If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic snacks, you are going to fall head over heels for this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe. It takes the classic puppy chow cereal treat to a whole new level by incorporating crispy Butterfinger candy bars and mini peanut butter cups for bursts of crunchy, peanut buttery delight in every bite. With just a few straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up a phenomenal snack that’s perfect for sharing with friends, movie nights, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try this Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe, it will become a go-to favorite in your snack rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe relies on ingredients that are uncomplicated yet essential, each playing a unique role to build layers of texture and rich flavors. From the crispy cereal base to the creamy chocolate and peanut butter, every element works together to create that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth snack that is both crunchy and satisfyingly sweet.
- Rice or Corn Chex Cereal: Provides the perfect light and crunchy base to soak up the coatings without getting soggy.
- Semi-sweet or Milk Baking Chocolate (4 oz): Adds a luscious, rich chocolate layer that enhances the overall sweetness.
- Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): Brings a creamy, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and candy pieces.
- BUTTERFINGER® Fun-Size Bars (6 bars): Chopped to add that signature crispy, peanut buttery crunch throughout the mix.
- BUTTERFINGER® Peanut Butter Cup Minis (1 cup): These melt-in-your-mouth mini cups flood the snack with pockets of decadent peanut butter and chocolate.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Dusts the cereal for a light sweetness and a mouthwatering coating that keeps everything perfectly balanced.
How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Begin by gently melting your chocolate using a double boiler or the microwave in short 20-second bursts. Stir often to avoid burning, and pull it off the heat as soon as it’s smooth. This step is crucial because a silky chocolate coating is the foundation of the snack’s rich flavor.
Step 2: Melt the Peanut Butter
In a separate bowl, microwave the peanut butter for about 20-30 seconds until it’s fluid and easy to mix. This warm peanut butter later helps coat half of the cereal, lending that irresistible creamy nuttiness we all crave.
Step 3: Chop the Candy Bars
Carefully chop your six Butterfinger Fun-Size Bars into small pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the mix. These crunchy, flaky bits create satisfying texture contrasts, making each handful delightful.
Step 4: Coat the First Half of Cereal with Chocolate and Candy
Take two cups of cereal and gently stir them into the melted chocolate until every piece is fully coated. Then fold in half of the chopped Butterfinger candy pieces, mixing lightly to keep the cereal from breaking while ensuring flavor is well distributed.
Step 5: Coat the Second Half of Cereal with Peanut Butter and Candy
Repeat the process with the remaining two cups of cereal, this time mixing it with the melted peanut butter. Add the rest of the chopped Butterfinger candy, stirring carefully so that every bite has that enticing crunch and peanut butter goodness.
Step 6: Coat the Chocolate Cereal with Powdered Sugar
Place half a cup of powdered sugar and the chocolate-coated cereal into a large ziplock bag. Zip it up with some air trapped inside to help the coating process, then shake vigorously until every piece is mostly coated with that light dusting of sugary sweetness.
Step 7: Coat the Peanut Butter Cereal with Powdered Sugar
Use a second ziplock bag for the peanut butter-coated cereal, repeating the powdered sugar dusting process. This step is perfect for getting that iconic puppy chow powdery finish that makes the snack so addictive.
Step 8: Combine the Cereals and Add Mini Peanut Butter Cups
In a large bowl, mix the two powdered sugar-coated cereals together. Sprinkle in the Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cup Minis and gently stir just enough to combine. The candy minis offer little nuggets of extra peanut butter and chocolate bliss throughout your buttery snack.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Homemade Butterfinger Puppy Chow!
Now that it’s all mixed and ready, grab a handful and dig in! This Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe is perfect for munching during your favorite movie or sharing at family gatherings. It’s crunchy, sweet, a little salty, and pure comfort in every bite.
How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra fun, try sprinkling some mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts on top when serving. A light drizzle of melted chocolate or even a few sea salt flakes can add a surprising pop of flavor and an elegant touch if you’re serving at a party.
Side Dishes
Butterfinger Puppy Chow pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of warm coffee to balance out the sweetness. It can also be a playful addition next to ice cream, or served alongside fresh fruit to add variety to your snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Butterfinger Puppy Chow in individual mini mason jars for a cute presentation at gatherings, or layer it in clear parfait cups with whipped cream for a dessert twist. You can also package it in decorative bags tied with a ribbon to give as sweet gifts to friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will keep the cereal crisp and prevent the powdered sugar coating from clumping or melting.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is an option. Place the puppy chow in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving, then give it a light shake to refresh the coating.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake snack, reheating is not necessary. If the mixture feels a bit soft after storage, simply allow it to come to room temperature to regain some crunch. For a quick refresh, you can gently toss it in a dry skillet over low heat for a minute or two, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter alternatives?
Absolutely! If you prefer almond butter or sunflower seed butter, those will work too. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly, so choose one that best fits your taste preferences.
What type of cereal works best?
Rice or corn Chex cereal are ideal because they hold up well to the coatings without becoming soggy. Other similar cereals can work, but avoid anything too fragile or sweetened, as it might alter the texture and taste.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
To make a nut-free version, use a seed butter such as sunflower or soy nut butter and omit the peanut butter cups. You might want to substitute with other candy pieces that are nut-free to maintain the delightful crunchy texture.
How long does Butterfinger Puppy Chow last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this snack will stay fresh and tasty for up to one week. After that, it might start losing its crunch and flavorful coating.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help make?
Yes! Kids love this recipe because it’s simple and fun to make, especially the shaking in the bags with powdered sugar. Just supervise the melting steps, since those involve hot chocolate and peanut butter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a snack that’s bursting with texture, chocolate, and that iconic peanut butter crunch, the Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe is the perfect treat to whip up anytime. It’s simple, nostalgic, and utterly addictive. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and share the joy it brings with your family and friends. I promise it will become a beloved staple in no time!
Print
Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a delicious and fun snack mix that combines crispy Chex cereal coated in rich chocolate and peanut butter, mixed with chopped Butterfinger candy bars and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or an indulgent treat, this recipe offers a delightful blend of crunchy texture and sweet, peanut buttery flavor.
Ingredients
Cereal Mix
- 4 cups Rice or Corn Chex Cereal
Chocolate Mixture
- 4 oz baking chocolate (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Candy Bars
- 6 BUTTERFINGER® Fun-Size Bars, chopped
- 1 cup BUTTERFINGER® Peanut Butter Cup Minis
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar (divided into two 1/2 cup portions)
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate: Over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second increments, melt the 4 oz of baking chocolate on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning or seizing. Once fully melted and smooth, remove from heat.
- Melt Peanut Butter: In a separate bowl, microwave 1/2 cup peanut butter for 20-30 seconds or until it becomes liquid and easy to mix.
- Chop Candy Bars: Chop the six Butterfinger Fun-Size bars into small pieces and set aside for later use.
- Mix Chocolate Coated Cereal: Take 2 cups of Chex cereal and gently stir it into the melted chocolate until all pieces are evenly coated. Add half of the chopped Butterfinger candy bars to this mixture and gently stir to combine.
- Mix Peanut Butter Coated Cereal: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 2 cups of cereal with the melted peanut butter, stirring gently to coat evenly. Add the remaining chopped Butterfinger candy bars and stir gently.
- Coat Chocolate Cereal with Powdered Sugar: In a large gallon-sized ziplock bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar with the chocolate-coated cereal. Seal the bag with some air inside and shake vigorously until the cereal is well coated in powdered sugar. It’s fine if some pieces have more coating than others.
- Coat Peanut Butter Cereal with Powdered Sugar: Repeat the same process in a second large ziplock bag using the other 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the peanut butter coated cereal. Seal and shake until coated thoroughly.
- Combine and Add Minis: Transfer both coated cereal batches to a large mixing bowl. Mix together gently, then fold in 1 cup Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cup Minis evenly throughout.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Butterfinger Puppy Chow is now ready to be served as a decadent, crunchy snack to enjoy immediately or stored for later.
Notes
- Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate according to your preference for sweetness.
- Ensure to let the melted chocolate and peanut butter cool slightly before mixing with cereal to avoid sogginess.
- Shaking the cereal in the powdered sugar with air inside the bag helps coat the pieces evenly for better texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your desired yield.
