Homemade Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a sweet, crunchy snack that’s perfect for parties or an easy treat at home. This homemade version combines chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar to coat crispy Rice Chex cereal in irresistible flavor.

Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- ¼ cup salted butter (½ stick)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and chocolate chips, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir until fully combined.
- Step 4: Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Place the powdered sugar into a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag.
- Step 6: Transfer the coated cereal into the bag with powdered sugar.
- Step 7: Seal the bag and shake gently, tossing and turning to fully coat the cereal with powdered sugar.
- Step 8: Pour the coated mixture onto a lined baking sheet and let it cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use smooth peanut butter for a creamier coating; natural peanut butter may separate and affect texture.
- Try white chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter twist.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate mixture to balance the sweetness.
- Mix in mini marshmallows or chopped nuts once cooled for added texture.
Storage
Store puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to two weeks. Puppy chow can be served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but the texture of the coating may be slightly less smooth. It will add extra peanut bits throughout the snack, which some people enjoy.
Is it possible to make puppy chow gluten-free?
Absolutely! Ensure you use gluten-free Rice Chex or a similar gluten-free cereal. Most Rice Chex varieties are gluten-free, but always check the label to be certain.
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Homemade Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cups 1x
Description
This Homemade Puppy Chow recipe is a delicious and nostalgic snack made with crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a rich blend of melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and buttery goodness, all dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Perfect for parties, snacking, or holiday treats, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a crunchy, sweet, and irresistible treat the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup salted butter (½ stick)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal: Place the 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, ready to be coated.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the ¼ cup of salted butter with 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips, stirring frequently to avoid burning and ensure smooth melting.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Once the butter and chocolate have melted and combined, stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine with Cereal: Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold and stir until every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Prepare for Coating: Place 1½ cups of powdered sugar into a large 2-gallon resealable plastic bag.
- Transfer and Coat: Carefully transfer the coated cereal into the bag with powdered sugar, seal it, then shake, toss, and turn the bag vigorously to fully coat the cereal pieces with the powdered sugar.
- Cool: Spread the coated cereal onto a lined baking sheet in a single layer, allowing it to cool completely before serving to ensure the coating sets and the texture remains crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve your delicious homemade Puppy Chow as a sweet snack or party treat.
Notes
- Make sure to stir the chocolate mixture frequently while melting to prevent scorching.
- Use a large enough resealable bag to coat the cereal thoroughly and avoid spillage.
- Allow the coated Puppy Chow to cool completely to avoid clumping and ensure crispiness.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, peanut butter snack, chocolate snack, sweet cereal treat, homemade Puppy Chow, easy snack recipe

