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Puppy Chow Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 43 reviews

Puppy Chow Bars are a deliciously chewy and chocolatey treat made by coating Chex cereal in a rich blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallows, then finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. These bars are easy to make, perfect for snacking, parties, or holiday treats and provide a fun twist on the classic puppy chow snack.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 7 cups (189g) Chex cereal
  • 10 oz (283g) mini marshmallows (about 1 bag)
  • 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar (or more as needed)

Wet Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp (57g) unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
  • 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (270g) creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cereal: Measure out 7 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside for coating later.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Microwave at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval until fully melted and smooth.
  3. Add Peanut Butter: Stir in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter into the melted chocolate mixture. Continue microwaving at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until the peanut butter is evenly melted and incorporated.
  4. Incorporate Marshmallows: Add 10 ounces of mini marshmallows to the mixture. Microwave again at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each, until the marshmallows puff up and the mixture thickens, but the marshmallows do not fully melt. Stir with a spatula to combine into a thick, sticky mixture.
  5. Coat the Cereal: Pour the thick chocolate-peanut butter-marshmallow mixture over the Chex cereal in the large bowl. Using a spatula or your hands, mix thoroughly making sure the cereal is fully coated with the sticky mixture.
  6. Press Into Pan: Transfer the coated cereal to a 9×13 inch baking pan. Using your hands, firmly press the mixture evenly into the pan to form a compact layer.
  7. Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process and help them set firmly.
  8. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place 1 cup of powdered sugar in a ziplock bag. Cut the set bars into squares and place one bar at a time inside the bag. Seal the bag and shake until each bar is evenly coated with powdered sugar. Repeat for all pieces.
  9. Serve: Arrange the powdered sugar coated Puppy Chow Bars on a serving tray and enjoy!

Notes

  • Using a microwave at 50% power helps gently melt the chocolate and peanut butter without burning.
  • If marshmallows are not puffing, continue microwaving in short increments but avoid overheating.
  • Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan ensures the bars hold together when cut.
  • Powdered sugar coating adds sweetness and helps prevent the bars from sticking to each other.
  • You can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.