Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate snack that combines sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite — this Salted Caramel Pretzel Puppy Chow is for you. Perfect for parties, quick treats, or edible gifting, this easy recipe mixes crispy cereal, melted caramel, and salty pretzels, all dusted in powdered sugar and finished with a drizzle of chocolate. Whether you’re searching for fun food ideas, a quick dessert, or a crowd-pleasing snack, this is one of the best easy recipes to keep in your rotation. Ideal for holiday munching, movie nights, or last-minute get-togethers.
Ingredients
9 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
2 cups mini pretzels
1 1/2 cups caramel bits or soft caramels
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare a large mixing bowl and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, melt caramel bits and butter over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using.
3. Place the Chex cereal into the large bowl and pour the warm caramel over it. Stir gently to coat evenly.
4. Add in the mini pretzels and fold gently to combine without breaking them.
5. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Drizzle over the mix and gently fold again.
6. Transfer the mixture into a large zip-top bag or clean paper bag, add powdered sugar, and shake until fully coated.
7. Spread mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and let it cool for 15–20 minutes.
8. Once cool, transfer to an airtight container or serve immediately.
Notes
Make sure the cereal is fresh to keep the mix crunchy.
Don’t skip the cooling step — it helps avoid sogginess.
You can use dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: puppy chow, easy snack, caramel pretzel snack, sweet salty snack, holiday treat, no bake dessert