Description
This warm, spiced pumpkin puppy chow snack mix is quick and easy to make in under 15 minutes. It features a creamy white chocolate coating with pumpkin pie spice and a crunchy powdered sugar finish, perfect for cozy nights and fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 cups (270g) Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups (340g) white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal Base: Measure out 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal and pour it into your extra-large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until completely smooth and glossy (about 1 ½ to 2 minutes total). Do not overheat.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the cereal. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold until every piece is evenly coated with no dry spots.
- Transfer to Bag for Dusting: Spoon the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag (gallon-sized Ziploc works best).
- Prepare the Powdered Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Pour this mixture into the bag with the coated cereal.
- Shake, Shake, Shake: Seal the bag tightly, leaving a little air inside. Shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds until every piece is completely covered in the powdered sugar mixture.
- Set the Mix: Open the bag and pour the coated puppy chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Spread into an even layer. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until the coating is set and firm.
- Break Apart and Serve: Once set, break apart any large clumps with your hands. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
For best results, use fresh cereal to avoid crushing. If white chocolate seizes, add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and stir vigorously, or start over. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free white chocolate and substitute butter with refined coconut oil. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: pumpkin spice puppy chow, pumpkin puppy chow, pumpkin spice snack mix, easy fall snack, white chocolate puppy chow, pumpkin spice chex mix