If you’re craving the ultimate sweet-and-salty snack, look no further than Butterfinger Puppy Chow. This addictive twist on the classic muddy buddies is loaded with peanut butter, chocolate, and crunchy Butterfinger bits in every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a treat for movie night, packing a sweet surprise for a friend, or fueling a late-night study session, this irresistible snack mix is about to become your new favorite obsession!

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is part of the magic! Each one adds its own special touch, from crispy texture to luscious chocolate flavor. Stick to this list and you’ll create Butterfinger Puppy Chow that is completely unforgettable.

Rice Chex Cereal: The classic base that soaks up all that chocolaty, peanut-buttery goodness and provides an unbeatable crunch.
Semi sweet chocolate chips: These melt down smooth and rich, balancing the sweetness and ensuring luxuriant chocolate flavor in every morsel.
Creamy peanut butter: Opt for creamy (not chunky) so every piece is perfectly coated and the peanut butter flavor really shines.
Salted butter: The salt in the butter heightens all the flavors and makes the sweet elements pop brilliantly.
Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash rounds out the richness and ties all the elements together with warm, comforting notes.
Butterfinger candy bars: The absolute star! Crushed for ultimate coverage and a few extra chunks for that signature Butterfinger crunch on top.
Powdered sugar (sifted): Fluffy and light, it coats the pieces and gives you that classic “puppy chow” look while taming every bite’s stickiness.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep the Foundation

Pour the Rice Chex cereal into an extra large bowl—don’t skimp on space, as you’ll need room to toss everything together without breaking the cereal pieces. Having a big enough bowl is the secret to getting even coverage and less mess!

Step 2: Melt Chocolate Mixture

Combine the semi sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Pop it in the microwave for 1 minute on high, then stir it all together until it forms a smooth, velvety mixture. The gentle heat is just enough to melt everything into perfection—if it’s not completely melted after stirring, microwave for 10-15 more seconds at a time.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Stir the pure vanilla extract into the warm chocolate-peanut butter blend. This touch of vanilla might seem small, but it adds that bakery-level aroma and ties the chocolate and peanut butter together for a taste you’ll keep coming back to.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

It’s time to get messy! Slowly drizzle the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over your waiting Chex cereal. Use a wide spatula or a big spoon to gently stir everything together. Take your time and fold softly so you don’t crush the cereal, making sure every piece gets its fair share of the glossy coating.

Step 5: Incorporate Most of the Butterfinger Candy

Add those 15 crushed Butterfinger bars to the bowl! Toss everything again until the Butterfinger bits are distributed throughout, adding irresistible bursts of caramelized crunch and chocolate in every mouthful. Trust me: this is where the magic of Butterfinger Puppy Chow really happens!

Step 6: Powdered Sugar Magic

Now for the iconic puppy chow finish—powdered sugar. If you’re by-the-book, sprinkle the sugar over the entire mixture and toss gently. But if you want to keep things neat, pour the coated cereal into an extra-large (2-gallon) ziplock bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake it like you mean it! This coats every morsel and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 7: Dry and Garnish

Once your Butterfinger Puppy Chow pieces are snowy and perfect, spread them out on a baking sheet to set and dry for a little while. Right before serving, finish by sprinkling over those 3 extra chopped Butterfinger bars. The extra candy bits make the mix pop, both in look and taste!

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing Butterfinger Puppy Chow, keep it fun and inviting. Besides the extra Butterfinger pieces on top, you can add a handful of mini chocolate chips, a sprinkle of edible gold glitter, or even some colorful sprinkles if you’re serving for a party. These little touches make your snack mix look just as incredible as it tastes!

Side Dishes

Though Butterfinger Puppy Chow stands gloriously on its own, it also makes a playful companion to vanilla ice cream, fresh fruit, or a creamy hot chocolate. I love serving it alongside a tray of sliced apples or pairing it with a few salty pretzels for even more snack-time contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes all the difference! Fill mason jars for adorable edible gifts, pile it high in a big bowl at your next party, or use mini cupcake liners to create cute, grab-and-go portions. If you’re hosting a movie night, set up a make-your-own snack bar with add-ins like popcorn, marshmallows, or peanut butter chips for everyone to customize their own ultimate Butterfinger Puppy Chow experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butterfinger Puppy Chow stores beautifully if you can manage not to eat it all at once! Place any leftovers in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week—the powdered sugar keeps everything crunchy and the flavors just get more delicious over time.

Freezing

Need to make a big batch ahead of a holiday or special event? Simply portion the cooled, finished puppy chow into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to two months. Let it come to room temperature before serving, and it’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made it.

Reheating

Butterfinger Puppy Chow doesn’t really require reheating, but if you love it warm, just spread a serving on a baking sheet and let it sit near a sunny window or in a very low oven (150 F) for a few minutes. Don’t microwave it, though, or the powdered sugar may melt and lose its signature texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is the classic choice for Butterfinger Puppy Chow, you can swap in Corn Chex or any other neutral-flavored, square cereal. Just avoid anything heavily sweetened, as it could make the mix too sugary.

Are there peanut-free alternatives?

Yes! Use sunflower butter or a soy-based nut-free spread in place of peanut butter, and check the labels of your chocolate chips and candy bars for allergy-friendly versions. The end result will still be satisfyingly crunchy and totally snackable.

Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?

Sifting guarantees a silky, even coat on the puppy chow. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip it, but you might find a few clumps here and there—no big deal, but sifting is the little “extra” that makes your Butterfinger Puppy Chow bakery-quality.

Can I double the recipe?

Go for it! This is one snack that vanishes quickly, especially at parties. Just be sure to use an extra-large mixing bowl (or mix in batches) so that every piece gets evenly coated with all the good stuff.

How do I keep the cereal from getting soggy?

Using a light hand when combining the chocolate mixture with the cereal is key—overmixing can crush the cereal and create sogginess. Letting the finished puppy chow dry completely before storing helps lock in that perfect crunch!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a show-stopping snack that everyone will rave about, it’s time to try Butterfinger Puppy Chow. Each bite is an explosion of chocolate, peanut butter, and nostalgic Butterfinger crunch. Honestly, it’s impossible to eat just one handful! Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you deserve it!

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Butterfinger Puppy Chow recipe is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix. Crunchy Chex cereal coated in a decadent mixture of chocolate, peanut butter, and Butterfinger candy bars, then dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

7 cups Rice Chex Cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup salted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars
1 ¼ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Add the Cereal: Start by adding the cereal to an extra-large bowl.
Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stirring until smooth.
Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla until well combined.
Coat the Cereal: Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir gently to coat.
Add Crushed Candy: Stir in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars.
Coat with Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cereal mix or shake in a large ziplock bag for even coating.
Dry and Garnish: Spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet to dry, then sprinkle the chopped candy bars before serving.