Sweet and Salty Puppy Chow

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because:

• It’s easy to make with just a few pantry staples.

• The mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar creates a delicious sweet‑and‑salty contrast.

• It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or packing for on‑the‑go snacking.

• It’s customizable with add‑ins like nuts, candies, or pretzels.

Ingredients

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

• Chex or other crispy rice cereal

• Semi‑sweet chocolate chips

• Creamy peanut butter

• Butter

• Vanilla extract

• Powdered sugar

• Optional mix‑ins: mini pretzels, chopped nuts, M&Ms

Directions

1. In a microwave‑safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.

2. Stir in vanilla extract.

3. Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate–peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently toss until evenly coated.

4. Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable bag or container with a lid. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until the cereal is coated well and looks powdery.

5. If using mix‑ins like pretzels or candies, add them after the coating step and gently stir to combine.

6. Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet to cool and set before serving.

Servings and timing

• Serves: About 8–10 snack portions

• Prep time: ~10 minutes

• Total time: ~15–20 minutes

Variations

• Nut‑free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.

• Chocolate peanut butter cup: Add mini peanut butter cup pieces after coating.

• Cinnamon sugar twist: Use cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.

• Dark chocolate: Swap semi‑sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge if your environment is warm; bring back to room temperature before serving.

• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month; thaw before eating.

• Reheating: No reheating needed—serve as a cold snack.

FAQs

What cereal works best for puppy chow?

Square rice cereals like Chex work well because the chocolate coating sticks nicely to the surfaces.

Can I make puppy chow without a microwave?

Yes — melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter on the stove over low heat in a small saucepan.

Is this snack gluten‑free?

Use gluten‑free cereal and check other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten‑free.

Can kids help make puppy chow?

Yes, kids can help stir, shake the cereal with powdered sugar, and add mix‑ins under supervision.

How do I keep puppy chow from getting soggy?

Make sure the cereal is dry and let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Can I add candy pieces?

Yes — add candies like M&Ms or mini peanut butter cups after the powdered sugar coating for extra flavor.

Is puppy chow dairy‑free?

Choose dairy‑free chocolate chips and check that the butter substitute is dairy‑free.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes — crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture.

How long does puppy chow last?

Stored properly in a sealed container, it stays fresh for about 5 days.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — puppy chow can be made a day or two before serving and stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Sweet and Salty Puppy Chow is a quick, crowd‑pleasing snack that combines crunchy cereal with a sweet chocolate‑peanut butter coating and a dusting of powdered sugar. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a fun treat for snacking any time.