Okay, this one is seriously addictive.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Puppy Chow is that perfect mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey.
You get gooey caramel, salty pretzels, and crisp cereal all tossed in powdered sugar magic.
I make this every year around the holidays, and let’s just say… it never lasts long.
Friends ask for the recipe, and I always pretend it’s super complicated. Spoiler: It’s not.
This is the kind of snack that disappears before your eyes.
You can make it ahead, package it up for gifts, or just keep it in a bowl on the counter — but it won’t be there long!
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe has been in my family rotation for years. It’s our go-to treat for movie nights, game days, and when we want to spoil guests with something unique.
- No baking needed — super fast to make
- That sweet + salty combo hits every craving
- Stores well for days (if it lasts that long)
- Easy to double for a crowd or parties
- Makes a perfect gift during the holidays
Servings and Time
Makes: 10 servings
Total Time: 20 minutes
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The caramel and butter melt together to create a smooth coating that clings to the Chex and pretzels. The chocolate chips melt slightly and stick to everything, adding richness. The powdered sugar sticks to the still-warm coating, creating that classic “muddy buddy” dusted look and helps separate the sticky pieces.
Common Mistakes
- Overheating the caramel: It can scorch or turn too hard when cooled
- Not mixing quickly enough: You need to toss the cereal and pretzels while everything is warm
- Adding powdered sugar too early: Wait until the coating is on or it won’t stick
- Using too much caramel: It’ll get soggy and sticky, not crisp
What to Serve With
- A bowl of popcorn for a salty contrast
- Hot chocolate or cold milk
- Fresh fruit like apple slices or strawberries
- Party mix or trail mix for variety on a snack board
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of Chex?
Nope — popcorn gets soggy in the caramel.
Can I use peanut butter?
You can sub half the caramel with peanut butter for a twist!
Does it need to be refrigerated?
Nope, room temp in an airtight bag or container is perfect.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this up to 5 days ahead of time. Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container or zip-top bag. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors settle in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure cereal and pretzels
Add 6 cups Rice Chex cereal and 2 cups mini pretzel twists into a large mixing bowl.
2. Melt butter and caramel
In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup caramel sauce over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and fully combined. Add 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and stir in.
3. Pour caramel mixture over cereal and pretzels
Pour the hot caramel mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Gently toss with a silicone spatula until evenly coated.
4. Add chocolate chips
Immediately sprinkle in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips while the mix is still warm, so they melt slightly and stick.
5. Toss everything into a ziplock bag with powdered sugar
Transfer everything to a large gallon-sized ziplock bag. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake well until everything is coated.
6. Let it cool and serve
Spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes. Once set, pour into a large serving bowl.
Leftovers and Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight bag or container at room temp for up to 5 days. Don’t refrigerate — it’ll make the pretzels chewy. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month. Just let it come back to room temp before eating.
Conclusion
There you go — sweet, salty, crunchy perfection in every bite! Salted Caramel Pretzel Puppy Chow is the snack that brings people running. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment below with your thoughts or any fun twists you tried!
