Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chex Puppy Chow is the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and crunch. The cereal soaks up the creamy peanut butter and melted chocolate, then gets coated in powdered sugar for that signature sweet, slightly powdery finish. It’s quick to make, no baking required, and it’s easily customizable! Whether you’re making a batch for a game day snack, a holiday treat, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this Puppy Chow will be a hit!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
9 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex, or a mix of both)
-
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Directions
Prepare the Chex mix:
-
Measure the cereal: In a large bowl, measure out 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal (or a mix of Rice and Corn Chex). Set aside.
-
Melt the chocolate mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until everything is fully melted and smooth. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
-
Coat the Chex cereal: Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat all the cereal evenly. Be careful not to break the cereal pieces.
Coat with powdered sugar:
-
Add powdered sugar: Once the cereal is well coated, transfer it into a large resealable plastic bag (or a large bowl if you prefer). Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are coated evenly in the sugar.
-
Let it cool: Pour the Puppy Chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper and spread it out to cool. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate coating sets and firms up.
Serve and enjoy:
-
Serve: Once cooled, transfer the Chex Puppy Chow into a bowl or serve it directly from the bag. Enjoy this sweet, crunchy snack!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12-14 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes of cooling time. It’s ready in less than an hour, making it perfect for a quick snack.
Variations
-
Add-ins: You can mix in your favorite ingredients like M&Ms, mini marshmallows, or dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins) to add extra texture and flavor.
-
Flavor variations: Try using different types of chocolate, like milk chocolate or white chocolate, or experiment with flavored peanut butter (such as almond or cashew butter) for a unique twist.
-
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a small amount of cayenne pepper to the powdered sugar for a sweet-and-spicy variation.
Storage/reheating
Store any leftover Chex Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate it to keep it fresh for a longer period. The texture will stay crunchy as long as it’s sealed properly in a container.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes! You can substitute Rice Chex with Corn Chex or even Wheat Chex, or use a mix of different cereals for variety. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cereal to match the coating.
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture if you prefer. Smooth peanut butter, however, tends to coat the cereal more evenly.
3. How do I make Puppy Chow with no peanut butter?
You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even Nutella for a different flavor.
4. Can I freeze Puppy Chow?
Yes, you can freeze Puppy Chow for up to 1-2 months. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent it from absorbing moisture and losing its crunch.
5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
6. Can I add more powdered sugar?
Yes, you can add more powdered sugar if you want a sweeter, more powdery coating. Just be careful not to overdo it, or the sugar might overpower the flavors.
7. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can make Chex Puppy Chow ahead of time. It keeps well in an airtight container for several days and can be stored for up to a week.
8. Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips depending on your flavor preference.
9. Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes! You can replace peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower butter for a different flavor.
10. How do I make Puppy Chow less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Conclusion
Chex Puppy Chow is a fun, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. The mix of crunchy Chex cereal, creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar makes it irresistible, and it’s perfect for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or just enjoying as an afternoon snack. With endless variations to try, you can customize this recipe to your liking and make it your new go-to snack!

Chex Puppy Chow
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 servings
- Category: Healthy Snacks, Sugar-Free Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chex Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies) is a sweet, crunchy snack made with Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar. This no-bake treat is easy to make and the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you need a satisfying snack, Chex Puppy Chow is sure to be a hit with all ages!
Ingredients
-
9 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex, or a mix of both)
-
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chex mix:
-
In a large bowl, measure out 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal (or a mix of Rice and Corn Chex). Set aside.
-
-
Melt the chocolate mixture:
-
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract.
-
-
Coat the Chex cereal:
-
Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat the cereal evenly. Be careful not to break the cereal.
-
-
Coat with powdered sugar:
-
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag (or large bowl). Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until all cereal pieces are coated.
-
-
Let it cool:
-
Pour the Puppy Chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and spread it out to cool. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to firm up.
-
-
Serve and enjoy:
-
Once cooled, transfer the Chex Puppy Chow to a bowl or serve directly from the bag. Enjoy your sweet, crunchy snack
-
Notes
You can add M&Ms, mini marshmallows, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.Use any type of Chex cereal you prefer (Corn, Rice, or a mix).Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar.Store in an airtight container for up to a week.