Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a fun, festive snack that combines the crispness of Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal with sweet vanilla cake mix and vibrant green candy melts. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy treat, this colorful mix is sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
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
- Step 1: Divide the 10 cups of Chex cereal into two medium-sized bowls, with 5 cups in each. Set them aside.
- Step 2: Prepare two Ziplock storage bags. In each bag, combine half of the vanilla cake mix, 1 cup of granola, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set these bags aside.
- Step 3: In separate microwavable bowls, melt the green candy melts with 1 teaspoon shortening in one bowl, and the lime green candy melts with 1 teaspoon shortening in the other. Stir until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the melted green candy melts over one bowl of Chex cereal and the melted lime green candy melts over the other. Gently stir each bowl to coat the cereal evenly.
- Step 5: Transfer each coated cereal mixture into its corresponding Ziplock bag with the cake mix and granola. Seal the bags and shake well until all cereal pieces are coated with the cinnamon cake mixture.
- Step 6: Combine both coated cereal mixtures into a large bowl and gently mix them together. Drizzle with caramel topping if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use shortening when melting candy melts to keep the coating smooth and prevent clumping.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cake mix before coating.
- Substitute granola with chopped nuts or dried apple pieces for added texture.
- Store this snack in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Storage
Store the Caramel Apple Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain its crispness, avoid refrigeration. If the candy melts become slightly sticky, letting the mixture sit in a cool, dry place will help restore firmness. Enjoy within a few days for best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different flavors of Chex cereal?
Yes, you can substitute the Apple Cinnamon Chex with other flavors such as Honey Nut or Cinnamon Chex to create different taste variations. Just keep in mind the overall flavor balance.
What is the purpose of the shortening in the recipe?
Shortening helps to thin the melted candy melts, making them easier to coat the cereal evenly without clumping. It also helps the coating set smoothly and adds a nice texture.
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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cups of Caramel Apple Puppy Chow (serves 8-10) 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a fun and festive snack mix combining crunchy Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal, sweet vanilla cake mix, and colorful green candy melts, all tossed with cinnamon and granola for a delightful treat. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a flavorful snack, this no-bake recipe is easy to make and irresistibly tasty with a hint of caramel drizzle on top.
Ingredients
Cereal and Mixes
- 10 cups Rice Chex™ Apple Cinnamon cereal (divided)
- 2 cups granola
- 1 cup vanilla cake mix (divided)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
Candy Melts
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1 cup lime green candy melts
- 2 teaspoons shortening
Topping
- Caramel topping, for drizzling
Instructions
- Divide the cereal: Pour 5 cups of Rice Chex Apple Cinnamon cereal into a medium-sized bowl, and pour the remaining 5 cups into another medium bowl. Set both bowls aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Cake Mix Bags: Take two Ziplock storage bags. In each bag, combine half of the vanilla cake mix, 1 cup of granola, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix the contents lightly and set aside.
- Melt candy melts: In two separate microwavable bowls, melt the green candy melts and 1 teaspoon shortening in one, and the lime green candy melts and 1 teaspoon shortening in the other. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Coat the cereal: Pour the melted green candy mixture over one bowl of cereal and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly. Repeat with the lime green candy mixture and the other bowl of cereal.
- Toss in cake mixture: Pour one coated cereal bowl’s contents into one Ziplock bag with the prepared cake mix and granola mixture. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the cereal is coated completely. Repeat with the second bowl and bag.
- Combine and finish: Pour both coated cereal mixtures into a large bowl and gently mix them together. Drizzle caramel topping over the combined mixture before serving for added sweetness and flavor. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Be careful not to overheat the candy melts, as they can seize or burn.
- Use shortening to help the candy melts melt smoothly and coat the cereal evenly.
- This snack mix can be stored up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Feel free to swap granola for nuts or dried fruit for variation.
- For a stronger apple flavor, drizzle some apple-flavored syrup in addition to caramel if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting candy melts)
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, snack mix, Chex mix, caramel snack, candy melts, cereal snack, no bake dessert
