Butterfinger Puppy Chow

by

Butterfinger Puppy Chow – A No-Bake Snack with a Candy Bar Crunch

If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet snack that’s crunchy, chocolatey, peanut buttery, and packed with candy bar goodness, this Butterfinger Puppy Chow is your new go-to. It’s a fun, no-bake twist on the classic muddy buddies recipe, with crushed Butterfinger candy bars folded into every bite. Perfect for parties, movie nights, holiday gifting, or just a sweet treat to keep on hand, this snack mix is dangerously addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No baking required – Just melt, mix, and shake.
  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 15 minutes.
  • Crowd-pleasing – Great for parties, potlucks, or edible gifts.
  • Customizable – Swap in your favorite candy bars or add-ins.
  • Perfect texture – Crunchy cereal, creamy chocolate, and a sweet powdered sugar coating.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible snack:

  • 7 cups Rice Chex cereal
    Light, crispy, and perfect for soaking up all the chocolatey coating.
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    Melts smoothly and balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar and candy.
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
    Adds richness and that classic peanut butter-chocolate combo.
  • ¼ cup salted butter
    Enhances flavor and helps the mixture coat the cereal evenly.
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
    Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
  • 18 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars
    Crushed and folded in for that signature crispy, peanut-buttery crunch.
  • 1¼ cups powdered sugar
    Coats the cereal and gives it that classic puppy chow finish.

Optional: Add a pinch of sea salt or a handful of mini marshmallows for extra texture and flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Large zip-top bag or paper bag
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing candy bars)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Measure out 7 cups of Rice Chex cereal and place it in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • Unwrap and crush the 18 fun-size Butterfinger bars. You can do this by pulsing them in a food processor or placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin. You want small chunks—not powder—for texture.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup salted butter

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted (about 1½ to 2 minutes total).

Stir in:

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix until fully incorporated.

Tip: Don’t overheat the chocolate—stir frequently to avoid scorching.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal.

Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture, coating all the cereal evenly. Be careful not to crush the cereal.

Step 4: Add the Butterfinger Crunch

Once the cereal is coated, fold in the crushed Butterfinger bars. Stir gently to distribute the candy throughout the mix.

Step 5: Shake with Powdered Sugar

Transfer the coated cereal mixture to a large zip-top bag or paper bag.

Add:

  • 1¼ cups powdered sugar

Seal the bag and shake vigorously until all the cereal is coated in sugar and no sticky spots remain.

Tip: For extra coverage, you can add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Spread the puppy chow out on a baking sheet or parchment paper to cool and set for about 10–15 minutes.

Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container.

Store at room temperature for up to 1 week—if it lasts that long.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

  • Movie nights
  • Holiday snack tables
  • Birthday parties
  • Road trips
  • Edible gifts

Serve in:

  • Small bowls or cups for parties
  • Mason jars with ribbon for gifting
  • Snack bags for lunchboxes or on-the-go treat

Variations to Try

  • Candy Swap: Use crushed Reese’s, Snickers, or Twix instead of Butterfinger.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or pretzel pieces for extra texture.
  • White Chocolate Version: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips.
  • Holiday Twist: Add red and green M&Ms or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

  • Make ahead: Prepare up to 3 days in advance for parties or events.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tip: Avoid storing in the fridge—it can make the cereal soggy.

Nutrition (Per ½ Cup Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g

*Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

This Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy, no-bake treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its irresistible mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and candy bar crunch, it’s sure to become a favorite for parties, holidays, or anytime snacking. Keep a batch on hand—you never know when the craving will strike.

Leave a Comment