Butterfinger Puppy Chow

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings smiles to faces, then this Butterfinger Puppy Chow is your answer! Imagine a delightful mix of crunchy cereal coated in rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, with bits of Butterfinger adding that signature crunch. It’s an easy, no-bake snack that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or just a cozy night at home.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to whip up. You can have this delicious treat ready in just 11 minutes! Plus, it’s a great way to get the whole family involved. Everyone can help with crushing the candy bars or shaking the powdered sugar—making it not just a recipe, but a fun activity together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this treat fits perfectly into your busy schedule!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and will be excited to enjoy their tasty creation.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for parties, game nights, or school events—just store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and Butterfinger is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect Butterfinger Puppy Chow. You might even have most of them already in your pantry!

• 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal, (or store brand version)
• 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, (15 crushed and 3 roughly chopped for garnish)
• 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar, (sifted)

Variations

One of the best things about this Butterfinger Puppy Chow recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and customize it to make it your own.

• Add More Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or pretzels for extra texture.
• Change Up the Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Switch the Candy: Replace Butterfingers with other favorite candies like Snickers or Reese’s Pieces.
• Go Nut-Free: Use sun butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free alternative.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Add Cereal

Start by adding the Rice Chex cereal to an extra-large bowl. This will be the base of your treat and provides that satisfying crunch. Be sure to use a big bowl so you have plenty of space for mixing later on!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for one minute. Stir well until everything is melted and smooth. This step creates that luscious coating that will bring all the flavors together!

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Once your mixture is melted and smooth, stir in the pure vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of your puppy chow.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Drizzle the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over your cereal. Gently stir to coat every piece evenly. Taking your time here ensures each bite will be deliciously flavorful!

Step 5: Mix in Crushed Candy

Now it’s time to add some fun! Stir in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars until they are nicely distributed throughout your mixture. The candy adds sweetness and crunch that really makes this treat special.

Step 6: Powdered Sugar Coating

For coating with powdered sugar, you have two options! You can either sprinkle it over your coated cereal mixture and stir well or add everything into an extra-large (2-gallon) ziplock bag and shake it up. I recommend using the bag method; it’s cleaner and keeps everything contained!

Step 7: Let It Dry

After you’ve coated everything in powdered sugar, spread it out on a baking sheet to dry. Just before serving, sprinkle in those three chopped fun-size candy bars for an extra touch of yumminess!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Butterfinger Puppy Chow! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with friends and family or keep it all to yourself (no judgment here!).

Pro Tips for Making Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Making Butterfinger Puppy Chow is super simple, but these tips will ensure your treat turns out absolutely perfect every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your chocolate chips and peanut butter are fresh. This enhances the flavor of the entire dish and gives you that delicious, creamy texture.
• Crush Butterfingers properly: Use a sturdy ziplock bag to crush the candy bars; this prevents any mess and allows for even distribution throughout the mix, giving each bite that signature crunch.
• Don’t rush the melting process: Microwave in short bursts of 20 seconds if necessary, stirring in between. This helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth, silky chocolate mixture.
• Let it cool completely: After spreading on the baking sheet, let your puppy chow cool fully before serving. This step helps the powdered sugar adhere better and keeps everything nice and crunchy.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt. These additions can enhance the flavor profile and give your treat a unique twist!

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Serving Butterfinger Puppy Chow can be just as fun as making it! Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful ways to present this treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or almonds adds an extra layer of texture and complements the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
• Drizzle of chocolate: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top creates an eye-catching presentation and boosts that chocolatey goodness.
• Whipped topping: Serve alongside a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a creamy contrast that pairs nicely with the crunch.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of puppy chow, keeping your palate happy.
• Veggie platter with hummus: Crunchy veggies dipped in smooth hummus offer a savory bite that contrasts well with your sweet treat.
• Mini pretzel bites: The salty crunch of pretzels pairs wonderfully with the sweet puppy chow, creating an irresistible combination everyone will love.
• Ice-cold milk: No dessert is complete without milk! Serve alongside a glass for dipping or simply enjoying after indulging in this sweet delight.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to make your Butterfinger Puppy Chow not just delicious but also visually appealing for any occasion! Enjoy every crunchy, chocolaty bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Butterfinger Puppy Chow is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time for parties, snacks, or just to have on hand when a sweet craving hits. Here’s how to store and manage your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature.
• It will stay fresh for up to one week—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

• Although this treat is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Butterfinger Puppy Chow.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed before sealing.
• It can be frozen for up to three months. Just let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this treat since it’s enjoyed cold!
• If you’re feeling adventurous, you can microwave a small portion for a few seconds to soften it slightly, but be cautious not to melt the chocolate too much.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Butterfinger Puppy Chow!

Can I use different types of cereal for Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex provides a great crunch, you can substitute with other cereals like Corn Chex or even Crispix for a different flavor and texture.

How do I make Butterfinger Puppy Chow healthier?

To make a healthier version, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones and reducing the amount of powdered sugar. You could also add nuts or seeds for extra nutrition!

Is there a nut-free alternative for the peanut butter in Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Yes! You can replace creamy peanut butter with sun butter or another seed-based spread. This will keep the recipe nut-free while still providing that creamy texture.

Can I make Butterfinger Puppy Chow ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is great for making ahead. Just store it in an airtight container after it’s cooled to enjoy later.

What makes this Butterfinger Puppy Chow recipe special?

This recipe combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and iconic Butterfinger crunch into a delightful no-bake treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying solo!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this delicious Butterfinger Puppy Chow! It’s such a fun and easy treat that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries it. Whether you’re preparing it for a gathering or just treating yourself, I’m sure you’ll love every crunchy, chocolatey bite. Enjoy whipping up this delightful snack, and don’t forget to share your experience!