If you’re looking for an easy treat that disappears quickly, this Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a fun one to make. Crispy Rice Chex cereal is coated in a creamy peanut butter and white chocolate mixture, covered in powdered sugar, and finished with crunchy Butterfinger pieces.
There’s no oven involved, and it makes a generous batch, so it’s especially handy during the busy holiday season. Make a batch for a Christmas cookie tray, a family gathering, or package some up for a simple homemade gift.
It’s also a great snack to take along for camping, road trips, movie nights, or anytime you need something sweet and crunchy to share.
Why We Love This Butterfinger Puppy Chow
- So easy to make. There’s no baking and only a few simple steps.
- Makes a big batch. There’s plenty to share with family and friends.
- A fun holiday treat. Add it to a Christmas dessert table or package it in small bags for gifting.
- The Butterfinger makes it extra special. The crunchy candy pieces add another layer of peanut butter flavor and texture.
- Great for more than the holidays. Keep it in mind for parties, camping trips, potlucks, and family movie nights.
- Easy to make ahead. It keeps well once completely cooled and stored properly.
Easy Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces Rice Chex Cereal 12-ounce box is about 9 cups
- 12 Ounces White Chocolate Chips 1 bag
- 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- ½ Cup Butter (1 stick)
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 10.2 Ounces Butterfinger Candy Bars 1 bag of fun size, about 1 1/2 cups chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheets. Line two half-sheet pans with parchment paper. This will keep the puppy chow from sticking while it cools.
- Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large bowl or a large clean container with a lid.12 Ounces Rice Chex Cereal
- Make the peanut butter coating. Add the butter, peanut butter, and white chocolate chips to a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth. About 3-5 minutes.12 Ounces White Chocolate Chips, 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter, ½ Cup Butter
- Add the vanilla. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Coat the cereal. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex. Gently stir until the cereal is coated, being careful not to crush the pieces. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- While the cereal cools, place the candy bars in a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until they are broken into coarse crumbs.10.2 Ounces Butterfinger Candy Bars
- Add the powdered sugar to the cereal mixture. If using a large container with a lid, secure the lid and gently shake until the cereal is coated. If using a bowl, gently stir until the powdered sugar is evenly distributed.2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- Add the Butterfinger. Pour the puppy chow onto the prepared baking sheets and spread it out. Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger pieces over the top, gently tossing some of them into the mixture if desired.
- Let it cool. Leave the puppy chow uncovered on the baking sheets for about an hour, or until the coating has completely cooled and dried.
- Serve or store. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Tips for Making Puppy Chow
Use low heat for the white chocolate mixture. White chocolate can scorch easily, so keep the heat low and stir constantly while melting the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate. Use a very large bowl or container. You need enough room to gently stir or shake the cereal without crushing it. A large container with a secure lid makes coating the cereal with powdered sugar especially easy. Don’t crush the cereal. Stir gently when adding the melted mixture. Some broken pieces are inevitable, but the goal is to keep most of the Rice Chex intact. Make coarse Butterfinger crumbs. A few pulses in a food processor or blender are usually enough. You want a mixture of small crumbs and little pieces rather than a fine powder. Let it dry completely. Spreading the puppy chow over two baking sheets gives the pieces room to cool and allows the coating to set before storing.Nutrition
Can I Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. This is a great make-ahead treat, especially during the holidays when there are plenty of other things to prepare.
Make it a day or two ahead, let it cool and dry completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will be ready to serve whenever you need it.
How to Store Puppy Chow
Once completely cooled, store Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. There is no need to refrigerate it.
Keeping it on the counter is actually preferable because refrigeration can introduce moisture and may affect the texture of the cereal and powdered sugar coating.
For the best texture, keep the container tightly sealed and store it somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Can You Freeze Puppy Chow?
Yes, puppy chow can be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much excess air as possible.
Freeze for up to about 2 months for the best quality. Thaw it in the sealed container at room temperature. Once thawed, give it a gentle stir before serving.
Keep in mind that freezing can slightly change the texture of the cereal, so if you have the option, making it a day or two ahead and storing it at room temperature is preferable.
Butterfinger Puppy Chow Variations
Use different candy bars. If Butterfinger isn’t your favorite, try chopped peanut butter cups, Heath bars, toffee pieces, or another crunchy candy bar.
Add pretzels. Stir in small pretzel twists or pretzel sticks for a salty crunch.
Add nuts. Peanuts or chopped pecans would be a nice addition for even more crunch.
Make it festive. For Christmas, stir in red and green candies or holiday sprinkles after the puppy chow has cooled.
Try chocolate chips. A handful of mini chocolate chips can be added after the mixture has completely cooled.
A Fun Treat to Keep on Hand
Butterfinger Puppy Chow is one of those recipes that’s easy to make and even easier to share. Keep a container on the counter during the holidays, take some along for a camping trip, or package it into small bags for a simple homemade treat.
And if you’re making it for a gathering, you may want to make an extra batch. Sweet, crunchy, peanut-buttery snacks like this have a way of disappearing quickly!
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An easy sweet snack perfect for the Holiday season.