If you’ve ever wished your classic muddy buddies had a candy bar makeover, this Butterfinger Puppy Chow is your next must-make treat. Crunchy rice Chex gets coated in a dreamy blend of chocolate and peanut butter, then tumbled with crispy Butterfinger pieces and finished with a generous shake of powdered sugar. Each bite is a delightful mix of crunch, melt, and sweet nostalgia. This no-bake party snack is irresistible for chocolate lovers and Butterfinger fans alike, and it’s just as welcome at birthday parties as it is at midnight movie marathons.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Butterfinger Puppy Chow has a deliciously important role—simple pantry staples are transformed into a snack that hits every flavor and texture note. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you dive in.
- Rice Chex cereal: The crisp, light squares are perfect for catching every bit of the sweet, melty coating.
- Butterfinger candy bars (crushed or finely chopped): These bring a caramelized crunch and signature flavor that really sets this puppy chow apart.
- Milk chocolate chips: Smooth and creamy, they melt beautifully to make the base of the chocolate coating.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and that classic pairing with chocolate and Butterfinger bits.
- Unsalted butter: Helps everything melt together smoothly and keeps the coating wonderfully glossy.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch brings out the flavors and rounds everything out with a warm sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: The magic finishing touch—it gives each piece its signature powdery look and adds a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prep the Cereal Base
Start by pouring your Rice Chex into a large mixing bowl. Trust me, you’ll want plenty of room to toss and coat every piece later, so don’t skimp on bowl size! Set this aside—this is the crisp foundation for all that gooey, chocolatey coating to come.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your milk chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time, until you have a perfectly smooth, molten river of chocolate-peanut-butter goodness. This step is fast, so keep an eye on it and don’t overheat!
Step 3: Stir in Vanilla
Once everything is melted and silky, add the vanilla extract. This little splash boosts every sweet note in the mix, giving your Butterfinger Puppy Chow that bakery-fresh aroma.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over your waiting Chex. Use a gentle folding motion to toss the cereal, making sure each piece is luxuriously coated but not crushed. Take your time—it’s worth making sure that shiny coating touches every square.
Step 5: Add Butterfinger Pieces
Sprinkle your crushed Butterfinger bars over the chocolate-coated cereal and give it another tender toss. This is where the magic really happens—the bits of Butterfinger cling all over, adding bursts of crispy, peanut-buttery candy in every bite.
Step 6: Finish with Powdered Sugar
Transfer the cereal mixture to a big zip-top bag or a container with a tight lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake, shake, shake! You want a snowy, even dusting of sugar on every morsel. Finally, spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet to cool and set for a few minutes—if you can wait that long.
How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Garnishes
Butterfinger Puppy Chow is outstanding on its own, but for a little flourish, try scattering extra mini Butterfinger bits or a sprinkle of festive sprinkles on top before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled puppy chow makes it look extra-special for parties or holidays.
Side Dishes
Serve your Butterfinger Puppy Chow alongside a bowl of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast, or pair with salty pretzels and popcorn for a sweet-and-salty snack spread. It’s the perfect sweet touch at movie nights or game day tables.
Creative Ways to Present
Portion the puppy chow into cute jars or cellophane bags for party favors, or pile it high in a big, colorful bowl at the buffet table. For birthdays, try filling little ice cream cones with Butterfinger Puppy Chow and topping with a cherry for a fun-to-eat treat. It also makes a thoughtful (and addictive) edible gift for friends and neighbors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The chocolate coating stays crisp and the Butterfinger pieces remain crunchy, so you can dip into a handful whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
Want to make a big batch ahead of time? No problem! Butterfinger Puppy Chow freezes beautifully—simply pop it into a freezer bag or airtight container and stash in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Butterfinger Puppy Chow—it’s meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If it’s a little too cold after freezing, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to lose the chill and regain that perfectly crisp crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex is classic for that light, crispy texture, you can swap in corn Chex or even Crispix for a similar result. Avoid cereals with a strong flavor so the Butterfinger and chocolate really shine.
Is Butterfinger Puppy Chow safe for people with peanut allergies?
Unfortunately, this recipe contains both peanut butter and Butterfinger candy bars, which have peanuts. For a nut-free twist, you could use SunButter and safe chocolate candies, but always check ingredient labels and consult your guests’ dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with a few swaps! Use vegan chocolate chips, plant-based butter, and your favorite creamy nut or seed butter. You’ll also need to find a vegan-friendly crispy cereal and check if there’s a suitable candy bar alternative.
Do I have to use powdered sugar, or is there an alternative?
Powdered sugar gives Butterfinger Puppy Chow its signature snowy finish, but if you’re looking for a lower-sugar or alternative option, you could try sifted coconut flour or finely ground sugar substitutes. The texture and flavor will be somewhat different, but still tasty!
How do I crush the Butterfinger bars without making a mess?
The easiest way is to place unwrapped bars in a zip-top bag and give them a few firm whacks with a rolling pin—no sticky fingers, and you can control the size of the pieces. If you want even tinier bits, pulse them quickly in a food processor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a snack that always disappears first at parties, or just need a joyful pick-me-up, Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Sweet, crunchy, and brimming with that signature Butterfinger flavor, it’s a treat made for sharing—but you might want to hide a bowl just for yourself!
Print
Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this irresistible Butterfinger Puppy Chow, a crunchy and sweet snack mix coated in chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, with added bits of Butterfinger candy bars for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Rice Chex Cereal:
6 cups
Butterfinger Candy Bars:
1 cup (crushed or finely chopped)
Milk Chocolate Chips:
1 cup
Creamy Peanut Butter:
½ cup
Unsalted Butter:
2 tablespoons
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Powdered Sugar:
1½ cups
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: Combine milk chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Coat Cereal: Pour chocolate mixture over cereal; gently toss to coat. Add crushed Butterfinger pieces and toss again.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer mixture to a bag or container, add powdered sugar, and shake to coat.
- Cool and Serve: Spread on a baking sheet to cool before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can use mini Butterfinger baking bits for convenience.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
