Name: Peanut Butter Puppy Chow
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-1/2 cups Peanut Butter Captain Crunch; 4-1/2 cups Cap’n Crunch cereal (the regular kind, no berries!); 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 2 cups powdered sugar (divided)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a treat that’s irresistibly crunchy, sweet, and perfectly nostalgic, Peanut Butter Puppy Chow is a must-try! This classic snack mix, sometimes called “Muddy Buddies,” is totally addictive and so easy to make at home. With double the Cap’n Crunch flavor, a dreamy chocolate-peanut butter coating, and snowy powdered sugar on top, it’s a playful dessert that vanishes fast at parties or snack time. There’s something about Peanut Butter Puppy Chow that brings out everyone’s inner child—you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more handful every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a few simple ingredients transform into a crave-worthy treat. Each one plays an important role in building layers of texture and flavor, so don’t skip any if you want that classic Peanut Butter Puppy Chow experience!

Peanut Butter Captain Crunch: This sweet, nutty cereal gives extra peanut butter punch and an irresistible crunch.
Cap’n Crunch cereal (regular): Plain Cap’n Crunch balances out the bold peanut butter flavor and creates a base layer of golden crispiness.
Creamy peanut butter: Choose classic creamy peanut butter for the smoothest, dreamiest chocolate-peanut butter coating.
Chocolate chips: Milk chocolate brings extra sweetness, or use semi-sweet for a richer, deeper flavor—totally up to you!
Unsalted butter: Adds a little richness and helps everything come together into a glistening, glossy coating.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens the flavors and balances out all the sweetness.
Vanilla extract (optional): A splash of vanilla creates that warm, familiar aroma—highly recommended!
Powdered sugar: This is the magic “dust” that makes each bite melt in your mouth and keeps your fingers deliciously messy.

How to Make Peanut Butter Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal Base

Start by grabbing a bowl big enough for a serious cereal party—combine the Peanut Butter Captain Crunch and regular Cap’n Crunch in it. Gently toss them together with your hands or a large spoon so the two cereals are well mixed, then set aside. Don’t worry about measuring perfectly, just aim for a good mix of both types throughout.

Step 2: Melt the Peanut Butter Chocolate Mixture

Now comes the good stuff. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter. Microwave this mixture in 15-second bursts, stirring well between each round, until perfectly smooth and gloriously glossy. The peanut butter should be melted and blended with the chocolate for the ultimate silky coating. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt at the end for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal With Chocolatey Goodness

Pour every luscious drop of the melted peanut butter chocolate over your prepared cereal. Use a flexible spatula to scrape out every bit—don’t let any go to waste! Very gently fold and stir, taking care not to crush the cereal, until every crunchy piece is evenly coated. If you want your optional mix-ins to stick, you can stir them in at this point while the mixture is still warm and sticky.

Step 4: Shake It Up With Powdered Sugar

Divide both the coated cereal and powdered sugar into halves. Next, pour half a cup of powdered sugar into a big resealable plastic bag, add in half the cereal, and top with another half cup of powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake it like you mean it! You want every piece to get a happy dusting of sugar. Pour the mix into a clean bowl, then repeat the process with the rest.

Step 5: Add Mix-Ins and Enjoy!

If you saved your mix-ins for the end, now’s the time. Toss them in and gently stir to evenly distribute—think mini chocolate candies, chopped peanuts, or pretzels for extra fun. Now grab a handful and taste your masterpiece! Your Peanut Butter Puppy Chow is ready to wow.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Puppy Chow

Garnishes

Want to jazz things up? Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or a handful of salted peanuts on top just before serving. A light shower of colorful sprinkles makes Peanut Butter Puppy Chow extra festive for birthdays or holidays.

Side Dishes

Since this is a sweet, snacky treat, it’s best paired with something refreshing. Tall glasses of cold milk or creamy iced lattes are always a win. For parties, serve with fresh cut fruit or a salty snack mix as a contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your gorgeous Peanut Butter Puppy Chow in a big glass trifle bowl, pretty treat boxes, or scoop it into individual paper cups for movie night. It’s also adorable tucked into cellophane bags with ribbon as a party favor or holiday gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Peanut Butter Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Be sure the lid fits tight so the cereal stays crisp and the coating stays magical!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Peanut Butter Puppy Chow! Pop it into a freezer-safe bag or container, and it’ll keep fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter for 15–20 minutes before serving—no need to reheat.

Reheating

No reheating is needed—just enjoy straight from the bag or bowl! If you froze your Puppy Chow and want that room-temperature crunch faster, spread it on a baking sheet and let it come to temp for ten minutes.

FAQs

Can I use another cereal if I don’t have Cap’n Crunch?

Absolutely! While Cap’n Crunch gives Peanut Butter Puppy Chow its signature flavor, you can swap in crispy rice cereal or corn squares if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep the measurements the same.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Unfortunately, Cap’n Crunch cereals are not certified gluten-free, but there are alternatives on the market. If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free crispy cereal and check that your other ingredients are safe.

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Sure, if you love extra peanutty texture, chunky peanut butter is a fun twist! The coating will be less smooth, but little peanut pieces give a different kind of crunch.

How do I keep Puppy Chow from getting soggy?

Let your Puppy Chow cool completely before storing it, and always use an airtight container. Moisture is the enemy of crunch, so keep it in a cool, dry place.

What mix-ins go well with Peanut Butter Puppy Chow?

The sky’s the limit! Try mini pretzels, Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms, roasted nuts, or even mini marshmallows for a truly outrageous batch. Just stir them in after the powdered sugar coating step.

Final Thoughts

Making Peanut Butter Puppy Chow at home is a total joy—both to create and to share. It’s the perfect easy treat for parties, gifts, or curing a snack attack. Give this recipe a try and watch it disappear by the handful!

Peanut Butter Puppy Chow

★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Peanut Butter Puppy Chow is a delightful and addictively crunchy snack mix that combines the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a sweet, powdered sugar-coated treat. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or any time you’re craving a sweet and salty snack!

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Puppy Chow:

4–1/2 cups Peanut Butter Captain Crunch
4–1/2 cups Cap’n Crunch cereal (the regular kind, no berries!)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
2 cups powdered sugar (divided)

Instructions

Prepare: In a very large bowl, add in both cereals, then set aside.
Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Mixture: In a separate, large, microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter. Microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring well between each burst, until smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt. Pour mixture over cereal and gently stir to coat.
Divide the Mixture: Split cereal and powdered sugar into 2 parts. Coat each portion of cereal evenly with powdered sugar using resealable bags. Combine coated cereal mixtures into a large bowl.
Add Mix-Ins: Optional mix-ins can be added on top of the sugar-coated cereal and gently stirred through for distribution.

Notes

You can customize this recipe by adding in your favorite mix-ins like mini marshmallows, chocolate candies, or chopped nuts.
Store Peanut Butter Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American