Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet snack that combines the irresistible crunch of cereal with the gooey goodness of chocolate and peanut butter, then you have to try making Butterfinger Puppy Chow. This delightful treat takes the nostalgic flavors of classic puppy chow and elevates them by tossing in bits of Butterfinger candy bars, resulting in a mouthwatering mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re prepping for a party, movie night, or just craving something wonderfully addictive, Butterfinger Puppy Chow is the perfect answer.

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Butterfinger Puppy Chow is surprisingly simple because it relies on a handful of essential ingredients that each bring something special to the mix. From the crunchy Rice Chex cereal providing a light, crispy base, to the rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter coating, every component contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

  • 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal: This light, crispy cereal creates the ideal canvas to hold all the delicious coatings.
  • 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips: Use these for that luscious, melty chocolate flavor that wraps around the cereal perfectly.
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Adds smooth, nutty richness that complements the chocolate and Butterfinger pieces.
  • ¼ cup salted butter: Brings a subtle saltiness to balance the sweetness and helps create a silky coating.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds depth to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
  • 18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars: Fifteen crushed for mixing inside and three roughly chopped for a fun, crunchy garnish.
  • 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted: The final touch that dusts the mixture, adding sweetness and a delightful powdery texture.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep Your Cereal Base

Start by pouring the 7 cups of Rice Chex cereal into an extra large bowl. This bowl needs to be big enough to hold all the cereal once it’s coated, so make sure it’s truly extra large to avoid any spillage when mixing. The cereal is your crunchy foundation that soaks up all the chocolate peanut butter goodness without losing its crisp.

Step 2: Melt Together Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup salted butter. Microwave everything on high for about one minute, then stir it well until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This creamy blend will be the magic that coats your cereal in rich flavor.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Combine

Once your chocolate mixture is silky smooth, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for that extra hint of warmth and depth. Then, drizzle this irresistible mix right over the cereal. Gently stir to make sure every piece of Chex gets lovingly coated. Take your time here — you want every bite bursting with flavor!

Step 4: Mix in the Crushed Butterfinger Candy

Now it’s time to add the star ingredient: the crushed Butterfinger candy bars. Take the 15 fun size candy bars and crush them into small pieces, then fold the crunchy bits into your coated cereal mixture. This creates those surprise pockets of buttery, crunchy Butterfinger goodness throughout your puppy chow.

Step 5: Powder It Up

To finish, it’s time for the powdered sugar step. You can sprinkle 1 ¼ cup of sifted powdered sugar over the mixture and stir it gently, or for less mess, add the coated cereal to a large (2-gallon) ziplock bag with the sugar and give it a good shake. The powdered sugar both sweetens and gives the puppy chow that signature, slightly powdery texture everyone loves.

Step 6: Let It Dry and Garnish

Spread your fully coated mixture out on a baking sheet to dry for a few minutes so the powdered sugar sets. Just before serving, sprinkle in the 3 roughly chopped fun size Butterfinger bars to add an extra playful crunch and a pop of candy goodness on top.

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For garnishes, keep it simple and colorful. The chopped Butterfinger bits sprinkled on top add instant visual appeal and a delightful crunch. You can also toss in some mini peanut butter cups or Reese’s pieces to complement the flavors and impress your guests with variety. These garnishes make every bite feel like a little celebration.

Side Dishes

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a fantastic snack on its own, but it pairs beautifully with creamy dips like vanilla yogurt or a light peanut butter spread. For parties, add bowls of fresh fruit or salty snacks like pretzels to create a sweet and salty snacking spread everyone will love to dive into.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Serve your Butterfinger Puppy Chow in cute mason jars, colorful bowls, or even mini paper cones for an easy grab-and-go option. If you’re hosting kids, consider filling small treat bags tied with festive ribbons. Not only does it look adorable, but it’s portable and perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week — perfect for snacking throughout the week without any fuss.

Freezing

While freezing Butterfinger Puppy Chow is possible, it’s generally best enjoyed fresh to maintain that perfect crunchy texture. If you do freeze it, store in a tightly sealed freezer bag and thaw at room temperature before serving. Keep in mind the powdered sugar might lose some of its powdery charm after thawing.

Reheating

This snack doesn’t require reheating. In fact, warming it could cause the chocolate and peanut butter to melt and lose the lovely texture. Enjoy it as is for the perfect combination of crispy, chocolaty, and nutty bites every time.

FAQs

Can I use other cereals besides Rice Chex?

Absolutely! A mix of rice, corn, and wheat Chex cereals can add interesting textures and flavors. Just be sure to keep the total cereal amount the same for balance.

What can I substitute for Butterfinger candy bars?

If Butterfinger isn’t your favorite, try swapping in other crunchy candy bars like Butterfinger balls, or add mini peanut butter cups or Reese’s Pieces for similar flavors that fit perfectly.

Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?

To make it nut-free, you’d want to skip the peanut butter and Butterfinger bars, which contain nuts. You could substitute with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter and use nut-free candies instead.

How long does Butterfinger Puppy Chow stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it will stay fresh for about a week, maintaining its crispness and sweet flavor for continued snacking pleasure.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

It would take some experimentation—substituting vegan chocolate chips, a plant-based butter, and a peanut butter alternative might work. However, classic Butterfinger candy bars contain dairy, so you may want to look for vegan-friendly candy alternatives for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Making Butterfinger Puppy Chow is such a delightful treat that combines the nostalgic comfort of puppy chow with the indulgent crunch of Butterfinger candy bars. Its simple ingredients and easy steps make it a fantastic snack to whip up for any occasion. I promise once you try it, this addictive snack will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, make a batch, and enjoy sharing this sweet, crunchy delight with your friends and family!

Print

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is an irresistibly crunchy and sweet snack mix combining crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a decadent blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, infused with vanilla, and generously tossed with crushed Butterfinger candy bars and powdered sugar. Perfect for festive gatherings or anytime indulgence, this easy no-bake treat delivers nostalgic flavors with a delightful crunch.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal (or store brand version)
  • 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars, 15 crushed and 3 roughly chopped for garnish

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cereal: Add the Rice Chex cereal to an extra large bowl, ensuring ample room for mixing later to avoid spilling.
  2. Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
  3. Add Vanilla: Stir the pure vanilla extract into the melted mixture until well combined, enhancing the flavor profile.
  4. Coat the Cereal: Drizzle the chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over the cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon to ensure every piece of cereal is fully coated without breaking.
  5. Add Crushed Butterfinger Candy: Fold in the 15 crushed Butterfinger candy bars into the coated cereal, distributing the candy throughout the mixture evenly.
  6. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a large (2 gallon) ziplock bag. Add the sifted powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously to coat the cereal evenly. Alternatively, sprinkle powdered sugar over the cereal in the bowl and stir well.
  7. Dry and Garnish: Spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet to let it dry and set slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle the 3 roughly chopped fun size Butterfinger bars on top for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • You can substitute semi sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or candy melts depending on your taste preference.
  • For varied textures, try a mix of rice, corn, and wheat Chex cereals instead of only Rice Chex.
  • Add some fun extras like mini peanut butter cups, Reese’s pieces, or Butterfinger balls to customize the snack.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 358
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 9mg

Keywords: Butterfinger Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow recipe, Chex mix snack, Chocolate peanut butter snack, No bake dessert, Fun holiday snack

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