Puppy Chow
This classic no-bake snack mix coats crunchy cereal in melted chocolate and peanut butter, then shakes it in powdered sugar. It is quick, kid-friendly, and made for parties, lunch boxes, and movie nights.
Total
18 min
Servings
About 12 cups, or 12 servings
Level
Easy
Puppy chow is a sweet cereal snack mix, not food for dogs. You may also know it as muddy buddies. The name comes from the way the powdered sugar coating makes the pieces look a little like kibble.
The recipe is simple: melt chocolate, peanut butter, and butter together, stir in crisp square cereal, then shake everything with powdered sugar until each piece is coated.
It is a good recipe for new cooks because there is no baking. The main trick is to stir gently so the cereal stays crunchy and in one piece.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
7 items · About 12 cups, or 12 servings
- 9 cups crisp rice or corn square cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus more if needed
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Prepare the cereal
Place the cereal in a very large mixing bowl. Choose a bowl with extra room so you can fold the mixture without crushing the cereal.
2. Set up the sugar bag
Add the powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag, paper grocery bag, or lidded container. Set it nearby before you melt the chocolate mixture.
3. Melt the coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave in 15-second bursts until smooth. This usually takes 1 to 2 minutes total. Do not overheat it, or the chocolate can turn thick and grainy.
4. Add vanilla and salt
Stir the vanilla and salt into the melted chocolate mixture. The vanilla adds flavor, and the salt helps balance the sweetness.
5. Coat the cereal
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a flexible spatula to gently fold from the bottom of the bowl to the top until the cereal is evenly coated. Folding means turning the mixture over on itself instead of stirring hard.
6. Shake with powdered sugar
Transfer the coated cereal to the bag or container with the powdered sugar. Seal it well, leaving a little air inside, then shake until the pieces are coated. If using a paper bag, fold the top closed tightly before shaking.
7. Cool and separate
Spread the puppy chow on a rimmed baking sheet or a large piece of parchment paper. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then break apart any large clumps with clean hands.
8. Serve or store
Serve right away, or transfer to an airtight container once the coating is fully cool. Add a light dusting of extra powdered sugar if it looks sticky.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Puppy chow keeps well, so you can make it 2 to 3 days before a party. Let it cool completely before storing so it stays crisp.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Eat it straight from the freezer or let it sit for a few minutes first.
- Peanut butter swaps: Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can work. Choose a smooth, no-stir style for the easiest coating. Natural nut butters that separate may make the mix oily.
- Cereal choice: Crisp rice or corn square cereal works best because the shape holds the coating. Avoid very delicate cereal, which can break when stirred.
- If the cereal looks too wet: Add 2 to 4 tablespoons more powdered sugar and shake again. If it looks patchy, the chocolate may have cooled too much before shaking, but it will still taste good.
- Add-ins: After the puppy chow cools, stir in mini pretzels, candy-coated chocolates, roasted peanuts, or mini marshmallows. Add them after cooling so they do not melt.
Cook's note
Despite the name, puppy chow is for people only. Do not feed it to dogs or other pets because chocolate is unsafe for them.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Why is it called puppy chow?
The snack got its playful name because the coated cereal looks a bit like dry dog food. It is also called muddy buddies in many kitchens.
Can I make puppy chow without a microwave?
Yes. Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Remove it from the heat as soon as it is smooth, then stir in the vanilla and salt.
How do I keep puppy chow from getting soggy?
Use crisp cereal, do not overheat the chocolate mixture, and let the finished snack cool fully before sealing it in a container. Moisture and trapped steam can soften the cereal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two large bowls or work in batches. It is easier to coat the cereal evenly when the bowl is not crowded.
Is puppy chow gluten-free?
It can be, depending on the cereal and chocolate you use. Check the package labels to make sure all ingredients are certified gluten-free if you are cooking for someone who needs to avoid gluten.
05Keep cooking
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