Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

If you’re ready to indulge in a sweet, crunchy, and utterly addictive treat, the Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe is about to become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine a delightful blend of crispy Rice Chex cereal enveloped in smooth, melty chocolate and peanut butter, then mixed with irresistible chunks of Butterfinger candy and dusted with just the right touch of powdered sugar. This snack is perfect for movie nights, parties, or any time you want that perfect bite of nostalgic comfort with a fun twist. I promise, once you try this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe, it will quickly vanish from your snack bowl and have everyone begging for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is your first step toward snack heaven. Each component plays a crucial role: the Rice Chex provides crisp texture, the chocolate and peanut butter create a luscious coating, Butterfinger bars add sweet crunch, and powdered sugar brings that classic puppy chow finish. You really don’t need anything fancy to make this extraordinary treat.

• 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal: The crunchy base that holds all the flavors together perfectly.
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips: Offers the deep chocolate richness that coats the cereal.
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a smooth, nutty counterpart to the chocolate.
• ¼ cup salted butter: Enhances flavor and helps the coating come together smoothly.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Provides a subtle depth and warmth to the chocolate mixture.
• 18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars: (15 crushed for mixing, 3 chopped for garnish) For that iconic, crunchy Butterfinger crunch and flavor in every bite.
• 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted): Gives the sweet, snowy finish that makes puppy chow so fun to eat.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cereal Base

Start by pouring the Rice Chex cereal into an extra large bowl. This makes sure you have plenty of room for mixing later and prevents the cereal from getting crushed before it’s coated.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir vigorously until all the ingredients meld into a smooth, glossy mixture. This luscious blend is the heart of the Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe’s irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Add Vanilla for Warmth

Stir in the pure vanilla extract to the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture. This step might seem small, but that hint of vanilla brings everything together like magic, elevating the entire snack to a bakery-worthy treat.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal with the Chocolate Mixture

Drizzle the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir the cereal to make sure every piece gets that perfect, glossy coating without turning soggy.

Step 5: Mix in the Crushed Butterfinger Candy

Fold in the 15 crushed fun size Butterfinger bars. Their crunchy, peanut-buttery bits add the star ingredient’s signature texture and flavor to the mix, making this puppy chow extra special.

Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Here’s a neat trick: pour the coated cereal mixture into a large 2-gallon ziplock bag, add the sifted powdered sugar, then seal it up and shake vigorously. This not only ensures even coating but also keeps your kitchen mess-free. Alternatively, sprinkle powdered sugar over the cereal in the bowl and gently mix.

Step 7: Let It Dry and Add Final Butterfinger Garnish

Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet to let the powdered sugar set and dry slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle the roughly chopped 3 fun size Butterfinger bars on top for a delightful finishing touch that adds extra crunch and that unmistakable candy bar flavor.

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

Garnishes

Add a handful of roughly chopped Butterfinger pieces right on top just before serving. Their vibrant golden hue and crunch not only make your dish look appetizing but also provide that tasty surprise bite every time.

Side Dishes

Butterfinger Puppy Chow shines on its own as a snack, but if you want to create a full dessert spread, pair it with some fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas which add a juicy contrast to the sweet crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, pack the Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe in decorative mason jars or cute cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. It also makes an incredible topping sprinkled over ice cream or mixed into a festive trail mix for a crowd-pleasing twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly sealed, it stays fresh and crisp for up to a week, making it perfect for snacking over several days without losing that delightful texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for longer, Butterfinger Puppy Chow freezes beautifully. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, allow it to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake snack, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you want to refresh the crunch after storage, spreading it on a baking sheet and warming it in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5 minutes will revive its crispiness without melting the chocolate coating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Chex?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is traditional for puppy chow because of its light, crisp texture, you can experiment with corn or wheat Chex, Cheerios, or even pretzel sticks to add new flavors and textures.

What if I’m allergic to peanuts? Can I still make this recipe?

Definitely! You can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a delicious variation that keeps the creamy texture without peanuts. Just make sure to choose allergy-friendly Butterfinger alternatives or omit them if needed.

How do I crush the Butterfinger candy bars easily?

Placing the candy bars in a sealed plastic bag and gently tapping them with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon works like a charm. This method keeps the pieces contained and avoids a sticky mess.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe is a kid-friendly snack that’s fun to make together. Just be mindful of nut allergies and serve it in moderation as it’s quite sweet and rich.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll need to use gluten-free Rice Chex cereal to ensure the whole snack is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals, as some brands may contain gluten.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe—the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and Butterfinger candy is pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s a snack that brings smiles and satisfaction. So grab your bowl, treat yourself to some buttery, crunchy goodness, and watch this sweet little recipe disappear fast. You’ll definitely want to keep the ingredients on hand for a spontaneous snack craving!

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 11 reviews

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix made with crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a rich blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, mixed with crushed Butterfinger candy bars and dusted with powdered sugar. This irresistible treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you want a delicious, easy-to-make snack.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: 14 servings
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal (or store brand version)
• 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars (15 crushed and 3 roughly chopped for garnish)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup salted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the cereal: Add the Rice Chex cereal to an extra large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Melt the chocolate mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
4. Coat the cereal: Drizzle the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir to evenly coat all the cereal pieces.
5. Incorporate crushed Butterfinger: Stir in the 15 crushed Butterfinger candy bars to mix throughout the coated cereal.
6. Coat with powdered sugar: Sprinkle the sifted powdered sugar over the coated cereal mixture and stir to coat, or transfer the coated cereal into a large (2-gallon) ziplock bag, add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake well to evenly coat while minimizing mess.
7. Dry and garnish: Spread the coated cereal out on a baking sheet to dry. Just before serving, sprinkle the roughly chopped 3 fun size Butterfinger candy bars over the top for garnish and added texture.

Notes

• Use a large bowl to give yourself room to stir without spilling.
• Warming the chocolate mixture slowly and stirring well prevents burning or clumping.
• Using a ziplock bag to coat with powdered sugar helps contain the mess and makes clean-up easier.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the snack fresh and crunchy.
• You can substitute the Butterfinger candy bars with other crunchy chocolate peanut butter candy bars if preferred.