Peanut Butter Puppy Chow is an easy no-bake snack mix that’s perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers! All you need is 10 minutes and 6 simple ingredients to make this beloved party staple.
Looking for a savory snack mix? Try our Ranch Chex Mix!
Table of Contents
Easy Peanut Butter Puppy Chow
If you grew up in the Midwest in the 1990s, you’ve probably eaten your fair share of puppy chow. This chocolate peanut butter Chex mix was a staple for all my youth group gatherings, game days, and class parties.
Twenty years later, homemade puppy chow is still one of my favorite things to make with my own kiddos! Elementary aged kids can easily help out or even make the whole thing themselves. It’s perfect for sweet and salty munching!
My puppy chow recipe uses salted butter and an extra pinch of salt to bring out the best in both the chocolate and the peanut butter. Save this recipe for cozy movie nights, sleepovers, tailgating parties, and holiday snacking or gifting. But do be warned, once you’ve had a few bites, it’s hard to stop eating!
CourtneyP.S. Curious about the difference between Puppy Chow and Muddy Buddies? It’s really just the name! Muddy Buddies is the branded name from Chex, and is more popular in certain regions of the U.S. You may also hear it called Monkey Munch or Reindeer Chow. Here in Ohio, it’s almost always called puppy chow!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chex cereal– You can use Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Chocolate Chex or a mix of all three for this recipe.
- Chocolate chips– I recommend semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Peanut butter- You’ll need creamy peanut butter, not crunchy!
- Butter– Salted butter adds the best flavor to the chocolate peanut butter coating.
- Vanilla extract– Just a splash gives it a little extra boost of flavor.
- Powdered sugar– This is the coating that gives puppy chow it’s iconic frosted look.
How to Make Puppy Chow
Step 1: In a microwave safe bowl or double boiler, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
Step 2: Add the cereal to a large bowl. Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over top and stir gently until everything is well coated.
Step 3: Transfer the cereal mixture to two gallon size zip lock bags or one large paper bag. Add powdered sugar, then seal well. Shake until the cereal is well coated.
Recipe Variations
- Add pretzels to the mix to bring in a little more salty! Waffles, sticks, or traditional flavors all work well.
- Add whole peanuts for additional crunch and some added protein.
- Add holiday M&Ms for a festive reindeer chow.
- Add other snacks or cereals, like Cheerios, Crispix, or Bugles to make this puppy chow your own!
- Place puppy chow in cute individual treat bags for easy classroom treats or a great homemade gift.
- Serve puppy chow over ice cream for a delicious dessert!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Puppy chow keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- To freeze puppy chow, allow it to cool and dry completely, then place in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Some people LOVE to eat puppy chow directly from the freezer for an extra crunchy cereal treat!
Need More Peanut Butter Chocolate Recipes?
Peanut butter fans will adore these Triple Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese’s Pieces!
For a quick easy dessert, try these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars. Kids love Monster Cookies. Try my recipe for Monster Cookie Bars or for the holidays, try Chocolate Christmas Monster Cookies!
Need your peanut butter treat to go anywhere? Be sure to mix up a batch of my homemade Amish Peanut Butter Spread!
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Easy Peanut Butter Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt
- 9 cups corn and rice Chex cereal ((1 12 oz box))
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (plus more as needed or wanted)
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
- Add the cereal to a large bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over top and stir until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the cereal mixture to two gallon size zip lock bags or one large paper bag. Add powdered sugar, then seal well. Shake until the cereal is well coated. If you want there to be a lot of powdered sugar coating that hasn't sunk in to the cereal, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup.
Notes
- Feel free to use any kind of Chex cereal, or even other cereals, like Cheerios or Crispix, for this recipe. As written, this puppy chow is gluten free. Be sure to pay attention to labels if you decide to switch the cereal.
- Puppy chow should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to a week.
- You can also freeze puppy chow for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight or eat it frozen!
Nutrition
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