Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a fun and festive snack that combines the sweet crunch of apple cinnamon cereal with a cinnamon-vanilla coating and a hint of green candy melts. Perfect for parties or a cozy treat, this colorful twist on classic Puppy Chow is both delicious and easy to make.

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
• 1 cup vanilla cake mix (divided)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Divide the Rice Chex™ Apple Cinnamon cereal into two equal parts, 5 cups each, placing them into two medium-sized bowls.
2. Step 2: Prepare two Ziplock bags. In each bag, combine half of the vanilla cake mix, granola, and ground cinnamon. Set the bags aside for later.
3. Step 3: Melt the green candy melts with 1 teaspoon of shortening in one microwavable bowl. In a separate bowl, melt the lime green candy melts with the remaining 1 teaspoon shortening. Stir until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the melted green candy melts over one bowl of cereal and the melted lime green candy melts over the other. Gently stir each until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Transfer each coated cereal mixture into its corresponding prepared Ziplock bag with the cake mix mixture. Seal the bags and shake well until all the cereal is coated with the cinnamon cake mixture.
6. Step 6: Combine both coated mixtures into a large bowl and gently mix together. Drizzle with caramel topping if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use colored candy melts to match seasonal themes or holidays.
• Substitute granola with nuts or dried fruit for added texture.
• Store in an airtight container to keep the mix crunchy.
• For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or clove to the cinnamon mixture.

Storage

Store the caramel apple puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating to prevent the cereal from becoming soggy. To refresh the crunch, you can briefly warm it in the oven at a low temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different cereal instead of Apple Cinnamon Rice Chex?

Yes, you can substitute with other flavored cereals like cinnamon toast or plain Rice Chex, but using apple cinnamon adds a distinctive flavor that complements the candy melts and cinnamon coating.

How do I melt candy melts without burning them?

Microwave candy melts in short intervals of 20-30 seconds, stirring thoroughly between each until smooth. Using shortening helps achieve a smoother coating and prevents burning.

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe

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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a colorful and festive snack mix featuring Apple Cinnamon Rice Chex cereal coated in vibrant green candy melts and a cinnamon-vanilla cake mix blend. This sweet, crunchy treat is perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a fun and flavorful snack with a hint of caramel drizzle.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (includes melting candy melts)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 cups of caramel apple puppy chow 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Cereal Mix

• 10 cups Rice Chex™ Apple Cinnamon cereal (divided into 2 bowls of 5 cups each)
• 2 cups granola

Candy Coating

• 1 cup green candy melts
• 1 cup lime green candy melts
• 2 teaspoons shortening (divided for candy melts)

Coating Mix

• 1 cup vanilla cake mix (divided)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)

Additional

• Caramel topping for drizzling

Instructions

1. Divide the Cereal: Pour 5 cups of Apple Cinnamon Rice Chex cereal into a medium-sized bowl and pour the remaining 5 cups into a separate medium-sized bowl. Set both aside for coating.
2. Prepare Cinnamon Cake Mix Coating: Take two Ziplock storage bags. In each bag, combine half of the vanilla cake mix, 1 cup of granola, and half of the ground cinnamon. Set these aside for later use.
3. Melt Candy Coatings: In two separate microwavable bowls, melt the green candy melts with 1 teaspoon of shortening and the lime green candy melts with the remaining teaspoon of shortening. Stir each until smooth and fully combined.
4. Coat the Cereal with Candy: Pour the melted green candy melts over one bowl of cereal and gently stir to evenly coat. Repeat with the lime green candy melts and the other bowl of cereal, stirring gently to coat.
5. Combine Candy-Coated Cereal with Cake Mix: Transfer the candy-coated cereal from one bowl into one of the prepared Ziplock bags containing the cinnamon cake mix blend. Seal and shake vigorously until all cereal pieces are evenly coated. Repeat the process with the other coated cereal and Ziplock bag.
6. Mix Both Cereals Together: Pour both coated cereal mixtures into a large bowl and gently stir to combine the two colorful batches.
7. Finish with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel topping over the combined puppy chow mix. Toss lightly if desired, then serve and enjoy this festive, crunchy treat.

Notes

• Shortening is used to help candy melts coat the cereal smoothly without clumping.
• Use parchment paper or a large bowl to toss and mix the coated cereals gently to avoid breaking the cereal.
• Store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
• For extra flair, add small candy apple pieces or dried apple bits to the mix.
• Adjust cinnamon seasoning to taste for spicier or milder flavors.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix Snack, Candy Coated Cereal, Sweet Snack Mix, Fall Treat, Holiday Snack