Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible treat to devour while binge-watching your favorite show or sharing with friends, this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the nostalgic crunch of Rice Chex cereal with luscious melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the iconic crisp of Butterfinger candy bars, this snack is an explosion of flavors and textures that hits every craving just right. It’s easy to make, wonderfully addictive, and perfect for gifting or parties. Once you try this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, but every single one plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the crunchy cereal base to the smooth melted chocolate and peanut butter coating, plus the sweet, crunchy candy pieces, this snack is all about harmony.

• 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal: The crunchy foundation that soaks up the chocolate and peanut butter coating beautifully without getting soggy.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds rich, melty chocolate goodness that binds everything together.
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Brings creamy, nutty warmth that perfectly complements the chocolate.
• ¼ cup salted butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps smooth the chocolate mixture.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer that gives depth and a comforting aroma.
• 18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars (15 crushed, 3 chopped): The star ingredient delivering that iconic crispy, flaky crunch and buttery flavor.
• 1¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted): Coats the mix with a sweet, powdery finish that keeps the pieces from sticking and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal Base

Start by pouring the 7 cups of Rice Chex cereal into an extra-large bowl. This crunchy cereal serves as the perfect base for soaking up all the delicious coatings without losing its crispness.

Step 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, then stir until the mixture is perfectly smooth and melted. This luscious blend is what gives the puppy chow its irresistible coating.

Step 3: Enhance with Vanilla

Stir in the teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into the warm chocolate mixture. This simple addition adds a lovely depth and warmth that elevates the overall taste.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Drizzle the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir everything together to ensure every single piece gets a delicious coating, creating that signature flavor-packed crunch.

Step 5: Mix in the Crushed Butterfinger Candy Bars

Stir in the 15 crushed fun-size Butterfinger candy bars right into the chocolate-coated cereal. This step infuses the snack with buttery crispiness and adds exciting bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Sprinkle the sifted powdered sugar over the covered cereal mixture and stir, or better yet, transfer the coated cereal and powdered sugar into a large (2-gallon) ziplock bag and shake it up. This method keeps the powdered sugar from flying everywhere and ensures a generous, even coating.

Step 7: Let It Dry and Garnish

Spread the coated cereal out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it dry for about 20 minutes. This step prevents the pieces from sticking together and keeps each bite crunchy. Just before serving, sprinkle in the 3 roughly chopped fun size Butterfinger candy bars to add a pop of color and extra crunch.

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

Garnishes

For a snack that looks just as good as it tastes, the chopped Butterfinger pieces on top are a perfect garnish that adds crunch and visual appeal. If you want to sprinkle in some colorful M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces, those add festive flair and playful texture—ideal for parties or special occasions.

Side Dishes

This Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe shines best as a standalone snack, but it pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a creamy milkshake. The contrast of flavors and temperatures makes for a balanced snack experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Creative Ways to Present

Give this treat a little pizzazz by serving it in festive bowls or mason jars tied with ribbon. For holiday parties, mix in colored sprinkles or crushed candy canes to match the season’s vibe. If gifting, package it in clear cellophane bags with a handwritten tag. The vibrant colors and textures make the presentation as irresistible as the taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be rare because it’s so good), store the Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps the cereal crisp and the candy pieces fresh without getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze this puppy chow for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s tightly sealed in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. When you’re ready, simply thaw it on the countertop—no need to heat it up. This is a great option if you want to prepare snacks ahead of time for future cravings.

Reheating

Since this is a crunchy, no-bake snack, reheating isn’t necessary and could ruin the texture. Just serve straight from storage and enjoy the perfect balance of crispness and chocolatey goodness every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Rice Chex?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is ideal for its light crunch and ability to hold coatings, you can experiment with Corn Chex or Wheat Chex depending on your preference. Just make sure the cereal isn’t too fragile to prevent it from breaking apart during mixing.

What’s the best way to crush the Butterfinger candy bars?

The easiest way is to place the candy bars in a ziplock bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin or mallet. If you want very fine crumbs, pulse them a few times in a food processor, but be careful not to turn them into powder.

Can I make this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe nut-free?

Since peanut butter is key to the flavor and texture, you could swap it for a sunflower seed butter or other nut-free alternative. Just be mindful the taste will shift slightly, but it can still be delicious!

Is this recipe suitable for parties and gifting?

Definitely! Butterfinger Puppy Chow makes for an eye-catching, tasty treat that’s easy to bag up and share. It’s perfect for holiday parties, birthdays, or as a homemade gift to brighten someone’s day.

How do I keep the puppy chow from sticking together?

Spreading the coated cereal out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allowing it to dry for 20 minutes before storing helps prevent clumps. Also, coating everything thoroughly but not overly saturating with chocolate keeps pieces separated and crunchy.

Final Thoughts

This Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves sweet, crunchy snacks. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, totally addictive, and perfect for sharing or satisfying your own sweet tooth. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough because once you do, it will become a delightful staple in your snack arsenal. Happy munching!

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