Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining the nutty flavor of pistachios with sweet white chocolate and a hint of almond. It’s an easy, addictive treat perfect for parties or anytime you crave something crunchy and sweet.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3.4-oz box instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 5 cups rice Chex cereal
• 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers
• 1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set it aside. Line a work surface or baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
2. Step 2: In a gallon-size zip-top bag, combine the powdered sugar and dry pistachio pudding mix. Seal the bag and shake well to mix.
3. Step 3: Add the almond extract to the bag, seal it again, and shake to incorporate evenly.
4. Step 4: In a separate medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate melting wafers and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second increments until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir to coat the cereal evenly, working quickly before the chocolate hardens.
6. Step 6: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the zip-top bag with the powdered sugar and pudding mix. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the cereal fully.
7. Step 7: Spread the coated cereal out onto the lined surface and allow it to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger pistachio flavor, try mixing in some chopped roasted pistachios after coating the cereal.
• Use almond bark as a substitute for white chocolate wafers if desired.
• Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness if you prefer a more complex flavor.

Storage

Store Pistachio Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks. If the mixture softens, simply let it come to room temperature before serving. Avoid storing in humid environments to prevent clumping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cereal instead of Rice Chex?

Yes, you can substitute Rice Chex with corn or wheat Chex, or any similar crisp, square-shaped cereal. Just be sure it has a neutral flavor to allow the pistachio and white chocolate to shine.

Is it necessary to use almond extract?

The almond extract adds a subtle nutty note that complements the pistachio flavor beautifully, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can omit it or replace it with a small amount of vanilla extract.

Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 62 reviews

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining crunchy rice cereal coated in creamy white chocolate and a flavorful pistachio pudding and powdered sugar blend. This no-bake treat is easy to prepare, perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings, with a unique almond extract note that enhances its nutty pistachio flavor.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3.4-oz box instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 5 cups rice Chex cereal
• 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers
• 1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Prepare Cereal Base: Place 5 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Line a work surface or baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to prepare for cooling and coating the mixture later.
2. Mix Sugar and Pudding: In a gallon-size zip-top bag, combine 2/3 cup powdered sugar with the entire 3.4-oz box of instant pistachio pudding mix. Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously to evenly blend the dry ingredients.
3. Add Almond Extract: Pour 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract into the zip-top bag, reseal it, and shake again to integrate the liquid flavor thoroughly into the powdered mix.
4. Melt White Chocolate and Butter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups of white chocolate melting wafers and 1/4 cup butter cut into pieces. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, then remove and stir well. Continue microwaving in 15-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is melted and smooth without overheating.
5. Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate and butter mixture over the rice Chex cereal in the large bowl. Stir gently but quickly to coat all the cereal pieces evenly before the chocolate starts to harden.
6. Apply Pistachio Sugar Mixture: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the zip-top bag containing the powdered sugar and pistachio pudding mixture. Seal the bag securely and shake until all the cereal pieces are well-coated with the sweet pistachio blend.
7. Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal out evenly on the prepared parchment or wax paper-lined surface. Allow it to cool completely so the coating firm ups and the Puppy Chow achieves its signature texture.

Notes

• Use a large enough zip-top bag to ensure easy shaking and coating of the cereal without spills.
• Adjust the almond extract amount slightly if you prefer a stronger or milder almond flavor.
• Stir the melted white chocolate gently to avoid introducing air bubbles that can affect texture.
• Store Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
• For variation, you can substitute white chocolate wafers with white chocolate chips, but melting time may vary.

Keywords: Pistachio Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow Recipe, Snack Mix, White Chocolate Snack, Chex Mix Dessert, No-Bake Snack, Pistachio Dessert