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Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

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4.1 from 62 reviews

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a delightful, crunchy snack mix combining crispy Rice Chex cereal with a luscious chocolate-peanut butter coating and crushed Butterfinger candy bars, dusted generously with powdered sugar. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a sweet treat, this no-bake recipe is quick to make and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal (store brand version)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Coating

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

Candy Mix-ins

  • 18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars (15 crushed, 3 roughly chopped for garnish)

Finishing

  • 1¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cereal: Place 7 cups of Rice Chex Cereal into an extra-large bowl, setting it aside while preparing the coating mixture.
  2. Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
  3. Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined, enhancing the flavor.
  4. Coat the Cereal: Drizzle the chocolate peanut butter mixture evenly over the cereal and gently stir to coat all the pieces thoroughly.
  5. Add Crushed Butterfinger Candy: Fold in the 15 crushed fun size Butterfinger candy bars into the coated cereal mixture to distribute the candy bits evenly.
  6. Apply Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle 1¼ cup sifted powdered sugar over the coated cereal mixture and stir to coat. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a large (2-gallon) ziplock bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake well to evenly cover the cereal, which also makes cleanup easier.
  7. Dry the Puppy Chow: Spread the coated cereal on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to dry for about 20 minutes. This step helps prevent clumping and sogginess.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the 3 roughly chopped fun size Butterfinger candy bars over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Puppy Chow can be frozen for up to 3 months in a tightly sealed ziplock bag; thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Crushing Butterfingers: Place candy bars in a ziplock bag and smash with a rolling pin or mallet, or pulse in a food processor for finely chopped pieces.
  • Powdered Sugar Coating: Using a large plastic bag to shake the coating mixture with powdered sugar helps contain the sugar and reduces mess.
  • Drying: Letting the puppy chow rest on parchment paper helps avoid soggy clumps and keeps the texture crisp.
  • Variations: Customize by adding M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, sprinkles, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts to make it festive for any occasion.