Total Time: 11 minutes | Yield: 14 servings
Introduction
Growing up in the Midwest, puppy chow (also called muddy buddies) was a staple at every birthday party, holiday gathering, and school bake sale. My aunt would always show up with her signature version in a huge glass bowl, and we’d devour it within minutes. Years later, I decided to elevate this beloved classic by adding crushed Butterfingers, and the result was nothing short of magical. The combination of crispy chocolate-peanut butter coated cereal with those distinctive crunchy candy pieces creates an addictive treat that disappears faster than you can make it.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it captures everything we love about both puppy chow and Butterfinger candy bars in one irresistible snack. The creamy peanut butter and chocolate coating clings to every cereal piece, while the powdered sugar adds a sweet finish. Those crushed Butterfinger pieces throughout provide unexpected bursts of honeycomb crunch that take this treat to another level entirely. Best of all, it requires no baking and comes together in just 11 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-Bake Simplicity: With absolutely no oven required, this recipe is foolproof and perfect even for beginners. The microwave does all the work, and you’re left with minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness.
Lightning-Fast Preparation: From start to finish, you’ll have this treat ready in just 11 minutes of active time. It’s ideal for those moments when you need something impressive without the time investment.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and Butterfinger creates a flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s sweet without being overwhelming, crunchy without being hard, and absolutely addictive.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a movie night, need a quick party snack, want something for a bake sale, or just crave a sweet treat, this puppy chow fits the bill perfectly.
Easily Customizable: The base recipe is fantastic, but it also serves as a canvas for your creativity. Add different candies, switch up the chocolate, or include extra mix-ins to make it your own signature version.
Ingredients
Base Components:
- 7 cups Rice Chex cereal (or store brand equivalent)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Candy and Coating:
- 18 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars (15 crushed, 3 roughly chopped for garnish)
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
Optional Add-Ins:
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- Reese’s Pieces
- Butterfinger Bites
- Extra chocolate chips
- Crushed pretzels for salty contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Workspace
Step 1: Set Up Your Station Place the Rice Chex cereal in an extra-large mixing bowl—you’ll need plenty of room for stirring and coating. If you don’t have a bowl large enough, you can divide the cereal between two bowls and work in batches. Also, have a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready for drying the finished puppy chow.
Creating the Chocolate Coating
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high power for 1 minute. Remove and stir vigorously with a spatula or whisk. The mixture should become smooth and glossy as you stir. If some chocolate chips remain unmelted, return to the microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Stir the pure vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until thoroughly incorporated. The vanilla enhances all the flavors and adds depth to the coating. The mixture should be warm, fluid, and ready to coat the cereal evenly.
Coating the Cereal
Step 4: Drizzle and Mix Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal in your large bowl. Using a large spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold and stir the cereal, working to coat every piece without crushing the delicate squares. Be patient and thorough—well-coated cereal is the foundation of great puppy chow. Continue stirring until you see minimal bare cereal pieces remaining.
Step 5: Add Crushed Butterfingers Take 15 fun-size Butterfinger bars and place them in a zip-top bag. Using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan, crush them into small pieces—aim for a mix of fine crumbs and larger chunks for textural variety. Fold these crushed candy pieces into the chocolate-coated cereal, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
The Powdered Sugar Coating
Step 6: Apply the Powdered Sugar Here’s where you have two options. For the easiest method with minimal mess, transfer the coated cereal mixture to an extra-large 2-gallon zip-top bag. Add the sifted powdered sugar, seal the bag securely, and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until every piece is coated in a snowy white layer. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the powdered sugar over the mixture in the bowl and stir carefully, though this method creates more airborne sugar and cleanup.
Final Touches
Step 7: Dry and Garnish Spread the powdered-sugar-coated puppy chow in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow the coating to set and dry. This prevents clumping and ensures that perfect crunchy texture. Just before serving, roughly chop the remaining 3 Butterfinger bars and sprinkle them over the top as a garnish. These visible candy pieces let everyone know exactly what delicious flavor awaits them.
Serving Suggestions
For casual gatherings, serve this puppy chow in a large decorative bowl placed in the center of your snack table. The white powdered coating with pops of orange Butterfinger creates an eye-catching presentation that draws people in.
Package individual servings in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for party favors or gifts. This makes portion control easier and creates adorable take-home treats that guests will appreciate.
Create a dessert bar by serving Butterfinger puppy chow alongside other flavored varieties like traditional chocolate, white chocolate, or cookies and cream. Guests can sample different flavors and mix their favorites together.
For movie nights, fill individual paper cones or small popcorn boxes with the puppy chow. This mess-free format is perfect for snacking while watching your favorite films without sticky fingers or shared bowls.
Recipe Variations
Triple Chocolate Decadence
Use a combination of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate chips for a more complex chocolate flavor. Substitute chocolate peanut butter for regular peanut butter for even more intensity.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Version
Replace the Butterfingers with chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups and add Reese’s Pieces for color. This creates a peanut butter lover’s dream with different textures throughout.
Salted Caramel Twist
Add ½ cup of crushed pretzels along with the candy for a salty-sweet combination. Drizzle with melted caramel before adding the powdered sugar for an extra layer of flavor.
Birthday Cake Puppy Chow
Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, add ½ teaspoon of almond extract with the vanilla, and mix in rainbow sprinkles with the Butterfingers. Use Funfetti cake mix instead of some powdered sugar for cake flavor.
Healthier Alternative
Use dark chocolate chips (70% cacao), natural peanut butter, and reduce the powdered sugar to ¾ cup. Add ½ cup of chopped almonds or pecans for extra nutrition and crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips
Advance Preparation: Make this puppy chow up to 5 days before you need it. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will maintain its crunch and flavor beautifully.
Storage Solutions: Use airtight containers or large zip-top bags for storage. Layer parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent excessive clumping. Keep it away from heat and humidity for best results.
Freezing Options: While not typically necessary due to the quick consumption rate, you can freeze puppy chow for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, and it will taste freshly made.
Last-Minute Assembly: If preparing for a party, make the puppy chow the night before and store it in containers. Add the fresh chopped Butterfinger garnish just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and visual appeal.
Gift Preparation: Package in decorative jars or bags 2-3 days ahead of giving. The puppy chow actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.
Notes
Chocolate Chip Alternatives: Feel free to use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version, dark chocolate chips for a more sophisticated taste, or even candy melts for a coating that sets firmer and creates less mess.
Cereal Combinations: While Rice Chex is traditional, you can use a combination of Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex for varied textures and flavors. Some people even use Crispix for extra crunch.
Powdered Sugar Consistency: Make sure to sift your powdered sugar before using to eliminate lumps. This creates a smooth, even coating that looks professional and tastes better.
Butterfinger Crushing Technique: For best results, freeze the Butterfinger bars for 15 minutes before crushing. This makes them easier to break into pieces without creating too much powder or getting sticky.
Humidity Considerations: In humid climates, the powdered sugar coating can become sticky. Store with a silica gel packet in the container, or dust with an extra layer of powdered sugar just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my chocolate mixture not smooth? This usually happens if the chocolate overheats and seizes. Make sure to stir thoroughly after the initial minute of microwaving. If it’s still lumpy, add a tablespoon of peanut butter or a teaspoon of vegetable oil and stir vigorously until smooth.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? While you can, creamy peanut butter creates a smoother coating that adheres better to the cereal. Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture but may make the coating less uniform.
How do I prevent clumping? The key is spreading the puppy chow in a single layer to dry after coating with powdered sugar. Also, make sure not to store it while it’s still warm, as this creates condensation and clumping.
Can I make this without peanut butter for allergies? Absolutely! Substitute with sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or even cookie butter (Biscoff spread) for nut-free versions that taste amazing.
How long does this stay fresh? When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Butterfinger puppy chow stays fresh and crunchy for up to 5 days. However, it rarely lasts that long before being completely devoured!
Can I double this recipe? Yes! The recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure you have bowls and bags large enough to accommodate the larger quantity, and you may need to work in batches for the powdered sugar coating step.
What if I don’t have fun-size Butterfingers? You can use regular-size Butterfinger bars—you’ll need about 3-4 full-size bars total. Alternatively, Butterfinger Bites work perfectly and require no crushing.
Why is it called puppy chow? The name comes from its resemblance to dry dog food—the cereal pieces coated in powdered sugar look similar. It’s also called “muddy buddies,” especially when referring to the Chex Mix branded version.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1 minute | Category: Snack/Dessert | Method: No-Bake | Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: About ½ cup
- Calories: 358 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Potassium: 203mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Vitamin A: 358 IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 72mg
- Iron: 6mg