Extra Good Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a beloved snack that combines crunchy cereal with rich chocolate and peanut butter. This extra good version delivers a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunch. It’s ideal for parties, road trips, or anytime you need a delicious treat.

Ingredients

• 12-oz. box of rice Chex cereal (about 10 cups)
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar (more as needed or desired)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together. Heat at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
2. Step 2: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the melted mixture.
3. Step 3: Pour the chocolate mixture over the rice Chex cereal. Since this recipe yields a large batch, divide the cereal between two large bowls and pour half of the chocolate mixture over each.
4. Step 4: Use a wooden spoon to gently fold the cereal into the chocolate, mixing carefully to avoid breaking the pieces.
5. Step 5: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Dump the powdered sugar over the cereal inside the bag, close it, and shake gently to coat the pieces. For the best texture, aim for a mix of wet and dry coating to create clusters rather than individual dry pieces.
6. Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto baking sheets or parchment paper and let it cool and set. For the most satisfying crunch and best clustering, store the Puppy Chow in the freezer until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for an extra texture boost or substitute almond butter for a different nutty flavor.
• For a festive touch, add mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts before coating with powdered sugar.
• If you prefer a sweeter treat, increase the amount of powdered sugar slightly or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.

Storage

Keep Puppy Chow in an airtight container or resealable bag in the freezer to maintain its crunch and clusters. It can be stored for up to 2 weeks. To serve, simply let it come to room temperature for a few minutes or enjoy straight from the freezer for an extra crisp bite.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, but Rice Chex is preferred for its sturdy texture and ability to hold up well when coated. Avoid softer cereals that might get soggy or break apart easily.

Is it necessary to use salted butter?

Salted butter balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors, but you can use unsalted butter and add an extra pinch of salt if preferred.

Extra Good Puppy Chow Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 132 reviews

This Extra Good Puppy Chow recipe is a delightful sweet snack made by coating crispy rice Chex cereal with a rich blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then dusted with powdered sugar for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Known for its irresistible crunch and sweet, nutty taste, it’s ideal for parties, snacking, or gifting.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 12 cups 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cereal

• 12-oz. box of rice Chex cereal (about 10 cups)

Chocolate Coating

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Coating

• 2 cups powdered sugar (more as needed or desired)

Instructions

1. Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
2. Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the melted chocolate mixture to enhance the flavor complexity.
3. Combine with Cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the rice Chex cereal. Since this recipe yields a large batch, divide the cereal into two big bowls for easier mixing.
4. Mix Gently: Using a wooden spoon, gently fold and mix the cereal with the chocolate coating, taking care not to break the delicate cereal pieces.
5. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable bag. Add the powdered sugar directly into the bag, then gently shake it to coat the cereal. Shake until you achieve a wet/dry hybrid coating for optimal clustering and crunch.
6. Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal out on a couple of baking sheets or parchment paper to cool and set. For the best texture and maximum clustering, store the puppy chow in the freezer until ready to serve.

Notes

• Use a wooden spoon to avoid breaking the cereal pieces during mixing.
• The wet/dry hybrid powdered sugar coating helps create satisfying clusters rather than uniformly dry-coated pieces.
• Storing the puppy chow in the freezer enhances the crunch and helps the clusters firm up.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar according to your desired sweetness and texture.
• You can use natural or creamy peanut butter based on preference, but creamy yields a smoother coating.

Keywords: puppy chow, muddy buddies, chocolate peanut butter snack, Chex cereal recipe, no-bake snack