If you have a sweet tooth that craves a delightful crunch combined with rich chocolate, peanut butter, and that unforgettable Butterfinger crunch, then you need to dive into this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe. It’s a wonderfully easy snack mix that brings together crispy rice cereal coated in a luscious peanut butter and chocolate blend, sprinkled generously with powdered sugar, and loaded with crunchy Butterfinger pieces. Every bite offers that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and buttery goodness that makes snack time feel like a celebration. Whether you’re making it for a party, movie night, or just because, this recipe quickly becomes an all-time favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already love or have in your pantry. Each one plays a special role: the crispy rice cereal gives you that addictive crunch, the peanut butter adds creamy richness, chocolate brings in smooth sweetness, and Butterfinger candy bars add a fun, crunchy surprise in every bite. Powdered sugar finishes it off with just the right touch of sweetness and that classic puppy chow look.
- 6 cups rice Chex cereal: The crispy and sturdy base that holds all the delicious coatings perfectly.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a velvety, nutty richness that melds all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 cup Butterfinger candy bars, chopped: Crunchy, crispy chunks bring a unique candy bar twist that makes this recipe stand out.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts down to create a luscious chocolate coating that’s not too sweet and just right.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds silkiness to the chocolate and peanut butter mixture for an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: This sweet dusting transforms the snack mix into that classic puppy chow finish with a slight hint of vanilla sweetness.
How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Melt and Mix Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter
Start by combining the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one, until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. This step is critical for achieving a luscious coating that will evenly cling to every crunchy piece of cereal. After melting, fold in the chopped Butterfinger pieces so they become infused with the chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness without losing their signature crunch.
Step 2: Coat the Cereal Evenly
Pour your crunchy cereal into a large mixing bowl and gently dribble over the melted chocolate and peanut butter mix. Toss carefully but thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated without becoming soggy. Taking your time here ensures every bite gets that perfect, balanced flavor and mouthfeel you’re craving with this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe. The secret to the best texture is gentle folding that preserves that satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Powdered Sugar Magic
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a covered container, then add the powdered sugar. Seal it tightly and shake vigorously as if you’re giving it the ultimate snow shower. The powdered sugar clings to every chocolatey surface forming that irresistible, powdery shell that you just cannot stop reaching for. This final touch gives the snack its characteristic look and the perfect hint of sweetness.
Step 4: Cool and Get Ready to Munch
Spread the coated snack mixture onto parchment paper or a large flat surface to cool and set. This quick cooling step lets the chocolate and peanut butter coating firm up so the snack mix holds together wonderfully without sticky clumps. Once cooled, it’s ready to serve immediately or pack away for later snacking. Trust me, it won’t last long once it hits the bowl!
How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pretty bowl or gift presentation, sprinkle a few more chopped Butterfinger pieces on top before serving. You can also dust a little additional powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh, snowy look. If you want to jazz it up, adding some festive colored sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt can offer an exciting balance of flavors and eye-catching appeal.
Side Dishes
This Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe shines as a standalone snack, but it also pairs beautifully with simple treats like vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk to complement its richness. For a party spread, serve alongside fruit slices or a tangy yogurt dip to offer a contrast that balances the sweetness delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a big communal bowl, try portioning the puppy chow into individual treat bags or colorful cups for easy grab-and-go snacking at events. You can also layer it in clear jars with alternating layers of mini marshmallows or pretzels for a gorgeous and inviting display. Presentation can totally multiply the fun and keep everyone eager for more!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to hide some away, store your Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making it the perfect snack to have on hand for whenever those sweet cravings strike. Avoid humid or warm places to keep the texture just right.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this puppy chow if you want to make it well in advance. Place it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, pressing out excess air before sealing. It freezes beautifully for up to two months. When you’re craving a snack, just let it thaw at room temperature for a bit — the texture and flavor come back wonderfully.
Reheating
There’s no need to heat Butterfinger Puppy Chow; it’s best enjoyed at room temperature to preserve its crispy, powdery texture. If it feels a little soft after storage, simply fluff it gently with your hands to bring back its original crunchy charm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of candy bars instead of Butterfinger?
Absolutely! While Butterfinger brings a unique crispy peanut butter crunch, feel free to experiment with your favorite candy bars like Heath, Twix, or even chopped Snickers for a fun twist in this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe.
Is it necessary to use creamy peanut butter or can I use natural peanut butter?
Creamy peanut butter works best here because it melts smoothly and coats the cereal evenly. Natural peanut butter sometimes separates and may not blend as well, but you can certainly try it if you prefer—just be prepared for a slightly different texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure you use gluten-free rice Chex cereal and check that your candy bars are gluten-free. This recipe adapts easily to meet gluten-free needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How long does Butterfinger Puppy Chow last once made?
When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, this snack mix stays fresh and delicious for up to one week. Beyond that, the cereal might start to lose its crunch.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe is vegetarian-friendly! It contains no meat or gelatin products, making it a great treat for vegetarians to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyful about making and savoring this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe. From the first spoonful of crunchy, chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness to the last, it hits just the right spot for anyone who loves sweet snacks with a bit of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor. It’s simple enough for beginners, spectacular enough to impress guests, and wildly addictive once you discover it. So, go ahead and whip up a batch — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining crispy rice cereal coated in a rich, melted blend of peanut butter, chocolate, and Butterfinger candy pieces, then dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet, crunchy treat. Perfect for parties, snacking, or a quick indulgence, this recipe comes together quickly with no baking required.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups rice Chex cereal (or any other crispy rice cereal)
- 1 cup Butterfinger candy bars, chopped into small pieces (about 3 full-sized bars)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Then, stir in the chopped Butterfinger pieces until they are evenly incorporated into the melted mixture.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the 6 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently toss with a spatula or spoon to ensure every piece of cereal is evenly coated in the mixture.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal mix into a large resealable plastic bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag or container securely, and shake vigorously until the cereal pieces are fully and evenly coated with the powdered sugar.
- Cool and Serve: Spread the powdered sugar-coated puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or large flat surface. Allow it to cool and set completely. Once cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Notes
- For best coating results, make sure to stir the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture well until smooth before adding the Butterfinger pieces.
- You can substitute Butterfinger with other crunchy candy bars like Heath or Skor for a different flavor profile.
- Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- Microwave times may vary depending on the wattage, so heat in short intervals to avoid burning the chocolate mixture.
- This recipe is perfect for parties, gifts, or as an easy snack mix for kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
