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Homemade Caramel Apple Puppy Chow dessert in a bowl

Caramel Apple Puppy Chow

A delightful snack mix combining chewy caramel, tart apples, and crunchy Puppy Chow for a perfect fall treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Puppy Chow
  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal For maximum crunch
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips For a rich chocolate layer
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter For a nutty flavor
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter To create a smooth texture
  • 2 cups powdered sugar For sweetness and coating
For the Caramel Sauce
  • 1 cup granulated sugar For sweetness
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter For richness
  • ½ cup heavy cream To achieve a luscious consistency
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For extra flavor
For the Apples
  • 1 medium tart apple, diced Such as Granny Smith for zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Optional, to prevent browning

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, measure out the Rice Chex cereal and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until fully melted and combined.
  3. Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal gradually, folding gently with a spatula to ensure even coating.
  4. In a large resealable bag, add the powdered sugar. Carefully transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the bag, seal, and gently shake until well-coated.
Making the Caramel Sauce
  1. In a clean saucepan, add the granulated sugar over medium heat and stir constantly until melted and turns golden amber.
  2. Immediately add unsalted butter, stirring until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the prepared Puppy Chow, diced apples, and warm caramel. Gently fold until evenly distributed.
  2. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before serving.
  3. Serve in a large bowl or pack into bags for convenient snacking.

Notes

For extra crispness, bake the Puppy Chow at 250°F for about 30 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To make it nut-free, substitute peanut butter with sun butter.