Samoas Puppy Chow Cereal (Printable Version)

Sweet, crunchy Samoas-inspired cereal bites with chocolate-caramel, toasted coconut, and powdered sugar.

# What You Need:

→ Cereal Base

01 - 6 cups rice or corn Chex cereal

→ Chocolate-Caramel Coating

02 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
03 - 1/2 cup caramel sauce
04 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter

→ Coconut Layer

05 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

→ Finish

06 - 1 cup powdered sugar
07 - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
02 - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, caramel sauce, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
03 - Pour the melted chocolate-caramel mixture over the cereal. Using a spatula, gently fold the cereal until every piece is evenly coated.
04 - Sprinkle the toasted coconut over the coated cereal and toss again to distribute it evenly throughout.
05 - In a large zip-top bag or clean paper bag, add half of the powdered sugar. Add half of the coated cereal, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until the cereal is well-coated. Repeat with the remaining powdered sugar and cereal.
06 - Spread the coated cereal evenly across the prepared baking sheet and allow it to cool completely until the coating is set.
07 - Once cooled, mix in the mini chocolate chips if using. Transfer to an airtight container for storage.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It captures everything people love about Samoas cookies without turning on the oven or rolling a single piece of dough.
  • The bag shaking step is oddly satisfying and makes you feel like a kid again, which is honestly half the fun of making puppy chow.
02 -
  • If your caramel sauce is thick and stubborn, warm it for a few seconds on its own before adding it to the chocolate mixture.
  • Toasting the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat takes only two to three minutes but changes the entire flavor profile of this recipe.
03 -
  • Let the melted coating cool for about a minute before pouring it over the cereal so you do not steam the crunch right out of your Chex.
  • If you want the powdered sugar coating extra even, give the bag one more shake after about five minutes of resting.

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