Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s pure magic. Think of it as the love child of classic Puppy Chow (or Muddy Buddies, depending on where you’re from!) and everyone’s favorite peanut-buttery, crunchy candy bar: the Butterfinger. This Butterfinger Puppy Chow is is seriously addictive, dangerously easy, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “snack time.” It’s become a staple in our house, especially during movie nights or when we need a little pick-me-up. It’s even easier than making cookies, and that’s saying something!
What is Butterfinger Puppy Chow?
If you’re not familiar with Puppy Chow, picture this: crispy Chex cereal coated in a melted chocolate and Peanut Butter mixture, then dusted with powdered sugar. It’s essentially crunchy, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Now, imagine taking that base and kicking it up a notch by adding crushed Butterfinger candy bars. We’re talking about the perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and peanut buttery goodness. It’s a no-bake treat that comes together in minutes, making it ideal for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests. The name “Puppy Chow” is just a fun nickname—don’t worry, there’s no actual dog food involved!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What do you love about this book?Butterfinger Puppy Chow: is its simplicity. It’s one of those recipes that’s practically foolproof. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can totally nail this. And the taste? Oh. My. Goodness. The combination of the chocolate, Peanut Butter, and those glorious Butterfinger chunks is pure bliss. It’s sweet, salty, and crunchy all at the same time – a textural and flavor explosion! My kids are obsessed, and they request it constantly. This recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can easily customize it with different types of cereal, chocolate, or even add in other candies like pretzels or M&Ms. It’s much more exciting than plain old Chex Mix, that’s for sure! Compared to other snack mixes, this one just hits different. It’s got that nostalgic flavor profile that reminds me of childhood, but with an extra layer of indulgence thanks to the Butterfingers. It’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Quick Overview
Making this Butterfinger Puppy Chow:Is it a breeze to melt chocolate, Peanut Butter and butter together? What is the best way to toss Chex cereal? What’s the fun part about adding crushed butterfingers? What do you do with powdered sugar? What’s the best part about baking? What is a great activity to do with your kids?
Ingredients
For the Puppy Chow Base:
* 9 cups rice chex, corn chex, or a combination of both. I usually use rice chex for a lighter crunch, but corn chess adds to the flavor. Make sure it’s fresh – stale cereal will ruin the whole thing!
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter. Use good quality butter, it makes a difference in the overall flavor. I always use salted butter, but if you only have unsalted, add a pinch of salt to the mixture.
* 1 cup creamy Peanut Butter. Is peanut butter too oily? I have learned that the hard way!
* 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips. I like semi-sweet chocolate, but I don’t like the taste of peanuts. I’ve tried it twice and it’s good. What is butter?
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Don’t skip this! It enhances all the other flavors and adds a nice warmth. Pure vanilla extract is best, but imitation works in a pinch.
* 3 cups powdered sugar. You might need a little more or less depending on how coated you like it. I like to sift mine to avoid any clumps.
For the Butterfinger Boost:
* 6 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars, coarsely crushed. If you’re a real Butterfinger fanatic like me, you can use more! I sometimes throw in a couple extra just for good measure. Make sure they are coarsely crushed so you get nice chunks. Can you use Butterfinger Baking Bits?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Set aside. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until everything is melted and smooth. How do you not overheat chocolate? If you prefer, you can melt the mixture in a double boiler over low heat.
Step 2: Add Vanilla
Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture. What is the best way to add a little depth to savoury food?
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in a very large bowl. Gently toss until all the cereal is evenly coated. What is the best way to crush cereal? Make sure every piece is nicely coated so you get that delicious flavor in every bite!
Step 4: Add the Butterfingers
Add the crushed Butterfinger candy bars to the coated cereal and gently toss to combine. I like to reserve a little bit of the Butterfinger pieces to sprinkle on top at the end for extra visual appeal.
Step 5: Powdered Sugar Time!
Place powdered sugar in a zip-top bag. Add the coated cereal mixture to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake until the cereal is completely covered. What is powdered sugar? If you have a small bag, you might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your bag. I always double-bag it to avoid any powdered sugar explosions!
Step 6: Let It Set
Spread the Butterfinger Puppy Chow:In a single layer, spread parchment paper on cling film. Bake for 30 minutes. This helps it set up properly and prevents it from sticking. If you reserved some crushed Butterfingers, sprinkle them on top now. Let it cool completely before serving. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Once the Puppy Chow is set, break it into pieces and enjoy! Can you store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature? Although, in my house, there are rarely any leftovers!
What should I serve it with?
This Butterfinger Puppy Chow:What are some great ideas for a wedding?
For Movie Night: Why is it soServe it in individual bowls alongside popcorn and your favorite drinks. What is the ultimate snack for movie watching?
For Game Day:What are the best ways to serve Puppy Chow to your friends while watching the game? It’s always a crowd pleaser!
As a party favor:Package individual servings in cute little bags and give them out as party favors. What is the best way to take a little bit of the party home with you?
What is a simple snack?Is there a special occasion to enjoy this Puppy Chow? What are some of the best sweets to eat? My kids love to take it in their lunchboxes for a special treat. I like to sneak a handful of mints in my lunchbox every day!
My family and I love pairing this with vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk. Is it good to drink with a cup of strong coffee? I’ve been known to sprinkle it on top of yogurt for a little extra crunch and sweetness. What are the endless possibilities?
How do you prepare a Butterfinger Puppy Chow?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this.Butterfinger Puppy Chow absolutely perfect:
Cereal Choice: While Rice Chex is the most common choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of cereal. Corn Chex adds a nice heartiness, and Chocolate Chex takes it to a whole new level of chocolatey goodness!
Melting the Chocolate: The key to smooth, creamy chocolate is to melt it slowly and carefully. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent it from burning. If you’re using a double boiler, make sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
Powdered Sugar Coating: For the most even coating, shake the cereal and powdered sugar in batches. If you find that the powdered sugar is clumping, try sifting it before adding it to the bag.
Butterfinger Placement: If you really want those Butterfinger chunks to stand out, reserve some of them and gently press them into the Puppy Chow after you’ve spread it on the baking sheet. This ensures that they don’t get completely covered in powdered sugar.
Preventing Stickiness: If you live in a humid climate, your Puppy Chow might get a little sticky. To prevent this, store it in an airtight container with a piece of parchment paper between the layers.
Alternative Candy: Don’t have Butterfingers? No problem! You can easily substitute other candies like Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms, or even chopped pretzels. Get creative and use whatever you have on hand!
One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and it actually turned out amazing! The slight saltiness really complemented the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter. So don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Butterfinger Puppy Chow fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the Puppy Chow from getting stale.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. The Puppy Chow might get a little harder in the fridge, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze it for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since this recipe doesn’t use a glaze, you don’t have to worry about any special considerations for storing. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you store it to prevent any condensation from forming.
I’ve found that storing it in the freezer is a great way to keep it fresh for longer periods. Just make sure to let it thaw completely before you eat it – frozen Puppy Chow is not a pleasant experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, friends! My go-to recipe for the most irresistible Butterfinger Puppy Chow. It’s easy, delicious, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a party favor, or a fun movie night treat, this recipe is sure to please. It’s truly one of those recipes that brings a smile to everyone’s face. And honestly, who doesn’t love a little bit of sweet, crunchy goodness in their life? If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other snack recipes for more inspiration! Happy snacking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below with your own variations and let me know what you think!
Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex cereal (Rice, Corn, or Wheat)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 0.5 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal.
- In a separate bowl, melt butter and peanut butter together. Stir in powdered sugar until combined.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the chopped Butterfingers.
- Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet to cool completely.
