Description
This classic puppy chow recipe is an easy, no-bake treat that offers a sweet-salty crunch and rich chocolate aroma, perfect for a quick, family-friendly snack ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or wheat varieties)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk chocolate for a sweeter bite, or dark chocolate if you prefer)
- 0.5 cup smooth, natural peanut butter (almond butter when low on peanut butter)
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: Combine 1 cup chocolate chips, 0.5 cup peanut butter, and 0.25 cup butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30-second intervals, stirring until it is smooth and creamy (approx. 1-2 minutes total). Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the warm melted chocolate mixture over the cereal, stirring gently with a spatula until evenly coated and glossy. (If it cools too quickly and is hard to mix, you can gently warm the bowl in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.) Ensure every piece is visibly covered.
- Shake and Dust: Transfer the coated cereal into a large 2-gallon zip-top bag with 1.5 cups powdered sugar. Seal the bag tightly, leaving some air, and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until every piece is perfectly covered in white powdered sugar and looks (muddy).
- Chill and Serve: Spread the finished puppy chow recipe onto a baking sheet in a single layer to cool and set for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the coating to firm up. You’ll notice it is less sticky and ready to enjoy immediately.
Notes
Lighter Version: Use less powdered sugar for a subtly sweet snack, letting the chocolate peanut butter flavors shine. Extra Chocolatey: Add an extra 0.25 cup chocolate chips to the melting mixture for an even richer snack. Quick Warnings: Avoid overheating chocolate; it can seize and become grainy. Heat slowly and stir often. Ensure cereal is completely coated before adding powdered sugar for the best (muddy) look and flavor.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup (30 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: easy, no-bake, snack, puppy chow, chocolate, peanut butter, quick dessert, family-friendly, sweet-salty, crunchy