The Best Puppy Chow Recipe using Crispix Cereal

This easy puppy chow recipe is a sweet, no-bake snack made with crunchy Chex or Crispix cereal coated in a rich chocolate and peanut butter mixture, then tossed in powdered sugar for a classic candy-like finish. Perfect for parties, holidays, or quick treats, this addictive Midwest favorite is simple to make and ready in minutes.

Why you’ll love this Puppy Chow

Puppy Chow is very popular in the Midwest. Us Midwesterners have to think of all sorts of treats to get us through the winter season. We are also a crowd that likes a good party, and we like to have lots of nibbles while watching various sports. Puppy chow is extremely hard to stop eating once you’ve started. We have some friends that have declared themselves the best at making Puppy Chow. I will admit their Puppy Chow is, or should I say, was superior to ours. That is until, my gal, Beth gave away her Puppy Chow making secrets! The SECRET to making the best Puppy Chow is making it in a extra large bowl, for tossing, and not to skimp on the powdered sugar!

Gather these ingredients

How to make Puppy Chow

This recipe uses an entire 17 ounce box of Crispix or Chex Cereal. If you have a very large as in XXL bowl pour all of the cereal into one bowl, if not (I do not) then measure half of the cereal into two bowls. Sorry I know dirtying two bowls in not ideal, but it’s worth the extra effort in the end.

Pour cereal into a large bowl or two large bowls. Remember you need room to mix. Set that aside.

Add chocolate chips, butter, and creamy peanut butter to a sauce pan. Place pan on stove top and turn burner on low, stir continuously as ingredients melt. Add in vanilla extract. (You can find microwave instructions in the recipe card below.)

When all the ingredients have melted and are smooth remove pan from stove.

Pour melted chocolate peanut butter mixture over cereal, carefully fold cereal into chocolate so it is completely coated.

Sprinkle powdered sugar over chocolate covered cereal. At this point you can hold bowl in both hands and give the bowl a shake to get powdered sugar down into the cracks, continue to shake bowl giving a tossing motion. If this creates too much “mess” use a spatula and carefully fold powdered sugar into cereal.

Note: Another common way to get chocolate covered cereal pieces coated with powdered sugar is to put powdered sugar in either a plastic zip-loc bag or a large brown paper grocery bag, then add chocolate covered cereal and shake bag until cereal is completely coated with powdered sugar.

Once cereal has been sufficiently covered with powdered sugar I spread it out on baking sheets, or lay parchment paper out on your counter top (or as my mom used to do cut a paper bag and lay it out flat) and dump puppy chow out and break up larger pieces.

Tips for best Puppy Chow

• Use fresh powdered sugar. Fresh powdered sugar coats the cereal more evenly and gives puppy chow its signature sweet finish.
• Let the chocolate cool slightly. If the chocolate-peanut butter mixture is too hot, the cereal can become soggy.
• Work gently. Fold and toss carefully to keep the Crispix cereal from breaking.
• Use a large bowl or paper bag. A large mixing bowl or gallon-sized zip-top bag makes it easy to coat every piece with powdered sugar.
• Allow it to cool completely. This helps the chocolate set and keeps the puppy chow from clumping together.

Variations

• Add Mini M&M’s – Stir in colorful M&M’s after the puppy chow has cooled.
• Make it extra crunchy – Mix in pretzels, peanuts, or mini peanut butter cups.
• Try different cereals – Traditional puppy chow is made with Chex cereal, but I love to use Crispix adds an extra light and crispy texture. Chex also makes many different flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon, and strawberry vanilla which could be interesting! Think chocolate covered strawberry…yum.
• Use white chocolate – Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt – A little flaky sea salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Holiday Puppy Chow – Add seasonal candies and sprinkles for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Halloween.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why is it called puppy chow? Puppy chow is a sweet snack mix made with cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It gets its name because the coated cereal pieces resemble dry dog food. However this treat is not intended for pets (insert smile emoji).
2. Is Puppy Chow the same as Muddy Buddies? You say muddy buddy I say puppy chow. Tomato, Tomahto. Puppy chow and Muddy Buddies are essentially the same chocolate peanut butter snack mix. The name often depends on where you grew up. In many Midwestern states, it’s known as Puppy Chow.
3. How should I store Puppy Chow? Store puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months.
4. Can Puppy Chow be made ahead of time? Yes. Puppy chow is a great make-ahead snack for parties, road trips, beach days, and holiday gatherings.
5. Can Puppy Chow be frozen and for how long? Yes. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to two months. Many people enjoy eating it straight from the freezer.

Whether you call it puppy chow or Muddy Buddies, this easy chocolate peanut butter snack mix is always a crowd favorite. Made with crispy Crispix cereal, melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a generous coating of powdered sugar, this classic no-bake treat is perfect for parties, road trips, beach days, game nights, and holiday gatherings. Once you make a batch, you’ll understand why it disappears so quickly.

If you try this Puppy Chow Recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know whether you’re Team Puppy Chow or Team Muddy Buddies. Don’t forget to rate the recipe in the recipe card—your ratings help others find and enjoy this recipe too. And if you loved it, save it to Pinterest so you can easily find it again the next time you’re craving a sweet and crunchy chocolate peanut butter treat. From my table to yours with love, Sheila