Pin it
This chocolatey peanut butter Puppy Chow recipe is one of those nostalgic treats you cannot stop eating once you start It is my go to for parties movie nights and holiday gatherings because everyone loves grabbing a handful and it disappears faster than you think
I started making this Puppy Chow in college as a midnight snack with friends and now it is a requested staple every December with my family The combination of crispy cereal with sweet chocolate and peanut butter always brings back warm memories
Ingredients
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Shine as the base chocolate flavor Choose a good quality chocolate for a smoother coating
- Creamy peanut butter: This gives the chow its signature richness Look for a creamy consistency for easy melting and coating
- Salted butter: Helps balance the sweetness If you have unsalted just add a small pinch of salt
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor Be sure to use pure vanilla for the best taste
- Rice Chex cereal: Holds the coating and stays crunchy Choose fresh cereal to keep the treat light and crisp
- Powdered sugar: Creates the iconic snowy finish Sift the sugar for extra even coverage and a pretty look
Step by Step Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter:
- Combine chocolate chips peanut butter and butter in a microwave safe bowl Heat for one minute on high Remove and stir If not fully melted return to microwave in thirty second bursts stirring each time Mix until completely smooth Add vanilla and stir again
- Coat the Cereal:
- Pour Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl Drizzle the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture evenly over the cereal Gently fold with a spatula until all pieces look glossy and coated Try not to crush the cereal
- Powder and Shake:
- Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag Add the powdered sugar Seal the bag and shake vigorously until every piece is covered in snowy sugar
- Cool and Set:
- Spread the finished puppy chow on parchment paper or waxed paper in an even layer Let it sit until the chocolate is set and the chow is cool to the touch
Pin it
My favorite part is watching my kids shake the bag of puppy chow and sneak a few pieces before it is completely set It always leads to some powdered sugar dusted giggles and happy memories
Storage Tips
Keep puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks If your kitchen is warm or humid use the fridge so the chocolate does not melt Too much heat makes the coating sticky
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap Rice Chex for Corn Chex or even plain Cheerios for a different crunch If you have a peanut allergy try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar texture and taste Be sure your chocolate is allergy safe if needed
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
Puppy chow makes a perfect sweet snack on the dessert table Set out in bowls at parties or wrap in small bags for an easy gift This treat also travels well for road trips or picnics
Cultural and Historical Context
Often called Muddy Buddies this recipe popped up in Midwest kitchens sometime in the late twentieth century It became a holiday staple fast because it checks all the boxes easy sweet and sharable This treat is pure Americana
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use another type of cereal?
Yes, Rice Chex is traditional, but Corn Chex or similar crisp rice cereals work well too for a slightly different texture.
- → How do I avoid soggy pieces?
Ensure that the cereal is coated evenly and let it cool completely on parchment so the chocolate sets properly, locking in crunchiness.
- → Is chunky peanut butter suitable?
Creamy peanut butter coats more evenly, but chunky can add a subtle nutty bite if you prefer a bit more texture.
- → How should Puppy Chow be stored?
Place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate if your kitchen is very warm.
- → Can I add mix-ins?
Mini pretzels, candies, or chopped nuts can be stirred in after coating for extra flavor and crunch.