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This Caramel Apple Puppy Chow packs all the best fall flavors into every toasty crisp bite. Sweet buttery caramel, sharp green apple zing, and warm cinnamon crash together here. You'll whip this up in no time. And trust me—nobody eats just one handful!
When I first made a batch, my place smelled like a cinnamon sugar dream. Not one person waited for the final caramel swirl before sneaking a bite out of the bowl.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Ground cinnamon: kicks in a smooth warmness Pick a fresh jar so the flavor pops
- Vanilla cake mix: gives it that county fair flair Sift it to get a superfine powder that coats evenly
- Shortening: makes the candy melts sleek and shiny Butter can mess up the smoothness, so skip it
- Lime green candy melts: give another pop of apple color Grab the brightest shade you see for extra cheer
- Green candy melts: copy the bold look of real caramel apples Grab a kind that melts like a dream
- Granola: brings extra crunch Snag kinds with big chunks so they don’t fall apart
- Rice Chex Apple Cinnamon cereal: backs all the apple snap Use Apple Cinnamon for the most flavor, and check your box so it’s fresh and crisp
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix And Serve
- Drop both cereal batches together into a big bowl Gently fold so the green shades stay bold Drizzle caramel over the top and dig in on the spot
- Shake Things Up
- Pop each gooey cereal bowl into its own Ziplock bag Zip them tight so nothing leaks out and shake hard Make sure the coating gets on every bit, especially deep in the corners
- Coat The Cereal
- Pour the melted green candy on one cereal bowl and the lime green on the other Gently toss each bowl so everything gets covered but don’t break up the crunch
- Melt And Color The Candy
- Microwave green melts plus shortening in one bowl and lime green with shortening in another Stop every 20 seconds and stir until smooth Don’t let it get too hot or it’ll get tough
- Prep The Coating Bags
- In two big Ziplock bags toss together vanilla cake mix granola and cinnamon Seal before you start shaking to avoid making a mess
- Divide The Cereal
- Split the Rice Chex Apple Cinnamon into two separate bowls Don’t skip or the mix won’t look as awesome
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I can’t get enough of Apple Cinnamon Chex in this. It tastes like chilly fall mornings with cereal. Once shared this snack with my niece—we were stuck at the counter, fingers sticky, both cracking up as we licked caramel from our hands.
How To Store
Just keep the chow in a sealed jar or container and finish it up within three days. If you wait longer, it’ll get chewy. Skip freezing since moisture makes it mushy—granola and cereal hate the cold!
Swaps You Can Make
Can't spot Apple Cinnamon Chex? Use plain Rice Chex, then mix in extra cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. No green melts? White melts with a tiny dab of green food coloring will do just fine.
How To Serve
Bag up for grab-and-go treats Throw a big bowl out at your next fall get-together—toss on a little more cinnamon to finish Or dunk a handful into hot apple cider for a super cozy snack
Cozy Fall Vibes
Caramel apples are the best at the county fair, but making them gets messy real fast. This snack grabs every bit of caramel apple flavor—way less work and you can share it with everyone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap apple cinnamon cereal for regular Chex?
Yep, you sure can, but it'll have less of the apple-cinnamon kick. You might want to add some extra cinnamon to make up for it.
- → What's the best way to melt candy melts?
Toss candy melts and a bit of shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap in 30-second bursts, stirring every time, until it's all liquidy and smooth.
- → How long do these snacks stay good?
They'll stay crisp and tasty up to three days in a sealed container at room temp.
- → Can these be made before the day I need them?
For sure! Make 'em ahead, seal them up, and grab when you want — awesome choice for travel or a party table.
- → Is there a swap for cake mix?
You can use powdered sugar mixed with some cinnamon for that sweetness, but cake mix does give it a special texture and taste.