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5.0 from 3 votes

Recipe for Puppy Chow

Looking for a next-level Muddy Buddy (Puppy Chow) recipe? This easy no-bake treat combines crispy cereal, creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a perfectly powdered sugar coating. Our secret ingredient -- vanilla bean paste and a touch of sea salt, it’s irresistibly delicious and freezer-friendly!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
13 mins
Servings: 12 -8 Servings (½ cup servings)
Calories: 549 kcal
Course: Dessert , Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces Chex cereal about 10 cups; use rice, corn, or a combination; or try Crispix cereal
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips use quality chocolate chips for best results
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter I used organic
  • 1/2 cup salted butter room temperature, see Note 3
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar divided
  • pinch kosher salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Measure 10 cups of cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar to each of two gallon-size ziplock bags and set aside. (See Note 1)
  2. Combine chocolate chips, room-temperature butter, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on full power in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time until smooth. The mixture will continue melting as you stir, so avoid overheating. You shouldn’t need more than 2 minutes tops, usually about 1 ½ minutes. (See Note 2 for stovetop instructions)
  3. Stir in vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir until evenly coated.
  5. If you want a dry, white-coated look, allow the mixture to cool for 3-4 minutes before adding powdered sugar. Or add powdered sugar after just a minute or immediately for a more blended look. Add up to ¼ cup of additional powdered sugar until coated to the desired consistency.
  6. Divide the coated cereal evenly between the two prepared ziplock bags. Seal and gently shake to coat.
  7. Pour into even layer on a parchment lined baking sheet to cool completely before storing. To speed up cooling and drying you may pop it in the fridge or freezer for 15 minutes.
  8. Store in airtight baggies or container on counter, see tips below for best results.

Notes

  • If you don’t have large ziplock bags, you can use a
  • with a lid or a clean
  • to shake and coat the mixture. Alternatively, spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle powdered sugar evenly over it with a sifter or fine-mesh sieve.
  • parchment
  • sieve
  • : In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips, butter, salt, and peanut butter, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat when only a few chocolate chips remain unmelted to avoid overheating.
  • If using unsalted butter, add ⅛ teaspoon salt to the mixture.
  • Store completely cooled Puppy Chow in an airtight container or ziplock baggie on the counter for up to 5 days.
  • May be frozen up to 2-3 months. Delicious eaten straight from the freezer!
  • >>>>> Print out my Christmas Muddy Buddy gift tags, Christmas DIY Gift Tags or these Gifts from the Kitchen Gift Tags. <<<<<<
  • If you don’t have large ziplock bags, you can use a large container with a lid or a clean paper bag to shake and coat the mixture. Alternatively, spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle powdered sugar evenly over it with a sifter or fine-mesh sieve.
  • Stovetop Melting: In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips, butter, salt, and peanut butter, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat when only a few chocolate chips remain unmelted to avoid overheating.
  • If using unsalted butter, add ⅛ teaspoon salt to the mixture.
  • Why are my Muddy Buddies soggy? Let the chocolate-coated cereal cool for 3-4 minutes before adding powdered sugar, and always use fresh, dry cereal.
  • Why did my Puppy Chow turn stale? Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. In humid climates, refrigerate to keep it fresh.
  • Why is my Puppy Chow clumpy? Coat cereal in two batches, stir gently, and shake well. Spread it out to cool evenly and prevent sticking.
  • Nutella Lovers: Swap peanut butter with Nutella for extra chocolatey flavor.
  • S’mores Style: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
  • White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
  • Christmas Muddy Buddies: Add cookie butter and red/green M&M’s for festive flair.
  • Cookies & Cream: Mix in crushed Oreos with white chocolate (use gluten-free Oreos if needed).
  • Peanut Butter Cup: Stir in chopped mini Reese’s Cups for double PB fun.
  • Mint Chocolate: Use Andes mints or crushed mint candies with dark chocolate.
  • Cinnamon Roll: Use white chocolate and add cinnamon or Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
  • Trail Mix: Toss in nuts, dried fruit, or pretzels for a salty-sweet combo.

Nutrition Information

Calories 549kcal (27%) Carbohydrates 64g (21%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 31g (48%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Trans Fat 0.3g Cholesterol 22mg (7%) Sodium 318mg (13%) Potassium 399mg (11%) Fiber 7g (28%) Sugar 36g (72%) Vitamin A 553IU (11%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 92mg (9%) Iron 11mg (61%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12-8 Servings (½ cup servings)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 549

% Daily Value*

Calories 549kcal 27%
Carbohydrates 64g 21%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 31g 48%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 11g 55%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 22mg 7%
Sodium 318mg 13%
Potassium 399mg 8%
Fiber 7g 28%
Sugar 36g 72%
Vitamin A 553IU 11%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 92mg 9%
Iron 11mg 61%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.