There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when you whip up a treat that combines nostalgia with a modern twist. The first time I tasted Butterfinger Puppy Chow, I was immediately transported back to my childhood, where sweet indulgences danced on my taste buds at every birthday party. These delightful bites, with their crunchy Rice Chex base and a rich, chocolate-peanut butter coating, are guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re hosting a gathering or just need a little pick-me-up after a long day.
Imagine the crunch of cereal enveloped in a smooth layer of melted chocolate and peanut butter, followed by the delightful crunch of crushed Butterfinger bits throughout. It’s the ultimate remedy for anyone tired of the same old snacks or fast food rut. With this easy recipe, you’ll create a crowd-pleasing treat that’s surprisingly simple yet oh-so-satisfying. Get ready to indulge and impress, because this Butterfinger Puppy Chow will soon become a staple in your homemade dessert repertoire!
Why is Butterfinger Puppy Chow so irresistible?
Nostalgic Flavors: This treat takes you back to childhood, making every bite a sweet memory.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll whip up this delightful snack in no time.
Irresistible Crunch: The combination of Rice Chex and Butterfinger adds a satisfying texture and flavor explosion.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties or family gatherings, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or a movie night companion—no one can resist!
Ready to dive into more delicious ideas? Check out our complete dessert collection for more sweet inspirations!
Butterfinger Puppy Chow Ingredients
• Make your snacking exciting with this Butterfinger Puppy Chow!
For the Base
- Rice Chex Cereal – 7 cups of crunchy goodness are the perfect base for this delightful treat.
For the Chocolate Coating
- Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips – 1 cup brings rich, melty chocolate flavor to your Puppy Chow.
- Creamy Peanut Butter – ½ cup adds a smooth texture and a nutty taste that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Salted Butter – ¼ cup enhances the richness and helps in melting everything smoothly.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon elevates the flavor profile, giving sweetness a nice touch.
For the Candy Crunch
- Butterfinger Candy Bars – 18 fun size bars contribute a delightful crunch and signature buttery flavor to every handful.
For the Sweet Coating
- Powdered Sugar – 1¼ cup (sifted) offers a sweet finish and keeps your treat nicely coated and finger-friendly.
Each ingredient plays a special role in crafting this irresistible Butterfinger Puppy Chow. Get excited for the easy process and rewarding taste!
How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow
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Prepare the Cereal: Start by adding the 7 cups of Rice Chex cereal to an extra-large bowl, allowing plenty of space to mix in all the delicious flavors that will follow.
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Melt Together: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup of creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup of salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stirring well until everything is completely melted and smooth.
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Add Flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until well combined, enhancing the chocolate-peanut butter mixture with a delightful aroma.
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Coat the Cereal: Drizzle the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir to evenly coat each piece with this rich, creamy goodness, ensuring no bit is left behind.
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Mix in the Crunch: Crush 15 of the fun-size Butterfinger candy bars and stir them into the cereal mixture. This adds that signature crunch and sweet flavor that makes this Puppy Chow so special.
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Sweeten Up: Sprinkle 1¼ cups of sifted powdered sugar over the coated cereal mixture. You can either stir to mix it in or place everything in a large (2-gallon) ziplock bag and gently shake to coat evenly—whichever you prefer!
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Dry It Out: After coating the cereal in powdered sugar, spread it out on a baking sheet to allow it to dry. This helps the flavors meld and gives the treats a nice texture.
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Final Touches: Just before serving, sprinkle in the 3 remaining chopped fun-size Butterfinger candy bars for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.
Optional: Drizzle with more melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the chocolate-peanut butter mixture (step 2) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, the coated cereal can be made and stored at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 5 days without losing its delightful crunch. When you’re ready to serve, simply sprinkle in the chopped fun-size Butterfinger candy bars as directed in step 8 for that fresh and crispy finish. This way, you can enjoy all the sweet perfection of Butterfinger Puppy Chow with minimal effort on busy days!
Butterfinger Puppy Chow Variations
Ready to add your own spin to this classic treat? Let’s explore some delightful twists that will elevate your Butterfinger Puppy Chow!
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Nut-Free: Swap the peanut butter with sun butter for a creamy texture without the nuts, perfect for allergy-friendly snacking.
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Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil instead of butter for a sweet vegan-friendly version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chocolate-butter mixture for a surprising layer of heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
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Nutty Twist: Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and a delicious nutty flavor that complements the Butterfinger.
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Granola Boost: Replace half the Rice Chex with granola for an added chewiness and a more wholesome snack that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
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Coconut Delight: Toss in some unsweetened shredded coconut to the mix for a tropical twist that brings a lovely chewy texture.
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Caramel Drizzle: Add a swirl of warm caramel sauce over the final mixture for a gooey finish that takes this treat to the next level of indulgence.
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Chocolate Lovers: Double the amount of chocolate chips for a richer, more decadent treat that chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist!
These exciting variations will make your Butterfinger Puppy Chow truly unique. Let your creativity shine!
Expert Tips for Butterfinger Puppy Chow
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your Butterfinger candy bars and chocolate chips are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your Puppy Chow.
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Melt Gently: When heating the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, do so in short intervals, stirring in between. This prevents burning and ensures a smooth mixture.
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Coat Evenly: When drizzling the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal, do so slowly and carefully. This ensures every piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
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Avoid Clumping: When mixing with powdered sugar, work in small batches if needed. This prevents clumping and helps achieve that signature fluffy finish in your Butterfinger Puppy Chow.
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Storage Savvy: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps your treats fresh and crunchy for days, but they usually don’t last long!
What to Serve with Butterfinger Puppy Chow?
Looking to create the ultimate snack experience that your friends and family will love?
- Ice Cold Milk: A classic pairing, milk complements the sweetness of the Puppy Chow while balancing the richness of chocolate.
- Coffee: The robust flavor of coffee offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness, making it perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Fresh Strawberries: Juicy berries add a refreshing contrast and a touch of natural sweetness, enhancing your snack table.
- Cheesecake Bites: Serve mini cheesecake bites for a creamy, indulgent option that plays beautifully against the crunchy treats.
- Popcorn: Light and airy popcorn provides a fun textural contrast, making it a perfect accompany snack for movie nights.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Combining sweet and salty perfectly enhances the flavors in your Puppy Chow while adding variety to your spread.
- Soda Float: A fizzy treat, soda floats being served alongside the Puppy Chow can elevate the fun of dessert time, especially in summer!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful coolness and richness that perfectly melds with the sweet crunch of your Puppy Chow.
- Fruit Medley: A colorful assortment of fruits offers a healthy, refreshing balance to the richness of the Puppy Chow.
With these delightful pairings, your serving game just leveled up!
How to Store and Freeze Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Room Temperature: Keep your Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain its delightful crunchiness.
Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Puppy Chow in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat, but if you find any clumps, simply break them apart gently with your fingers for an even snack!
Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe FAQs
What type of Rice Chex cereal should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using the original Rice Chex cereal for the perfect texture and crunch. It’s gluten-free and holds up well with the chocolate-peanut butter coating, enhancing the final treat!
How should I store the Butterfinger Puppy Chow?
To keep your Butterfinger Puppy Chow fresh, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy that delicious crunch.
Can I freeze Butterfinger Puppy Chow?
Very! You can freeze your Butterfinger Puppy Chow for up to 3 months. Just follow these simple steps:
- Place the Puppy Chow in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label with the date for your reference.
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, and it’s good to go!
What if my Puppy Chow clumps together?
If you find that your Butterfinger Puppy Chow has clumped together, don’t worry! Just gently break apart the clumps with your fingers or a fork. This way, you can restore that delightful texture without sacrificing any flavor.
Is there a nut-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, you can substitute the creamy peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a nut-free alternative. Just ensure the chocolate chips you use are also free from nuts to maintain the safety and enjoyment of everyone.
How can I make this recipe more indulgent?
If you want to make your Butterfinger Puppy Chow even more decadent, consider drizzling some extra melted chocolate over the finished product before adding the chopped Butterfinger bars. This additional layer of chocolate not only looks appealing but also enhances the flavor, making your treats even more irresistible.
Irresistible Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe for Sweet Treat Lovers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Cereal: Start by adding the 7 cups of Rice Chex cereal to an extra-large bowl.
- Melt Together: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave for 1 minute, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Coat the Cereal: Drizzle the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and stir to coat.
- Mix in the Crunch: Crush the Butterfinger candy bars and stir them into the mixture.
- Sweeten Up: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cereal mixture and mix or shake in a bag to coat.
- Dry It Out: Spread on a baking sheet to dry for better texture.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle in remaining chopped Butterfinger bars before serving.