Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow is the ultimate fall snack that combines cozy flavors with irresistible crunch. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a batch of this sweet and spiced treat, perfect for sharing or indulging solo. The creamy pumpkin spice coating clings to crispy cereal, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Each bite delivers warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin notes, making it a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or need a quick pick-me-up, this snack is as easy to make as it is addictive. With 10 cups of goodness, there’s plenty to go around—or keep it all for yourself!
What You’ll Need for Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow
- 13.5 oz box (about 7–8 cups) Cinnamon Chex cereal (or Rice Chex as a substitute)
- 12 ounces orange candy melts or pure white chocolate
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1–2 cups mellowcreme pumpkins (adjust to your preference)
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow
- Prepare the cereal: Pour the Cinnamon Chex cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
- Melt the coating: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the orange candy melts or white chocolate in 20-second increments, stirring after each until completely smooth.
- Add the spices: Stir in 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice into the melted mixture until well combined.
- Coat the cereal: Pour the spiced mixture over the cereal and gently toss to coat each piece. Be careful—the squares can break easily!
- Shake in sugar: In a large zipped-top bag, combine the confectioners’ sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the coated cereal and shake until each piece is evenly coated.
- Add the finishing touch: Pour the coated cereal back into a large bowl and discard any excess sugar. Toss in the mellowcreme pumpkins, using 1–2 cups depending on your preference.
- Store and enjoy: Cover the puppy chow and store it for up to 2 weeks. Serve as a delicious snack anytime!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow as a festive snack at fall gatherings or package it in cute mason jars for a thoughtful homemade gift. Pair it with a warm cup of apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate autumn treat. It’s also a great addition to a dessert table alongside cookies and brownies!
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store your Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. It will last up to 2 weeks, but let’s be honest—it’ll likely disappear much sooner! If you’re in a humid climate, add a small packet of silica gel to the container to prevent clumping.
Fun Recipe Variations
Switch things up by using chocolate Chex or vanilla candy melts for a different flavor base. For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or toasted almonds to the mix. If you’re not a fan of mellowcreme pumpkins, try swapping them for candy corn or chocolate chips.
Time-Saving Hacks
To speed up the process, use a double boiler to melt the candy melts or white chocolate instead of microwaving. This ensures a smooth consistency without the need for frequent stirring. You can also prep the confectioners’ sugar mixture in the bag ahead of time so it’s ready to go when you need it.
Equipment You’ll Love
A large silicone spatula is perfect for gently coating the cereal without breaking it. Use a microwave-safe bowl with a handle for easy melting, and a large zipped-top bag with a secure seal to avoid sugar spills while shaking. These tools make the process smoother and more enjoyable!
Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
- 13.5 oz box (about 7–8 cups) Cinnamon Chex cereal, or Rice Chex
- 12 ounces orange candy melts or pure white chocolate
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1–2 cups mellowcreme pumpkins
Instructions
- Pour the cereal into a large bowl. Set aside.
- In 20 second increments, melt the candy melts or white chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir after each increment until melted and completely smooth. Stir in 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, the nutmeg, cloves, and allspice until combined. Pour mixture over cereal and toss gently to coat each square. Be gentle, the squares break easily.
- Pour the confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon into a large zipped-top bag. Add the coated cereal and shake until each piece is coated. Pour back into a large bowl and discard excess confectioners’ sugar. Toss in the mellowcreme pumpkins. Use 1-2 cups, whatever amount you prefer.
- Cover and store puppy chow for up to 2 weeks.