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Pumpkin Spice Latte Puppy Chow

Pumpkin spice latte puppy chow coats crunchy rice cereal in a warm, buttery pumpkin spice glaze with a hint of espresso. Then it gets tossed in powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice for a lightly toasted, sweet-spiced crunch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
cooling 20 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cereal
  • 9 cup rice or corn cereal squares Use crunchy squares for the best puppy chow texture.
Pumpkin spice latte glaze
  • 6 tbsp butter Melt with the sugar and spice until smooth and bubbly.
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar Use packed brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor.
  • 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice Used in the glaze and also for the coating.
  • 1 tsp instant espresso powder Optional but recommended for the latte aroma.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Stir in after microwaving the butter mixture.
Coating
  • 1.5 cup powdered sugar Toss while the cereal is hot/glazed so it clings.
  • 0.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice, for coating Extra spice for the sugar coating.

Equipment

  • 1 microwave-safe bowl
  • 1 large resealable bag

Method
 

Glaze and coat
  1. Pour the cereal into a very large bowl, keeping it dry so the glaze clings evenly.
  2. Microwave the butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice on high for 30-45 seconds until melted, then microwave another minute until smooth and bubbly, with the mixture looking glossy.
  3. Stir in the instant espresso powder and vanilla extract until fully combined and fragrant.
  4. Pour the hot glaze over the cereal and gently stir until every piece looks evenly coated.
  5. Microwave the coated cereal uncovered on high for 3-4 minutes total, stirring after each minute, until glazed and toasted with a slightly deeper color.
  6. Transfer the hot cereal to a large resealable bag.
  7. Add the powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice, then seal the bag and shake until the cereal is evenly dusted.
Cool and serve
  1. Spread the puppy chow on wax paper to cool for about 20 minutes before serving so the coating sets and crunches.

Notes

To prevent clumps, spread the coated puppy chow on wax paper right after bag-shaking and let it cool undisturbed for the full 20 minutes. Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days; refrigeration can soften it. Freezing is not recommended because the powdered sugar texture can change. For a dairy-free option, use a 1:1 plant-based butter substitute.