Name: Brownie Batter Puppy Chow
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (or corn Chex); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup dry brownie mix (from a box); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; Optional add-ins: mini marshmallows, pretzels, M&M’s, white chocolate drizzle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make, requires just a few ingredients, and comes together in minutes. The brownie mix adds an extra fudgy flavor that makes each bite taste like gooey brownie batter, but with the addictive crunch of cereal. It’s a great treat to share with friends, pack in lunches, or enjoy during movie nights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rice Chex cereal (or corn Chex)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Creamy peanut butter
Butter
Vanilla extract
Brownie mix (boxed, dry mix)
Powdered sugar

Optional add-ins:

Mini marshmallows
Pretzels
M&M’s or candy pieces
White chocolate drizzle

Directions

Place cereal in a large mixing bowl.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss until evenly coated.
In a large resealable bag, combine brownie mix and powdered sugar. Add coated cereal and shake until fully covered.
Spread onto a baking sheet to cool and set.
Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Serves 10–12.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes (microwave)
Total time: 12 minutes

Variations

Nut-free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
Double chocolate: Mix in mini chocolate chips after coating for extra bursts of chocolate.
Holiday twist: Add colored candy or sprinkles for seasonal themes.
Cookies & cream: Mix in crushed Oreos before coating with powdered sugar.
Peanut butter lovers: Stir in Reese’s Pieces or chopped peanut butter cups.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. No reheating is needed—just thaw if frozen.

FAQs

What’s the difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies?

They’re the same recipe—just two different names for the same sweet snack mix.

Can I eat this if I’m gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free cereal and make sure your brownie mix is certified gluten-free.

Do I need to bake the brownie mix?

No, you’re using the dry mix as a coating, so no baking is needed.

Can I make this without peanut butter?

Yes, use any nut or seed butter as a substitute.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of brownie mix?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Mixing cocoa with powdered sugar can mimic the effect.

How do I prevent clumping?

Shake the mix well in a bag to ensure even coating, and spread it out on a sheet to cool.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes, it’s a great kid-friendly recipe since it’s no-bake and fun to shake and mix.

Can I use white chocolate instead of regular chocolate?

Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and less fudgy.

How long does brownie batter puppy chow stay fresh?

It stays fresh up to 1 week at room temperature when stored in an airtight container.

Can I gift this?

Absolutely—it makes a perfect edible gift packaged in jars, tins, or treat bags.

Conclusion

Brownie batter puppy chow is a quick, no-bake snack that combines everything you love about brownies with the crunch of classic puppy chow. Sweet, chocolatey, and addictively snackable, it’s the perfect treat to whip up for parties, movie nights, or gift giving. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand for every occasion.