Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

If you are searching for a snack that perfectly balances crunchy, chocolatey, and peanut buttery flavors with an irresistible twist, then you absolutely have to make Butterfinger Puppy Chow. This delightful treat combines the nostalgic crunch of Rice Chex cereal with rich melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and, of course, the signature crunch of crushed Butterfinger bars. Coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s the kind of snack that disappears faster than you can say “more please.” Whether you’re hosting a game day, packing a party favor, or simply craving a sweet, crunchy bite, Butterfinger Puppy Chow is the answer that satisfies without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step to making Butterfinger Puppy Chow. These simple yet essential ingredients each bring their magic: the cereal gives that satisfying crunch, the chocolate and peanut butter create creamy, luscious coating, and the Butterfinger bars deliver that unmistakable crispy, caramelized texture and flavor.

• 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal: The perfect base – light, crunchy, and ready to soak up all that delicious coating.
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips: These melt smoothly for a rich chocolatey hug around every bite.
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Adds that dreamy, nutty creaminess that balances the sweetness.
• ¼ cup salted butter: A touch of saltiness enhances the overall flavors and makes everything taste more vibrant.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Just a hint to round out the flavors with warm, sweet notes.
• 18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars: (15 crushed and 3 roughly chopped for garnish) The star ingredient that brings that crispy, flaky texture signature to Butterfinger Puppy Chow.
• 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted): This coats the coated cereal, giving that classic Puppy Chow look and a delightful sweet finish.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep Your Crunchy Base

Start by adding all 7 cups of Rice Chex cereal to an extra-large bowl. This bowl needs to be big because once you drizzle your delicious chocolate peanut butter mixture, you’ll want space to stir and coat every piece evenly. The crunch here is key—it’s the base that carries all the flavors in every bite.

Step 2: Melt and Mix the Chocolate Peanut Butter Coating

Combine the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for one minute, then stir until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. This molten mix is pure magic waiting to coat your cereal, transforming it into something truly indulgent.

Step 3: Add Vanilla for Warmth

Next, stir in the teaspoon of pure vanilla extract while the mixture is still warm. This little addition lifts the flavor, giving the chocolate peanut butter coating a deeper, more aromatic complexity that will wow your taste buds.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal with the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mixture

Drizzle the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal in your large bowl. Gently stir to ensure every piece is completely covered. Use a spatula or large spoon and be careful not to crush the cereal. This step ensures each crunchy morsel is packed with flavor and ready for the next step.

Step 5: Sprinkle in 15 Crushed Butterfinger Candy Bars

Once coated, fold 15 crushed Butterfinger candy bars into the cereal. This helps distribute the signature craggy Butterfinger crunch and butter-crisped flavor evenly throughout the batch, elevating your Butterfinger Puppy Chow to legendary snack status.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Here’s a neat tip: you can either sprinkle the powdered sugar over the coated cereal directly and stir gently or place the cereal mix into a large (about 2-gallon) ziplock bag, add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until everything is evenly coated. The ziplock method keeps your workspace clean and saves you time—win-win!

Step 7: Let it Set and Garnish

Spread out the coated cereal on a baking sheet to let it dry and set for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining 3 roughly chopped Butterfinger bars on top for a crunchy, colorful garnish that makes the presentation as irresistible as the snack itself.

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped Butterfinger bars on top just before serving adds an inviting crunch and pops of color that make everyone’s eyes light up. You can also dust a little extra powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is generally enjoyed as a standalone snack, but if you want to pair it, try fresh fruit like apple slices or a side of iced coffee. The fresh fruit cuts through the sweetness, while the cold brew perfectly complements the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow in colorful bowls or mason jars tied with ribbon to make adorable take-home treats. It also works wonderfully layered with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle in a clear parfait glass for an eye-catching dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays perfectly crunchy for up to a week, making it easy to snack on whenever cravings strike or to prep ahead for a party.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Butterfinger Puppy Chow fresh for longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving, and it will retain that delightful crunch.

Reheating

This snack is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer slightly warmed Puppy Chow, briefly microwave in short bursts of 10 seconds, stirring in between to avoid melting the powdered sugar coating too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Chex?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is the traditional choice because of its light texture and excellent coating ability, you can substitute with Corn Chex or even crispy oat cereals. Just pick a cereal that won’t get soggy easily.

What if I’m allergic to peanuts?

Great question! You can swap creamy peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter to create a similarly rich coating. The flavor profile will change a bit, but it will still be delicious.

How do I crush the Butterfinger bars without making a mess?

Place the Butterfinger bars in a ziplock bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. This keeps crumbs contained and makes it easy to control the size of the pieces.

Can I prepare Butterfinger Puppy Chow without a microwave?

Definitely! Use a stovetop double boiler method to gently melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together. Stir constantly over simmering water until smooth and then proceed as usual.

Is Butterfinger Puppy Chow suitable for parties?

Yes! It’s a crowd favorite that’s perfect for parties because it’s easy to make in large batches, portable, and can be served in creative, handy portions that guests love to snack on.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve experienced the delight of Butterfinger Puppy Chow, you’ll understand why it’s a snack that always brings smiles. Crunchy, sweet, and loaded with the unmistakable taste of Butterfinger, it’s a treat that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. So go ahead—make a big batch and get ready for some serious snacking happiness!

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