Easy Salted Caramel Pretzel Puppy Chow Recipe
If you love snacks that hit sweet, salty, and crunchy all at once, this Salted Caramel Pretzel Puppy Chow is about to become your new favorite treat. Made with crisp Chex cereal, buttery melted caramel, salty mini pretzels, and a light coating of powdered sugar, this no-bake snack mix is quick to prepare and impossible to stop eating. Whether you’re planning a party, prepping for movie night, or putting together edible gifts, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Pretzel Puppy Chow
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and here’s why:
- No-bake and beginner-friendly — no oven, no stress
- Perfect sweet-and-salty balance thanks to caramel and pretzels
- Great for sharing at parties, holidays, or school-safe events
- Easy to customize with different chocolates or add-ins
- Stores well, making it ideal for make-ahead snacking
It’s the kind of snack that disappears fast, so you may want to make a double batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this treat:
- 9 cups Rice or corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1½ cups caramel bits or soft caramels, unwrapped
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
How to Make Salted Caramel Pretzel Puppy Chow (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Base
Add the Chex cereal and mini pretzels to a very large mixing bowl. Gently toss so they’re evenly combined and ready to be coated.
Step 2: Melt the Caramel
In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the butter and caramel bits together until smooth. Heat slowly, stirring often, to prevent scorching. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Coat the Mix
Pour the warm caramel mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together, making sure the coating spreads evenly without crushing the cereal.
Step 4: Add the Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated mixture to a large zip-top bag or clean bowl. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake (or gently toss) until every piece is fully coated.
Step 5: Chocolate Drizzle & Finish
Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over the puppy chow. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still warm. Let everything set for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use caramel bits instead of wrapped caramels for smoother melting
- Milk chocolate makes it sweeter; semi-sweet keeps it balanced
- Add toffee bits or mini chocolate chips for extra texture
- For gifting, let it fully set before packaging in bags or jars
- If using salted butter, slightly reduce the added sea salt
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this puppy chow in large bowls for parties, portion it into cups for gatherings, or package it in decorative bags for edible gifts. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause clumping.
Easy Salted Caramel Pretzel Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite, this Salted Caramel Pretzel Puppy Chow is an easy no-bake snack mix made with Chex cereal, buttery caramel, mini pretzels, powdered sugar, and a chocolate drizzle finished with flaky sea salt. Perfect for parties, movie nights, and edible gifting.
Ingredients
9 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
2 cups mini pretzels
1 1/2 cups caramel bits (or soft caramels, unwrapped)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
1. In a very large bowl, combine the Chex cereal and mini pretzels.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl (or saucepan), melt caramel bits and butter until smooth, stirring often.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour the warm caramel over the cereal/pretzels and gently toss to coat evenly.
5. Let the mix cool 2–3 minutes (so it’s warm, not hot).
6. Transfer to a large zip-top bag (or a clean bowl). Add powdered sugar and shake/toss until fully coated.
7. Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the coated mix.
8. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
9. Spread on parchment paper and let set 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Caramel bits melt smoother than wrapped caramels. If using wrapped caramels, unwrap and melt slowly, stirring often.
For less sweetness, use semi-sweet chocolate and reduce powdered sugar slightly.
Store airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid the fridge (it can cause clumping).
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary by brand.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbs | 46g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 290mg |
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Pretzel Puppy Chow proves that the best snacks don’t have to be complicated. With bold flavors, irresistible crunch, and simple prep, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking handfuls straight from the bowl, this sweet-and-salty mix always delivers.