Chocolate and peanut butter coated cereal dusted in powdered sugar make this puppy chow recipe irresistible. This snack is perfect for a last minute dessert!
Other variations we love include trail mix muddy buddies recipe and this lemon muddy buddies!
Why I Love Chex Mix Puppy Chow
- Easy to make: Puppy chow is one of my favorite quick no-bake desserts (for humans, this is not dog friendly!). I always have the ingredients on hand.
- Favorite flavor combination: Chex mix puppy chow is similar muddy buddies but with more peanut butter and chocolate and less powdered sugar (less mess!).
Substitutions
- Cereal: Rice chex or corn chex are the most popular choices to use in this classic snack (or generic equivalent) but Crispex is a great choice, too.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips make this puppy chow recipe the perfect amount of sweet. Dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips can be used.
- Nut-free: If you are allergic to peanuts, try another nut butter or sunflower seed butter.
- Add-ins: Make this party snack your own by adding some shredded coconut, chocolate chunks, M&Ms, mini marshmallows or graham crackers.
How to Make Puppy Chow
Melt chocolate, peanut butter and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until melted. Cool slightly.
Stir vanilla into the chocolate peanut butter mixture and then pour chocolate over rice cereal. Stir gently until well coated. Rest a few minutes before adding the powdered sugar.
Place 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a large zip top bag or brown paper bag. Add chocolate coated chex and remaining 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar on top. Shake gently until coated then pour onto a piece of wax paper to set for 20 minutes.
Love recipes with Chex? Year round we make Halloween Chex mix, Valentine Chex mix and Christmas Chex mix!
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Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 Tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (more if desired)
Instructions
- Pour the Chex cereal in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Combine 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 peanut butter and 3 Tablespoons butter in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for one minute. Stir until melted. Microwave an additional 15 seconds if needed. Alternatively you could cook over a double broiler. Remove and let sit 1-2 minutes to cool slightly.
- Stir vanilla into the chocolate and then pour chocolate over Chex cereal. Stir until well coated. Let sit a couple minutes before adding powdered sugar.
- Shake: Place 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a large zip top bag or brown paper bag. Add coated chex and remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar on top. Shake until coated. Add more powdered sugar if desired.
- Pour onto a piece of wax paper to set (about 20 minutes).
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
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FAQs
Known as puppy chow in the Midwest states, but also called Muddy Buddies, Monkey Munch and Monster Munch elsewhere, this treat (dessert or snack depending who you ask), was invented by General Mills. It got its name from looking similar to dog food, although it is not safe for dogs to eat.
Yes, substitute SunButter for peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter).
You can store this in an airtight container or large Ziptop bag at room temperature for up to a week, possibly two weeks if it lasts that long.
You can store puppy chow in an airtight container in the freezer up to two months. Some people swear frozen puppy chow is life changing, but I will let you decide on that!
Categorized as: American, Chocolate, Christmas, Desserts, Freezer-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, Reader Favorites, Snacks, Super Bowl
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
We made this to snack on during movie night. Tasty!