Caramel Apple Cheesecake Puppy Chow – Easy No-Bake Fall Snack

This caramel apple cheesecake puppy chow is a sweet, crunchy snack mix that tastes like a caramel apple dipped in creamy cheesecake. Crispy Rice Chex are coated in a white chocolate and cream cheese mixture, dusted with powdered sugar and apple pie spice, tossed with graham cracker crumbs and dried apples, then finished with a drizzle of melted caramel. It is a fun no-bake treat for fall parties, Halloween, Thanksgiving, holiday gift bags and movie nights.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Setting Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Makes: about 8 cups

Why You’ll Love This Fall Puppy Chow

• No oven needed. Everything is made in one bowl in about 15 minutes.
• Caramel apple flavor in every bite. Apple pie spice, dried apples and caramel give it a cozy fall taste.
• Cheesecake twist. Cream cheese and graham crackers make it taste like cheesecake crust.
• Great for sharing. Perfect for parties, bake sales and gift jars.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
• 1/2 cup caramel bits or unwrapped caramel candies
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
• 1/2 cup dried apple pieces, chopped

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Puppy Chow

1. Add the cereal. Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the cheesecake coating. Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, then stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth.
3. Coat the cereal. Pour the white chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss with a spatula until every piece is coated.
4. Add sugar and spice. Sprinkle the powdered sugar and apple pie spice over the cereal and toss until evenly coated.
5. Add the mix-ins. Fold in the crushed graham crackers and chopped dried apple pieces.
6. Drizzle with caramel. Melt the caramel bits (with 1 teaspoon of milk if needed) and drizzle over the mixture. Let it cool until set.
7. Serve. Break into clusters and serve, or store chilled in an airtight container.

Tips for the Best Puppy Chow

• Use soft cream cheese. Room-temperature cream cheese blends smoothly into the warm white chocolate without lumps.
• Toss gently. Use a large spatula and fold slowly so the cereal does not break.
• Use a big bag for the sugar. For an even coating, you can shake the coated cereal with the powdered sugar and spice in a large zip-top bag.
• Spread it out to set. Spread the mix on a parchment-lined baking sheet after the caramel drizzle so it sets faster.
• Chop the dried apples small so you get a little apple in every handful.

Easy Variations

• Add crunch: Toss in chopped pecans or candied pecans.
• Salted caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle.
• Cinnamon lovers: Swap apple pie spice for cinnamon, or use cinnamon chips in place of some of the white chocolate.
• Different cereal: Corn Chex or Cinnamon Chex work well too.

How to Store It

Because this puppy chow contains cream cheese, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve it cold or let it sit out for a few minutes before serving. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is puppy chow?

Puppy chow, also called muddy buddies, is a no-bake snack mix made by coating Chex cereal in melted chocolate and powdered sugar. This fall version uses white chocolate, cream cheese, caramel and apple flavors.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Make it up to 2 days ahead and keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?

Yes. Use about 1/4 cup of thick caramel sauce and drizzle it lightly so the cereal stays crunchy.

More Fall Treats to Try

• Caramel Apple Dip
• No-Bake Caramel Apple Eclair Cake
• Fresh Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze
• Maple Vanilla Candied Pecans
• Apple Walnut Muffins