If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic snacks, you are going to adore this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe. It’s crunchy, chocolaty, and bursting with that iconic Butterfinger candy bar flavor all mingled with creamy peanut butter and a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. This snack is ridiculously addictive and comes together in no time, making it ideal for parties, movie nights, or even a quick treat to brighten your day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the texture and flavor that make Butterfinger Puppy Chow so irresistible. From the crispy rice cereal to the luscious peanut butter and the crunchy candy pieces, you’ll love how these come together effortlessly.
- 6 cups rice Chex cereal: The crispy base that holds all the delicious coating and adds a light, airy crunch.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and a smooth, nutty flavor that binds everything together.
- 1 cup Butterfinger candy bars, chopped: Tiny bursts of crunchy, buttery candy that bring the signature flavor of the recipe.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Brings a wonderful depth of chocolatey goodness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Helps create a silky smooth mixture for coating the cereal evenly.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Provides the sweet, snowy dusting that makes each bite extra special.
How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Melt the chocolate and peanut butter mixture
Start by combining the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly each time until the mixture is silky and fully melted. Then, fold in those delightful chopped Butterfinger pieces to infuse that unmistakable buttery crunch into the chocolate mixture.
Step 2: Coat the cereal
Next, pour the luscious melted chocolate mixture over the rice Chex cereal in a large bowl. Gently toss the cereal to ensure each piece is coated with that creamy, chocolaty goodness. Careful tossing means each bite will have a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Coat with powdered sugar
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Add the powdered sugar, seal it up tight, and shake vigorously until every piece of cereal is enveloped in a snowy white coating. This step adds that irresistible sweet crunch you can’t get enough of.
Step 4: Cool and serve
Spread the coated puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or any flat surface to cool and set. Once it’s cooled to room temperature, your Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe is ready to enjoy. You can serve it immediately or keep it in an airtight container for later snacking.
How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun twist, sprinkle additional crushed Butterfinger pieces on top of the puppy chow before serving. You can also toss in some mini peanut butter cups to intensify the peanut flavor and add a bit of festive flair.
Side Dishes
This snack pairs beautifully with a cold glass of milk or hot chocolate, balancing out the sweetness while keeping things cozy. It’s also fantastic alongside fruit platters, where the fresh flavors provide a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this festive treat in colorful bowls or mason jars for a party-ready presentation. If you’re feeling extra playful, portion the puppy chow into cupcake liners or small gift bags for easy grab-and-go snacking during holidays or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe stays fresh and crunchy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure to keep it away from heat or humidity to maintain that perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare a batch ahead of time, place the puppy chow in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw it at room temperature — it retains its charm and crunch beautifully.
Reheating
Since this is a cold snack, you don’t really need to reheat Butterfinger Puppy Chow. But if you want to soften the chocolate a bit before serving, leaving it out at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Absolutely! While rice Chex cereal is the classic choice for its light, crispy texture, you can experiment with other cereal types like corn Chex or even a gluten-free alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have Butterfinger bars?
If Butterfinger candy bars aren’t available, try substituting with other crunchy peanut butter or butterscotch-flavored candies. The flavor profile will shift, but it’s still delicious! Snickers or Reese’s pieces can be fun alternatives too.
Is this recipe safe for dogs?
Despite the name “puppy chow,” this recipe is definitely made for humans. The chocolate and peanut butter contents are not safe for dogs, so keep this treat out of reach of your furry friends.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Peanut butter is a key ingredient here for flavor and texture, but if you need a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter as a substitute. The taste will change a bit, but you’ll still get a creamy coating effect.
How can I make this less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet snack, reduce the powdered sugar by about half or swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa percentage. Play around until you find your perfect balance.
Final Thoughts
This Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite for a reason. It’s delightfully crunchy, rich with nostalgic candy flavor, and incredibly simple to whip up for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this snack will definitely bring smiles and happy tastes all around. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be a go-to in your snack arsenal!
Print
Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Microwaving and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix combining crispy rice cereal, creamy peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate, and chopped Butterfinger candy bars. Coated in powdered sugar, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors perfect for parties, gatherings, or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups rice Chex cereal (or any other crispy rice cereal)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup Butterfinger candy bars, chopped into small pieces (about 3 full-sized bars)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate and peanut butter mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Then, stir in the chopped Butterfinger pieces until they are well incorporated.
- Coat the cereal: Place the rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated without breaking the cereal.
- Coat with powdered sugar: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a large resealable plastic bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag or container securely, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated with powdered sugar.
- Cool and serve: Spread the coated puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a flat surface to allow it to cool and set. Once cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh crispy rice cereal to maintain the crunchiness.
- You can substitute Butterfinger candy bars with other similar chocolate peanut butter candy bars if desired.
- Ensure the chocolate and peanut butter mixture is not overheated, as this can cause separation or burning.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the snack fresh up to one week.
- Shaking the coated cereal thoroughly is key to achieving an even powdered sugar coating.
