Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a fun, colorful twist on the classic snack mix. Combining apple cinnamon cereal, vanilla cake mix, and vibrant green candy melts, this treat is perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet party snack.
Ingredients
- 10 cups Rice Chex™ Apple Cinnamon cereal (divided)
- 2 cups granola
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1 cup lime green candy melts
- 2 teaspoons shortening (divided)
- 1 cup vanilla cake mix (divided)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
Instructions
- Step 1: Divide the 10 cups of Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal into two equal bowls, 5 cups each, and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare two Ziplock bags. In each bag, combine half of the vanilla cake mix, 1 cup of granola, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Seal and set aside.
- Step 3: In two separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the green candy melts with 1 teaspoon of shortening in each. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the melted green candy melts over one bowl of cereal and the lime green candy melts over the other. Gently stir each until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Transfer each coated cereal mixture to its corresponding Ziplock bag with the dry mixture. Seal and shake each bag well until the cereal is fully coated with the cinnamon cake mix.
- Step 6: Combine the two coated cereal mixtures in a large bowl and gently mix together. Drizzle with caramel topping if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use gluten-free cake mix and granola to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add chopped nuts or dried apple pieces for extra texture and flavor.
- For a more intense caramel flavor, drizzle warmed caramel sauce over the mix before serving.
Storage
Store this caramel apple puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If it softens, you can refresh it by giving it a quick stir or a gentle re-toast in the oven at low heat for a few minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, while Rice Chex Apple Cinnamon cereal is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with similar flavored or plain cereals to suit your taste.
How do I keep the candy coating from melting or sticking?
Make sure to melt the candy melts gently and stir well to avoid overheating. Also, let the coated cereal cool and dry completely before storing it to prevent sticking.
Print
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful, crunchy snack mix combining apple cinnamon Chex cereal, granola, and a sweet vanilla cake mix coating, enhanced with green and lime green candy melts for a festive look. Finished with a drizzle of caramel topping, this treat offers a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and cinnamon flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 cups Rice Chex™ Apple Cinnamon cereal (divided into 5 cups each)
- 2 cups granola
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1 cup lime green candy melts
- 2 teaspoon shortening (divided for melting candy melts)
- 1 cup vanilla cake mix (divided)
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (divided)
- Caramel topping, for drizzling (quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Divide the Cereal: Pour 5 cups of Rice Chex Apple Cinnamon cereal into a medium bowl. Pour the remaining 5 cups into another medium bowl. Set both aside for separate coating.
- Prepare Cinnamon Cake Mix Bags: Take two Ziplock bags. In each bag, combine vanilla cake mix, granola, and ground cinnamon halves separately. Mix each bag’s contents well and set aside.
- Melt Candy Melts: In two separate microwave-safe bowls, melt green candy melts with 1 teaspoon shortening in each, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted green candy melt mixture over one bowl of cereal and the melted lime green candy melt mixture over the other bowl of cereal. Gently stir each cereal to coat evenly.
- Coat Cereal with Cake Mix: Pour each coated cereal batch into its respective prepared Ziplock bag containing the cake mix mixture. Seal each bag and shake thoroughly until every piece of cereal is well coated with the cinnamon cake mixture.
- Combine and Finish: Pour both coated cereal mixtures into a large bowl and gently mix them together for a uniform blend of colors and flavors. Drizzle caramel topping generously over the combined mix. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- If you prefer, substitute the granola with nuts or dried fruit for added texture.
- Ensure candy melts are fully melted and smooth before mixing for best coating.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to spread the finished mix for quick caramel setting, if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Adjust caramel topping quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, snack mix, Chex mix, apple cinnamon snack, candy melts, granola snack, caramel drizzle, sweet snack
