Puppy Chow Recipe

Puppy Chow is one of those sweet snacks I make when I need something quick and fun.

It is chocolatey, peanut buttery, and covered in powdered sugar. It feels like a treat from childhood.

I usually make this for movie nights, holiday trays, or when the kids want to help in the kitchen. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

No baking. No fuss. Just a big bowl and a little stirring in my small Raleigh kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Puppy Chow Recipe

1. No oven needed, which is perfect for warm days.
2. Ready in about 30 minutes.
3. Great for parties and bake sales.
4. Easy enough for kids to help make.
5. Stores well for snacking all week.
6. Simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

This recipe calls for semisweet chocolate chips, and that is my personal favorite. It keeps the snack sweet but not too sweet.

You can also use dark chocolate if you like a deeper flavor. I would skip milk chocolate unless you really love extra sweetness. It can make the mix a little sugary once the powdered sugar is added.

Chocolate chips melt easily and are simple to measure. That is why I usually reach for them.

Options for Substitutes

• Dark chocolate can replace semisweet for a richer taste.
• Any creamy nut butter works if you cannot use peanut butter. Almond or cashew butter both melt well.
• A similar rice cereal works if you cannot find Chex-style cereal. Just make sure it has that square shape to hold the coating.
• There is no true swap for powdered sugar. It is what gives Puppy Chow its classic look and texture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Do not overheat the chocolate and peanut butter. Melt them gently so the mixture stays smooth.
2. Make sure to stir carefully so you do not crush the cereal. It should be coated, not broken.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding powdered sugar. If it is too hot, the sugar will melt and turn sticky instead of powdery.
4. Add powdered sugar slowly. You can always add more, but you cannot take it away.

What to Serve With Puppy Chow Recipe?

This is more of a snack than a full dessert, but here are a few fun ways to serve it:

• In small bowls for movie night
• On a dessert tray with brownies and cookies
• Packed into little treat bags for parties
• Alongside fresh fruit to balance the sweetness
• With a glass of cold milk

Storage Instructions

1. Store Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days.
2. If your kitchen is very warm, you can store it in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm.
3. I do not usually freeze it, but you can if needed. Just let it come to room temperature before serving so it is not too hard.

How To Make Puppy Chow Recipe?

Ingredients

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
Melt the peanut butter and chocolate together. You can do this on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals. Stir until smooth.

Step 2:
Add 3 cups of cereal to a large bowl. Pour 1 cup of the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal.

Step 3:
Add the remaining 3 cups of cereal to the bowl. Pour the rest of the chocolate mixture on top.

Step 4:
Stir gently until all the cereal is evenly coated. If you see melted chocolate pooling at the bottom, add more cereal ¼ cup at a time until everything is coated. You can use up to 7 cups of cereal total if needed.

Step 5:
Let the mixture cool slightly. You can place it in the refrigerator or somewhere cool for a few minutes. Do not let it harden completely.

Step 6:
Once the mixture is at or below room temperature, add 1 cup of powdered sugar. Stir until combined.

Step 7:
Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Step 8:
Add more powdered sugar ¼ cup at a time until the cereal is coated the way you like.

Step 9:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Puppy Chow Recipe

This Puppy Chow Recipe is a quick, no-bake snack made with chocolate, peanut butter, cereal, and powdered sugar. It is sweet, crunchy, and perfect for sharing.

I love making it for parties, movie nights, or easy holiday treats. It comes together fast and stores well, which makes it great for busy weeks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Chilling time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 15

Calories: 230.6

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Method

 

1. Melt the peanut butter and chocolate together. You can do this on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals. Stir until smooth.
2. Add 3 cups of cereal to a large bowl. Pour 1 cup of the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal.
3. Add the remaining 3 cups of cereal to the bowl. Pour the rest of the chocolate mixture on top.
4. Stir gently until all the cereal is evenly coated. If you see melted chocolate pooling at the bottom, add more cereal ¼ cup at a time until everything is coated. You can use up to 7 cups of cereal total if needed.
5. Let the mixture cool slightly. You can place it in the refrigerator or somewhere cool for a few minutes. Do not let it harden completely.
6. Once the mixture is at or below room temperature, add 1 cup of powdered sugar. Stir until combined.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
8. Add more powdered sugar ¼ cup at a time until the cereal is coated the way you like.
9. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient size, quality, brand, location, and the proportions used. All nutritional information is calculated on a per-serving basis.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Emma Parker

I’m Emma Parker, the writer and founder behind Emma’s Home Guide. This blog was created to share practical ideas, honest experiences, and helpful guidance for everyday living. My goal is to make home life feel easier, warmer, and more enjoyable, without pressure or perfection.