Save This classic Puppy Chow recipe brings together crispy cereal squares wrapped in a rich blend of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then finished with a billowy coating of powdered sugar. Whether you know it as Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow, this easy snack is always a hit for parties, game nights, or that sweet afternoon craving.
The first time I made this was for a sleepover snack tray and it disappeared before the movie started My friends still request this at every gathering
Ingredients
- Rice Chex cereal or similar crisp rice cereal: gives that signature crunch and soaks up every bit of chocolate
- Semisweet chocolate chips: create a rich not-too-sweet chocolatey shell Opt for good-quality chips that melt smoothly
- Creamy peanut butter: adds classic flavor and velvety texture Choose natural peanut butter without added sugar for easy mixing
- Unsalted butter: enhances the taste and helps everything blend together go for fresh high-quality butter
- Pure vanilla extract: deepens the flavor and rounds out the sweetness Look for real vanilla for best results
- Powdered sugar: creates that iconic sweet snowy finish Sift if it's clumpy for the lightest coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal:
- Place the cereal in a very large mixing bowl Set this aside so it's ready for quick and even coating later
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
- Combine chocolate chips peanut butter and butter in a microwave-safe bowl Heat for thirty seconds at a time stirring well after each session until the mixture is velvety smooth with no lumps total time should be about one to one and a half minutes depending on your microwave
- Add the Vanilla:
- Stir the vanilla extract briskly into the hot chocolate-peanut butter mixture to enliven all the flavors
- Coat the Cereal:
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal Use a broad spatula to gently fold the cereal from the sides to the center This step needs patience make sure every piece is evenly covered but do not crush the cereal
- Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Transfer all the chocolate-coated cereal into a big zip-top bag or airtight container Add the powdered sugar over the top Seal tightly then shake with energy for at least 30 seconds until all cereal is fluffy white and no glossy chocolate is visible
- Cool and Dry:
- Empty the Puppy Chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper Spread out to a single layer and let cool for at least ten minutes so the coating firms up and nothing sticks together
Save I love the moment when the vanilla meets the melted chocolate and peanut butter the aroma fills my kitchen and my kids come running with wide eyes and sticky hands Puppy Chow has been part of every birthday party I have hosted since my college days and now it is my go-to recipe for quick comfort
Storage Tips
Keep your Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature and it will remain deliciously crisp for about a week If you want to keep it longer the freezer is your friend it stays fresh and even crunchier when enjoyed straight from the cold
Ingredient Substitutions
No peanut butter on hand You can easily substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative Choose gluten-free cereal if allergies are a concern For a dairy-free version use plant-based butter or coconut oil and check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free
Serving Suggestions
Pile your Puppy Chow into a big bowl for parties or divide it into small bags tied with ribbon for party favors I often toss in a handful of mini chocolates or salty pretzels for extra contrast This mix is perfect for road trips or tucked into lunch boxes as a surprise treat
Save Makes enough to share with friends or tuck away in a hidden jar Try it cooled or straight from the freezer for a crunchy twist
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use another cereal instead of rice Chex?
Yes, any crisp rice-based cereal works well, though rice Chex is most traditional for the best texture.
- → How do I make this nut-free?
Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to safely enjoy Puppy Chow without nuts.
- → What can I add for extra crunch?
Try mixing in mini chocolate candies or pretzel pieces after coating the cereal for added crunch.
- → How should I store leftover Puppy Chow?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature; it'll stay fresh and crisp for up to a week.
- → Can I melt the coating without a microwave?
Yes, gently heat the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter together in a saucepan over low heat.
- → Is Puppy Chow vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, with dairy-based ingredients and without gelatin or animal-derived additives, it's vegetarian.