Caramel Apple Muddy Buddies

This Caramel Apple Muddy Buddies recipe brings the cozy flavors of fall into a crunchy, sweet snack mix. The combination of apple cinnamon cereal coated in smooth caramel and dusted with cinnamon powdered sugar creates an irresistible treat that is both quick and nobake. Perfect for seasonal parties, casual get togethers, or movie nights, it delivers warm, festive comfort in every bite.

I first tossed this snack mix together on a chilly afternoon, and my whole family loved the cozy apple and cinnamon notes—now it’s a fall tradition every year.

Ingredients

• Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal: five cups offers the perfect apple and spice base you can also use Apple Jacks or plain Rice Chex for variety
• Caramel chips: one cup creates the silky coating choose quality chips for smooth melting and richness
• Heavy cream: two tablespoons adds creaminess to the caramel for better coverage
• Powdered sugar: one cup balances sweetness and gives the signature dusty finish
• Ground cinnamon: one teaspoon enhances the warm fall flavor with subtle spice
• Optional add ins: like crushed freeze dried apples, mini pretzels, marshmallows, candy corn, or autumn M&Ms add fun textures and seasonal flair choose fresh and crunchy items for the best contrast

Instructions

Measure the Cereal:

Add five cups of Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl. Make sure your bowl is big enough to hold the later additions with room to toss without spilling. Using a slightly larger bowl allows you to coat the cereal evenly.

Melt the Caramel:

Place one cup of caramel chips and two tablespoons of heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring well between each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent the caramel from seizing or becoming grainy. If it thickens too much, add a splash of cream and warm briefly again.

Coat the Cereal:

Pour the warm caramel mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula to ensure every piece is coated. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the cereal while making sure the caramel is evenly distributed.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

In a large sealable bag, combine one cup powdered sugar with one teaspoon ground cinnamon. Make sure the mixture is completely blended for even flavor.

Shake and Coat:

Transfer the caramel coated cereal into the bag with the cinnamon sugar. Seal tightly and shake until every piece is covered in the cinnamon powdered sugar. For best results, work in smaller batches if the bag feels overcrowded to prevent clumping.

Cool and Serve:

Spread the coated cereal on a parchment lined baking sheet to cool and set. This prevents sticking and helps the coating harden nicely. Once cooled, transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container. Add optional mix ins like crushed freeze dried apples or mini pretzels at this stage if desired.

My favorite ingredient is the apple cinnamon cereal which gives this treat its unique fall personality and crunch. One year my kids brought this to a school bake sale and it was the first to sell out, showing just how much people love these cozy flavors.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch and prevent moisture buildup. Freeze leftovers in a sealed ziptop bag or container for up to one month. Simply allow to thaw fully at room temperature before serving. Avoid refrigeration to prevent stickiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try Apple Jacks or plain Rice Chex if you want a different twist on the base flavor or if you cannot find Apple Cinnamon Chex. Switch caramel chips for a homemade caramel sauce or soft butterscotch chips for a slightly different sweetness. Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy free option though the flavor will be a little different.

Serving Suggestions

Package the mix into festive treat bags tied with twine for simple party favors or gifts. Fill mini mason jars with the snack mix and display on a dessert board for an inviting autumn themed spread. Set up a DIY puppy chow station with various add ins like candy corn, mini pretzels, or freeze dried fruit for guests to customize their own bowls.

This cozy, nobake snack mix is perfect for fall gatherings and makes a great gift. Store airtight to keep it crisp.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Can I substitute the Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal?

Yes, Apple Jacks or plain Rice Chex work well and maintain the fall flavor profile.

→ How do I prevent the caramel from seizing?

Melt the caramel chips slowly in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts and adding a splash of cream if thick.

→ Can I prepare this mix ahead of time?

Yes, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep freshness.

→ Are there gluten-free options?

Use certified gluten-free cereal and caramel chips to keep this snack gluten-free.

→ What are some popular mix-ins?

Try crushed freeze-dried apples, mini pretzels, marshmallows, candy corn, or autumn-themed chocolates for extra flavor and texture.

→ How do I properly coat the cereal with cinnamon sugar?

Toss the caramel-coated cereal in a sealed bag with cinnamon powdered sugar, shaking gently until evenly coated.