Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a delightfully crunchy and sweet snack that combines chocolate, peanut butter, and crushed Butterfinger candy bars. Perfect for parties or an indulgent treat, this easy recipe transforms simple cereal into a crowd-pleasing snack mix.

Ingredients

• 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal, or store brand version
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup salted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars, 15 crushed and 3 roughly chopped for garnish
• 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the cereal to an extra large bowl.
2. Step 2: In a microwave safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir well until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
3. Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Gently stir to coat all the cereal evenly.
5. Step 5: Stir in the 15 crushed Butterfinger candy bars.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the sifted powdered sugar over the coated cereal mixture and stir well, or place the coated cereal in a large (2 gallon) ziplock bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake to coat. Using a bag helps contain the powdered sugar and makes cleanup easier.
7. Step 7: Spread the coated cereal out on a baking sheet to dry.
8. Step 8: Just before serving, sprinkle the roughly chopped 3 fun size Butterfinger candy bars on top as garnish.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra chocolaty version, add mini chocolate chips along with the crushed Butterfinger candy.
• Use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit more texture in the coating.
• If you want to reduce sweetness, try substituting some Butterfinger pieces with chopped nuts or pretzels.
• Store the Puppy Chow in an airtight container to keep it crisp.

Storage

Store the Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to two weeks, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best crunch. Avoid moisture to prevent the coating from becoming sticky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, while Rice Chex is recommended for its crunch and ability to hold the coating, you can use other similar cereals like Corn Chex or Wheat Chex. Just avoid cereals that are too fragile or sweetened, as they may not hold up well.

Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?

This recipe relies on peanut butter for flavor and texture, but you can substitute with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter to accommodate allergies.

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a delightful sweet snack mix that combines crunchy Rice Chex cereal with a rich blend of melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Crushed Butterfinger candy bars are stirred in for a crunchy, peanut buttery crunch, all coated generously in powdered sugar for that classic Puppy Chow finish. It’s a perfect treat for parties, movie nights, or whenever you crave a nostalgic, indulgent snack.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute
• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal (or store brand version)
• 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars (15 crushed and 3 roughly chopped for garnish)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup salted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cereal: Add the Rice Chex cereal to an extra-large mixing bowl, ensuring you have enough room to coat the cereal evenly.
2. Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth with no lumps.
3. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir the pure vanilla extract into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture until fully combined, enhancing the flavor depth of your coating.
4. Coat the Cereal: Drizzle the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir with a spatula to coat every piece of cereal evenly without breaking it.
5. Mix in Crushed Butterfinger: Fold in the 15 crushed fun size Butterfinger candy bars carefully to distribute the crunchy candy pieces throughout the coated cereal.
6. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal mix to a large 2-gallon ziplock bag. Add the sifted powdered sugar and seal the bag. Shake vigorously until the cereal is well coated with powdered sugar, which adds sweetness and the classic Puppy Chow texture.
7. Dry and Garnish: Spread the powdered sugar-coated cereal evenly on a baking sheet to allow it to dry and set. Just before serving, sprinkle the 3 roughly chopped Butterfinger candy bars on top for extra flavor and decorative crunch.

Notes

• Using a large ziplock bag to coat the cereal in powdered sugar minimizes mess and allows even coating.
• Ensure the chocolate mixture is warm but not hot when drizzling to avoid melting the powdered sugar too much.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crunch.
• You can substitute classic Butterfinger bars with peanut butter cups or other crunchy peanut butter candy if preferred.
• If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or use a light dusting.

Keywords: Butterfinger Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow recipe, Chocolate peanut butter snack, Chex mix dessert, Fun size candy snack mix