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best puppy chow recipe

Puppy Chow Recipe

This easy puppy chow recipe (also known as Muddy Buddies) is a chocolate peanut butter dream — crunchy, sweet, and impossible to stop eating!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Base:
  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • Chocolate Coating:
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter ½ stick
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Powdered Sugar Coating:
  • cups powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Melt the Chocolate Mixture
  • In a medium saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter.
  • Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth and glossy.
  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  • You’ll know it’s ready when it smells like a Reese’s cup melted down into perfection.
  • Coat the Cereal
  • Pour Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl.
  • Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal, stirring gently with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated.
  • Pro tip: Don’t crush the cereal — gentle folding is key! Each square should be lightly chocolate-coated and shiny.
  • Add the Powdered Sugar
  • Now for the fun part!
  • Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag (or use two gallon-sized bags if needed).
  • Add powdered sugar. Seal the bag tightly and shake until everything is evenly coated and fluffy white.
  • (If you’re making this with kids, this is their favorite part — and honestly, adults love it too.)
  • Cool & Serve
  • Spread the coated cereal out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Let it cool for about 10 minutes until the chocolate sets.
  • Then, dig in! Store leftovers (if you somehow have any) in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

  • Don’t overheat the chocolate. Low and slow is key — burnt chocolate turns grainy.
  • Mix gently. Rough stirring breaks the cereal into crumbs.
  • Use enough powdered sugar. It prevents clumping and gives that classic look.
  • Let it cool before sealing. Warm puppy chow trapped in a bag = soggy texture.
  • Make extra. Seriously. It disappears faster than you think.
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