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!

puppy chow in a white bowl

Apple Pie Puppy Chow

If easy fall snacks and puppy chow recipes are your thing, then you’re going to love this muddy buddies recipe.

Just in case you’re not familiar with the term, puppy chow (or muddy buddy recipes) usually refers to a mixture of Chex cereal, powdered sugar, and melted chocolate. Everything gets tossed together and the cereal pieces are coated in a delicious mixture that makes the tastiest, easy snack.

And if you’ve been hanging around here long enough, you might remember this mint brownies muddy buddy recipe that I shared several years ago. With sweet treats like this, you can bet this became a favorite in my house. In fact, it’s a favorite dessert for when I want a little something sweet.

Back to this recipe. This apple pie muddy buddy recipe has become a favorite snack of mine. Not only is it an easy recipe, but it’s loaded with flavor and perfect for just about any time.

This fun snack is perfect for both the kiddos and adults. With a sweet apple cinnamon flavor, caramel, and apple bites, this flavor combination will quickly become a new favorite. 

After all, classic recipes like this are fun to make and even better to eat! A huge batch of puppy chow, a few hungry kids (or adults) and you’ve got snack time taken care of. This would even make a tasty school snack.

puppy chow in a white bowl

Ingredients in Apple Pie Puppy Chow:

  • 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:

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the almond bark/white chocolate wafers on 30 second increments (low power)until melted and smooth.
  2. 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.*
  3. Sift powdered sugar over the cereal and stir until cereal is fully coated.
  4. 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).
  5. 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.’

puppy chow spread out on a flat surface

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.

puppy chow in a white bowl

Looking for More Apple Desserts? I’ve Got You Covered!

puppy chow in a white bowl

Apple Pie Puppy Chow

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
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!

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound vanilla almond bark OR Ghirardelli white melting wafers
  • 8 cups apple cinnamon Chex cereal
  • 3 teaspoons apple pie spice
  • cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup caramel bits
  • 1 ounce freeze-dried apples, (cut into pieces)
  • Caramel for drizzling, (if desired)

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.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 135kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 49mg, Potassium: 45mg, Fiber: 0.05g, Sugar: 28g, Vitamin A: 9IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 0.1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.