Apple Pie Puppy Chow
Apple Pie Puppy Chow is a deliciously sweet snack that’s loaded with cozy fall flavors. Made with white chocolate, Chex cereal, and apple pie spices, this muddy buddies recipe is perfect for any time!
Don’t miss out on trying this Apple Pie Scones, Cherry Pie Bites and Apple Pie Monkey Bread

If easy fall snacks and muddy buddies are your thing, you’re going to love this apple pie twist on a classic recipe.
In case you’re unfamiliar, puppy chow, also known as muddy buddies, is a sweet snack made from Chex cereal coated in a mixture of melted chocolate, powdered sugar, and other delicious flavors. Everything gets tossed together to create bite-sized pieces that are totally irresistible.
This apple pie muddy buddy recipe is a new favorite in our house. It’s simple to make, packed with warm apple-cinnamon flavor, and perfect for just about any occasion. With bits of caramel and dried apple, it’s a flavor combo that both kids and adults will love.
Whether you’re making it for a school snack, movie night, or just because, this fun and easy treat is always a hit. Whip up a big batch and snack time is officially handled.

Ingredients in Apple Pie Puppy Chow:
This caramel apple puppy chow buddies recipe is packed with cozy fall flavors and crunchy, sweet goodness. With apple cinnamon Chex, powdered sugar, caramel bits, and a hint of apple pie spice, it’s the perfect easy treat for snack time or parties. Just toss, coat, and enjoy!
- Apple cinnamon Chex cereal
- Powdered sugar
- Apple pie spice
- Freeze-dried apples
- Caramel bits
- Almond bark (or white chocolate chips or white chocolate wafers – I prefer to use Ghirardelli Melting Wafers)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling, if desired)
How to Make Apple Pie Muddy Buddies:
Making apple pie muddy buddies is quick, easy, and perfect for fall snacking. With just a few simple steps, melting, mixing, and coating, you’ll have a sweet, crunchy treat loaded with apple spice, caramel, and white chocolate. It’s a fun recipe that comes together in minutes!
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the almond bark/white chocolate wafers on 30 second increments (low power)until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, add Chex cereal and apple pie spice. Stir to combine. Pour 1 cup of melted chocolate over cereal and gently stir to combine, ensuring each piece of cereal is coated. Reserve the remaining melted chocolate for topping.*Alternatively, you can add cereal to a large ziplock bag, add the melted chocolate, seal the bag, and then shake to combine.*
- Sift powdered sugar over the cereal and stir until cereal is fully coated.
- Pour cereal mixture into an even layer onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Sprinkle the caramel bits and freeze-dried apples over cereal. Drizzle remaining melted chocolate over cereal and add caramel (if desired).
- Allow to set for 15-20 minutes.
Why Are Muddy Buddies Called Puppy Chow?
Good question! Puppy chow is said to have originated somewhere in the Midwest because it often resembles puppy chow (dog food). After a while, the company, Chex, started publishing a recipe for this on the back of their cereal boxes and termed it ‘muddy buddies.’

How Long Will This Last?
Muddy buddies will last in an airtight container for up to one week.
Does Puppy Chow Need to be Refrigerated?
Nope! It will stay fresh in an airtight container or ziploc bag for up to one week at room temperature.
Can I Freeze Puppy Chow?
Yes! It may sound strange, but I’ve tried it and it works. Freeze the cooled snack mix in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
What if I Can’t Find Cinnamon Apple Chex Cereal?
That’s ok! Plain rice Chex or corn Chex cereal will work just as well.
Variations of This Recipe:
- Don’t have vanilla almond bark or white chocolate wafers? Not to worry, white chocolate chips will work just as well.
- Peanut butter or a different nut butter would make a tasty addition. The peanut butter mixture and melted chocolate are so good together!
- Don’t like white chocolate? Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips would make a delicious dessert.
- For even more flavor, add some M&M candies; pretzels; or chopped candy bars to the mix.

Looking for More Apple Desserts? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Fresh Apple Cake
- Apple Streusel Muffins
- Apple Pie Pop Tarts
- Glazed Apple Oatmeal Cookies
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Apple Danish with Caramel
- Air Fryer Baked Apples

Apple Pie Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 1 pound vanilla almond bark OR Ghirardelli white melting wafers
- 8 cups apple cinnamon Chex cereal
- 3 teaspoons apple pie spice
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 ounce freeze-dried apples, (cut into pieces)
- Caramel for drizzling, (if desired)
Equipment
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the almond bark/white chocolate wafers on 30 second increments (low power)until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, add Chex cereal and apple pie spice. Stir to combine. Pour 1 cup of melted chocolate over cereal and gently stir to combine, ensuring each piece of cereal is coated. Reserve the remaining melted chocolate for topping. *Alternatively, you can add cereal to a large ziploc bag, add the melted chocolate, seal the bag, and then shake to combine.*
- Sift powdered sugar over the cereal and stir until cereal is fully coated.
- Pour cereal mixture into an even layer onto a large baking pan lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the caramel bits and freeze-dried apples over cereal. Drizzle remaining melted chocolate over cereal and add caramel (if desired).
- Allow to set for 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- If you can’t find apple cinnamon Chex cereal, rice or corn Chex will work just as well.
- Coating the cereal with the melted chocolate can get messy. Alternatively, you can add cereal to a large ziploc bag, add the melted chocolate, seal the bag, and then shake to combine.
- Puppy chow will keep in an airtight container or ziploc bag for up to one week.
- See my tips and tricks for making this Apple Pie Puppy Chow above recipe box.