Print

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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