Cozy Caramel Apple Puppy Chow for Fall Snacking Bliss Recipe

Introduction

Cozy Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is the perfect fall snack to satisfy your sweet tooth with a touch of autumn flavor. This crunchy, spiced treat combines caramel, apple pie spice, and apple chips for a delightful twist on the classic puppy chow. It’s easy to make and ideal for sharing or enjoying solo during crisp evenings.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Chex Cereal (Use gluten-free Chex if needed)
• 1 cup Caramel Sauce (Homemade for an extravagant touch)
• 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice (Can substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg)
• 1 cup Crushed Apple Chips (Can swap in chopped nuts for extra texture)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Adjust quantity for sweetness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of Chex cereal, spreading it evenly to create a sturdy base for the caramel coating.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, pour in 1 cup of caramel sauce and warm it for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice.
3. Step 3: Carefully pour the melted caramel over the Chex cereal. Use a spatula to fold and coat the cereal evenly with the caramel mixture.
4. Step 4: Add 1 cup of crushed apple chips to the bowl and stir gently to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Step 5: Transfer the coated mixture to a large plastic bag or bowl. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and shake or stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free Chex cereal to make this treat suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Try substituting chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for apple chips to add crunch and a nutty flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier touch, increase the apple pie spice or add a pinch of ground cloves.
• For a richer caramel flavor, make your own homemade caramel sauce using butter, brown sugar, and cream.

Storage

Store your Caramel Apple Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain crispiness, avoid refrigerating as moisture can make the cereal soggy. If you want to refresh the texture slightly, spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5–10 minutes, then let it cool before storing or serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free as long as you use nut-free ingredients. If substituting apple chips with nuts, simply skip them or choose a nut-free alternative.

How do I make homemade caramel sauce?

To make homemade caramel sauce, melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add 1/4 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before using in the recipe.

Cozy Caramel Apple Puppy Chow for Fall Snacking Bliss Recipe

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4.5 from 57 reviews

Cozy Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful fall snack featuring crunchy Chex cereal coated in warm caramel mixed with festive apple pie spices, crushed apple chips, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet and spiced treat perfect for autumn enjoyment.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute
• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 cups, serves 6-8 people 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

• 6 cups Chex Cereal (Use gluten-free Chex if needed.)

Caramel Mixture

• 1 cup Caramel Sauce (Homemade for an extravagant touch.)
• 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice (Can substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg.)

Add-ins

• 1 cup Crushed Apple Chips (Can swap in chopped nuts for extra texture.)

Coating

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Adjust quantity for sweetness.)

Instructions

1. Combine Cereal: In a large mixing bowl, evenly spread 6 cups of Chex cereal to form a sturdy base for the snack.
2. Warm Caramel Sauce: Pour 1 cup of caramel sauce into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth and easily pourable. Stir in 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice thoroughly to incorporate the autumn flavors.
3. Coat Cereal: Pour the warm caramel mixture over the Chex cereal. Use a spatula to carefully fold and mix, ensuring all the cereal pieces are evenly coated with the spiced caramel.
4. Add Apple Chips: Gently stir in 1 cup of crushed apple chips to the coated cereal mixture to add crunchy, fruity texture throughout.
5. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the mixture to a large plastic bag or bowl, add 1 cup of powdered sugar, seal or cover tightly, and shake vigorously until all pieces are evenly coated in powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
6. Serve or Store: Serve the Caramel Apple Puppy Chow immediately for fresh enjoyment, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

• Use gluten-free Chex cereal to make this recipe gluten-free friendly.
• For homemade caramel sauce, melt butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream together until smooth and caramelized.
• Substitute apple pie spice with a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg if apple pie spice is unavailable.
• Swap crushed apple chips for chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor variation.
• Adjust powdered sugar quantity to your desired sweetness level.
• Store the snack in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming soggy or stale.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Fall Snack, Chex Mix, Caramel Snack, Apple Pie Spice, Gluten Free Snack, Autumn Treat, No Bake Snack