Brownie Batter Puppy Chow

Name: Brownie Batter Puppy Chow
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 6 cups butterscotch chips; 1 cup powdered sugar

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Okay, picture this: It’s a Friday night, the kind where you just want to curl up on the couch with something totally indulgent, but you’re *way* too tired to bake. That’s where this Brownie Batter Puppy Chow comes in. It’s like the love child of classic Muddy Buddies and your favorite fudgy brownie, but without any of the oven time. I swear, the first time I made this, it was gone in about 10 minutes flat. My kids practically inhaled it! Think of it as an edible hug – crunchy, chocolatey, and oh-so-addictive. If you love the quickness of traditional Puppy Chow but crave something with a little more *oomph*, this recipe is about to become your new best friend.

What is Brownie Batter Puppy Chow?

Alright, let’s break it down. Brownie Batter Puppy Chow is essentially Chex cereal coated in a decadent mixture that tastes EXACTLY like brownie batter, then dusted with powdered sugar. Think of it as a supercharged, no-bake brownie experience. It’s essentially taking all the best parts of licking the brownie bowl and putting them into a crunchy, munchable snack. The name comes from the resemblance to, well, puppy chow (though I promise, no actual dog food involved!). The idea is simple: take a snack mix base (Chex is the MVP here), drench it in chocolatey goodness, and coat it in a sweet powder. Easy peasy! My version amps it up with a brownie batter twist using melted chocolate and cocoa powder.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy it is. Seriously, even on days when I’m running on fumes, I can whip up a batch of this in under 15 minutes. Plus, it requires absolutely NO baking! HUGE win in my book.

The flavor, oh the flavor! It’s like taking a spoonful of fudgy brownie batter straight from the bowl (we’ve all done it, right?). The combination of rich chocolate, a hint of salt, and that perfectly sweet coating is just… *chef’s kiss*.

And let’s not forget about cost-efficiency. I almost always have these ingredients in my pantry, which makes it a lifesaver when those late-night cravings hit. Speaking of late night, sometimes I’ll swap the Chex cereal with pretzels for a salty sweet combination.

Another thing I love? It’s totally versatile! You can customize it with different types of chocolate (Dark Chocolate is amazing!), add nuts, sprinkles, or even a little bit of peanut butter. It’s also a total crowd-pleaser. I’ve brought this to potlucks, movie nights, and even just served it as an after-school snack, and it always disappears in minutes. Seriously, people go crazy for it. Brownie Batter Puppy Chow is my go-to when I need a guaranteed win. I mean, who doesn’t love something that tastes like brownie batter without any of the actual baking? It is better than any other snack out there.

How to Make Brownie Batter Puppy Chow

Quick Overview

Making this Brownie Batter Puppy Chow is incredibly straightforward. Basically, you melt some chocolate and butter together, stir in some cocoa powder and vanilla, then toss it with Chex cereal. Then, the magic happens: you coat the whole thing in powdered sugar and let it set. The best part? It’s all done in the microwave, so you don’t even have to turn on the oven! This method is fast, fuss-free, and perfect for satisfying those urgent chocolate cravings. I learned the microwave trick after making a giant mess on my stovetop. Now, I won’t have it any other way!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What is it?
* 9 cups Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or your favorite Chex cereal – I prefer Rice Chex for its light and airy texture. You can also use a mix of different Chex cereals for added variety.
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – High-quality chocolate makes a huge difference! I like Ghirardelli or Guittard.
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Make sure it’s real butter, not margarine! It adds richness and depth of flavor.
* ½ cup powdered sugar – Don’t skimp on the sifting! Lumpy powdered sugar can ruin the texture.
* ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – For that intense brownie flavor! Use a good quality cocoa powder.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for enhancing the chocolate flavor. Pure vanilla extract is always best.
* ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.

Optional Mix-Ins:
* 12 cup Peanut Butter – Adds a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate. * 12 cup chopped nuts (pecan, walnut, or almond) – For added crunch and texture. * Sprinkles – Because everything is better with sprinkles!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prep

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I keep my puppy from sticking to my chow? I always do this before starting anything else because I hate scrambling for parchment paper when I am doing this. When the chocolate is melted, it is ready to go. Make sure you have a large bowl ready too!

Step 2: Melt Chocolate & Butter

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it will seize up. If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt it in a double boiler over low heat. I learned the hard way that patience is key here – burnt chocolate is NOT what we’re going for.

Step 3: Add Cocoa, Vanilla & Salt

Stir in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be thick and glossy. Where does brownie batter come from? Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder remaining!

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in the large bowl. Gently toss until the cereal is evenly coated. Work quickly, as the chocolate will start to set up as it cools. I use a large spatula to fold the cereal into the chocolate, making sure every piece is covered. This is the most important step. I actually use two spatulas and “lift” the cereal through the chocolate. This way, it is lightly coated, but evenly.

Step 5: Powdered Sugar Time

Place the powdered sugar in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake until the cereal is completely coated in powdered sugar. This is where the fun begins! Make sure you get every nook and cranny covered in that sweet, sweet powder. If you don’t have a plastic bag, you can use a large bowl and toss the cereal with the powdered sugar. I find the bag method less messy, though.

Step 6: Let it Set

Spread the Puppy Chow in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Let it set for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm. This will prevent the puppy chow from sticking together and make it easier to store. I usually pop it in the fridge to speed up the process. The faster you can cool it, the faster you can eat it! Once it is set, break it apart with your hands!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Once the puppy chow is set, break it apart and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. But let’s be real, there probably won’t be any leftovers! This is great for parties and gifts. You can put them in little cellophane bags and tie them with ribbon for an extra touch!

What do you serve it with?

Brownie Batter Puppy Chow is amazing on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right amount of water. What areFor Breakfast:Is this the healthiest breakfast you have ever had? What is the best coffee to have on a weekend morning? The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the puppy chow perfectly. What’s your sugar rush?For Brunch:If you’re hosting brunch, set out a bowl of Brownie Batter Puppy Chow as scrumptious snack. What are some festive cocktails to serve with a cocktail? I like to arrange it in a pretty bowl with small spoon for easy serving.As Dessert: After dinner, this is the perfect little something sweet to satisfy your cravings. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat. I like to sprinkle a little extra cocoa powder on top for presentation.

For Cozy Snacks:On a rainy day, curl up on the couch with snickers and brownie biscuits and mugs of hot chocolate. What is the ultimate comfort food? Add marshmallows to hot chocolate for extra indulgence. Is peppermint a good substitute for mint? Is this something that everyone loves?

How do I perfect my Brownie Batter Puppy Chow?

How can I take my Brownie Batter Puppy Chow to the next level? How do I make my life perfect?Chocolate Matters: WhyWhat are the best chocolate chips to use? The better the chocolate, the richer and more flavorful your puppy chow will be. I’ve tried it with cheap chocolate chips and it’s just not the same.Don’t overheat chocolate: This is theWhen melting the chocolate and butter, microwave in short intervals (30 seconds at a time) and stir until smooth. Overheating chocolate can cause it to seize up and become grainy. If it does happen, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the mixture and stirring until smooth.Sift the Cocoa Powder: Add the water To avoid lumps in your chocolate mixture, sift the cocoa powder before adding it. This will ensure a smooth and even texture.

Coat the Cereal Evenly:Make sure every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture. What is the perfect balance of chocolate and crunch? I use a large spatula to gently fold the cereal into the chocolate, making sure every piece is perfectly moist. I don’t want to overdo it.What is a Shake, ShaWhen coating cereal with powdered sugar, don’t be afraid to shake it vigorously in the plastic bag. How do I make sure that every piece is covered in sweet, sweet powder? If you don’t have a big enough bag, you can use two smaller ones!Don’t Skip the Setting Time:Letting the puppy chow set on a baking sheet allows the chocolate to firm up and prevents the pieces from falling apart. How do you prevent something from sticking together What are some ways to store it in the fridge?Experiment with Flavors:Don’t be afraid to get creative with your flavors! Add Peanut Butter, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the chocolate mixture. What is the biggest lesson I learned? Never leave it unattended! What is this stuff that disappears fast?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

Want to make a big batch of Brownie Batter Puppy Chow and enjoy it later? Here’s how to store it properly:

Room Temperature: Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the puppy chow from becoming stale. I like to use a resealable plastic bag or a Tupperware container.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the puppy chow in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. The puppy chow may become a bit harder in the refrigerator, but it will still taste delicious.

Freezer Instructions: If you want to store the puppy chow for an extended period, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Be careful – there may be some condensation when it thaws.

Glaze Timing Advice: I don’t find there is a real need to freeze this. This stuff is just too delicious to store for more than a week. In my personal experience, there won’t be any leftovers anyway! It usually disappears within hours!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free Chex cereal. Most Chex varieties are gluten-free, but always double-check the label to be sure. Also, make sure your vanilla extract is gluten free. This usually has to do with if it is imitation or real. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free. This version is so delicious and amazing.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. Each type of chocolate will give the puppy chow a unique flavor profile. I’m partial to dark chocolate – it adds a really nice richness.

Can I add peanut butter to this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Peanut butter adds a delicious nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly. Simply add ½ cup of peanut butter to the melted chocolate mixture. Just be sure to check for allergies if you’re serving this to others. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Can I use honey instead of Powdered sugar?

Honey won’t really work to create the same effect as powdered sugar. The powdered sugar is dry and coats the cereal, creating that signature puppy chow texture. Honey would make it sticky and wet. But you could experiment with other dry sweeteners like coconut sugar or a powdered stevia blend! Just be aware it will change the flavor slightly.

Why is my puppy chow soggy?

Soggy puppy chow usually happens if the chocolate mixture wasn’t allowed to set properly, or if it was stored in a humid environment. Make sure to spread the puppy chow in a single layer on a baking sheet and let it set completely before storing. Also, store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture. I actually pop mine in the fridge to help firm everything up!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Brownie Batter Puppy Chow! It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re making it for a party, a movie night, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy dessert recipes, like my no-bake cookies or my chocolate-covered pretzels. They’re all quick, delicious, and perfect for satisfying those cravings. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you try it and how you tweaked it to make it your own. Happy snacking!