Why You’ll Love Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
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It’s quick and easy—ready in about 11 minutes.
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No baking required, so it’s perfect for hot days or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
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The chopped Butterfinger pieces elevate classic puppy chow with extra crunch and flavor.
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It’s flexible and customizable (you can swap in different cereals, nuts, or candy).
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Easy to make in bulk and store, making it ideal for parties or snack prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Rice Chex Cereal
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Semisweet chocolate chips
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Creamy peanut butter
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Salted butter
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Pure vanilla extract
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Fun‑size Butterfinger candy bars (some crushed, some roughly chopped)
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Powdered sugar
Directions
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Place the cereal in an extra‑large bowl and set aside.
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In a microwave‑safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir until smooth and fully melted. If needed, microwave in additional 15‑second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully combined.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Pour the melted chocolate–peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Gently stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
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Mix in the crushed Butterfinger candy pieces.
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Transfer the coated cereal and powdered sugar into a large ziplock bag (or use a bowl) and shake or stir until coated evenly with the powdered sugar.
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Spread the mixture on a parchment paper–lined baking sheet to allow it to dry and prevent clumping.
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Just before serving, sprinkle on the roughly chopped Butterfinger candy as garnish.
Servings and timing
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Serves: 14
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time / melting time: 1 minute
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Total time: 11 minutes
Variations
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Use Corn Chex, Chocolate Chex, or a mix instead of Rice Chex for a different texture or flavor.
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Substitute milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or candy melts for semisweet.
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Use all‑natural peanut butter, or swap in almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter (especially for peanut allergies), though texture may vary.
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Add mix‑ins: chopped nuts, M&Ms, pretzels, mini marshmallows, cookie bits or extra candies.
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Instead of powdered sugar, use vanilla cake mix (funfetti) for a colorful twist.
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Use colored candy melts to make a festive version (e.g. for holidays).
Storage/Reheating
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To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Keeps for up to 5 days at room temperature.
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To freeze: Seal tightly in a freezer‑safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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There is no reheating—serve at ambient temperature.
FAQs
What texture should Puppy Chow have once it’s done?
It should be crunchy and dry on the outside, coated evenly in powdered sugar, without sogginess or clumping.
Can I use a different cereal than Rice Chex?
Yes — Corn Chex, Chocolate Chex, or even Crispix work. Just note each will affect flavor and crunch.
Are there substitutions for peanut butter?
You can use nut butters like almond or cashew, or seed butter like sunflower seed butter for nut‑free versions, but the texture or coating quality might differ.
What if the chocolate and peanut butter mixture doesn’t melt smoothly?
Microwave in short bursts (15 seconds), stirring between bursts. Gentle heat helps prevent burning. Ensure your mixing bowl is microwave safe.
Is it okay to stir instead of using a ziplock bag for coating with powdered sugar?
Yes — stirring works, though using a bag to shake often gives a more even coating and helps contain the sugar dust.
Why does the cereal sometimes clump?
If too much moisture is present or the coated cereal isn’t spread out to cool, pieces may stick. Spreading on parchment helps reduce clumping.
Can I make this in double batches?
Yes — scale all ingredients proportionally and use a sufficiently large bowl to allow stirring and coating.
How do I crush the Butterfinger bars easily?
Place them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin, mallet, or lightly pulse in a food processor until you reach the desired size.
Will this melt in warm weather?
It can soften in high temperatures. Store in a cool dry place. If it softens, allow it to cool or serve immediately after preparing.
Can I omit the Butterfinger candy bars?
Yes — it becomes a more classic puppy chow / muddy buddies. The candy bits are optional but add texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Butterfinger Puppy Chow recipe is a fun, fast, no‑bake treat that brings together the classic crunchy snack mix with the indulgent addition of Butterfinger candy. Whether you’re making it for movie night, a party snack, or a sweet gift, it’s easy to customize and enjoy. Just follow the simple steps, store it right, and you’ll have a deliciously addictive snack everyone will love.
Butterfinger Puppy Chow
This Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a fun twist on the classic snack mix, combining Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and crushed Butterfinger candy for a sweet and crunchy treat perfect for parties or gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars
Instructions
- Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or container with a lid.
- Add the powdered sugar and shake until all the cereal pieces are coated.
- Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet to cool.
- Once cool, mix in the crushed Butterfinger pieces.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make sure the cereal is fully coated before adding powdered sugar for even coverage.
- You can crush Butterfingers using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and smashing with a rolling pin.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger crowds.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg