Puppy Chow Recipe

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Puppy chow is the most addicting and satisfying peanut butter and chocolate concoction on planet earth. Also known as ‘Muddy Buddies’, Puppy Chow is basically the snack of the gods. Salty, sweet, no-bake, easy to make and such a classic recipe to have on hand.

My sister was the devil who first introduced me to Puppy Chow. We were living in the same small town in Idaho back in 2010, hanging out one summery afternoon at the splash pad and she pulled out a huge plastic bag filled with Puppy Chow. I had no idea what it was because, from the looks of it, it really did just look like dog food (perhaps hence the name?!) but it was love at first bite and I was smitten.

Puppy Chow Recipe

From that time forward, I’ve learned that I can’t make this Puppy Chow recipe too often because I will eat it alllllll. If it’s the holidays, or I know people will be coming over to help me eat it, then I will gladly whip up a batch. But besides that, having a bag of ‘muddy buddies’ in the house, hiding up in the cupboards is dangerous territory. Addicting, sweet, delicious, dangerous territory. Here’s what you’ll need to make this addicting treat:

• Chex Cereal – use rice or corn-based cereal for this treat. Puppy Chow is naturally gluten-free, yay!
• Chocolate Chips – you can use milk or dark chocolate for this depending on your tastes.
• Smooth Peanut Butter – this adds that nutty and rich flavor.
• Salted Butter – the salt in the butter helps balance things while the butter itself helps the peanut butter and chocolate mix.
• Vanilla –  this is optional but so strongly suggested. It just adds another layer to all the yumminess.
• Powdered Sugar – this coats every single piece of cereal to make it (somewhat) less messy and delicious.

How to make Puppy Chow

Believe it or not, this recipe comes together in about 10 minutes and tastes so so good! Perfect for afternoon snacks, holidays or late night treats for us mamas.

1. Measure out rice Chex or corn Chex (or a combination of both) into a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, measure out chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter.
3. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring as you go, until it’s completely smooth and melted.
4. While the mixture is melting, measure powdered sugar into a large Ziploc plastic bag.
5. Toss melted chocolate mixture with the cereal and stir to coat completely.
6. Pour coated cereal into a bag with powdered sugar and toss until completely coated.
7. Spread puppy chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely.

Pro tips for making Puppy Chow

• This recipe calls for rice or corn Chex cereal. I’ve tried it with rice and I’ve tried it with corn and truth be told, I loved this recipe best when using both kinds of cereal. Of course, to each her own when it comes to this! Use what you have 🙂
• Use a large bowl (larger than you think!) for stirring this all together. A large bowl ensures quicker, more thorough mixing and therefore a more evenly coated puppy chow. It’s better to have a bowl too big than too small.
• Vanilla is optional! I didn’t notice a huge difference using it versus not using it, so again, no biggie if you leave it out.
• Tossing the puppy chow with powdered sugar in a Ziploc bag is the easiest, mess-free way to get everything coated. I like measuring 1 cup of powdered sugar on the bottom, adding in the cereal and then topping it off with another half cup. Seal with a lot of air inside and shake. After about 45 seconds, everything should be well coated.
• To ensure you don’t get large clumps of cereal stuck together, spread the puppy chow onto a baking sheet right after it’s been coated in powdered sugar to cool (or is it harden?) I never usually have any issues with clumps.

How to Store Puppy Chow

I have found the easiest and best way to store this recipe is spooning it right back into a large Ziploc bag. It’s airtight and can fit on any cupboard or shelf. Some people like their puppy chow cold, so it is totally okay to store it in the fridge!

If you’re giving as gifts, cellophane bags tied very tightly with ribbon will work as well. Makes for a great make-ahead gift.

How long will Puppy Chow last

At room temperature, the puppy chow will last up to 10 days.

In the fridge, it should last closer to two weeks.

That is if you can stop snacking on it. SO deliciously addicting!

Love Puppy Chow? Try these other recipes:

• Rainbow Muddy Buddies
• Perfect no bake cookies
• Salted Chocolate & Ritz Nougat No Bake Bars
• Nutter Butter Nutella Icebox Cake
• Homemade Ice Cream Cake

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5 from 7 votes

Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the most addicting and satisfying peanut butter and chocolate concoction on planet earth. Also known as 'Muddy Buddies', Puppy Chow is basically the snack of the gods.

servings 10 servings

Prep Time 15 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Ingredients

• ▢ 8 cups rice or corn Chex cereal or a mixture of the two
• ▢ 1 cup chocolate chips
• ▢ 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• ▢ 1/4 cup salted butter
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla optional
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar or more to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Measure out Chex cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
• Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter using 30-second intervals, stirring in between each one, until completely smooth and melted. Stir in vanilla.
• Pour melted chocolate mixture over cereal and stir to coat evenly.
• Measure out 1 cup of powdered sugar into the bottom of a large Ziploc bag. Pour in coated cereal and top with remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Seal bag closed and shake to coat.
• Spread finished puppy chow onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and separate any large chunks. Sprinkle over any extra powdered sugar as needed. Once cooled and at room temperature, store in airtight containers or bags for up to 10 days at room temperature or 2 weeks in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 317mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 580IU | Vitamin C: 4.9mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 7.7mg

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: how to make puppy chow, puppy chow, puppy chow recipe