchy, snackable form. 🍯 10 minutes, no baking – quick enough for last-minute guests. ✨ Scales easily – double or triple for gifting and gatherings. 🎁 Party & potluck friendly – it holds up beautifully in jars, bags, or little treat cups.
Ingredients (Base Recipe)
- Rice Chex cereal – or Corn Chex if you like a deeper crunch
- White chocolate chips – creamy sweetness to balance the spice
- Caramel bits – melted into the chocolate for that cozy fall richness
- Vanilla extract – for warmth
- Pinch of salt – to keep the flavors balanced
- Apple pie spice – a cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove
- Powdered sugar + granulated sugar – the sweet dusting
- Dried apple chips, crushed – for fruity crunch
How to Make It
- Melt the magic – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate and caramel bits in short intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. 2. Coat the crunch – Pour the mixture over Chex cereal and toss gently until every piece is coated. 3. Spice it up – Place the coated cereal in a large bag or bowl, sprinkle with apple pie spice plus sugars, and shake until evenly dusted. 4. Apple finish – Fold in the crushed apple chips. Spread the mix out on parchment to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
- Party-ready cups or cones – scoop into individual portions for easy serving.
- Fall snack board – mix with nuts, pretzels, and dried fruit.
- Giftable jars – fill mason jars, tie with twine, and add a little tag.
- Movie night magic – the perfect companion to apple cider or a cozy chai latte.
Tips & Variations
- Nutty Crunch – stir in pecans or walnuts for texture.
- Salted Caramel Twist – finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Maple Cider Version – swap vanilla for maple extract and add a tiny pinch of citric acid or apple cider powder for tang.
- Crispix Swap – use Crispix cereal for an extra-light crunch.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is dangerously snackable—the kind where you tell yourself “just one more handful” and suddenly the bowl is empty. It’s quick, it’s cozy, and it brings all the apple-caramel vibes of fall without the fuss of baking. Whether you make the classic version, the salted caramel twist, or the maple cider variation, you’ll have a recipe that feels both festive and comforting. Save this Pin so you’ll always have it ready for autumn gatherings, movie nights, and sweet little homemade gifts.
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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow (3 Cozy Ways) 🍎
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
Description
A cozy, no-bake fall treat featuring Chex cereal coated in melted white chocolate and caramel, tossed in apple pie spice, sugars, and crisp dried apple chips. Perfect for gifting, parties, or curling up with cider.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup caramel bits
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup dried apple chips, crushed
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips and caramel bits in 20-30 second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Pour melted mixture over Chex cereal and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Transfer coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or bowl. Add apple pie spice, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar. Shake or stir until well coated.
- Fold in crushed dried apple chips. Spread the mix on parchment paper to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
For a twist, try adding chopped nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or swapping vanilla for maple extract and a dash of apple cider powder. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: puppy chow, fall snack, caramel apple, chex mix, no-bake, apple pie spice