Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat, loaded with sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy, candy-studded bites that never last long at a party. This snack mix is wildly addictive, thanks to both its explosion of flavors and that iconic Butterfinger crunch tucked into every handful. Whether you’re whipping it up for a movie night or packing it for a road trip, Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a guaranteed favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients combine to create such a tempting and irresistible treat. Each one brings a special touch that takes Butterfinger Puppy Chow from good to unforgettable!

• Rice Chex Cereal: The perfect base for holding onto all the gooey and crunchy goodness, while staying light and crisp.
• Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: These chocolate chips melt silky smooth, pairing beautifully with the peanut butter for rich flavor without being too sweet.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds a velvety texture and that classic peanutty foundation everyone loves in puppy chow.
• Salted Butter: A touch of salt helps balance all the sweetness and makes every bite truly satisfying.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors, making the chocolate and peanut butter pop.
• Butterfinger Candy Bars (fun size): Crushed into the mix and sprinkled on top for bursts of Butterfinger flavor and extra crunch in every bite.
• Powdered Sugar (sifted): Creates the signature white, sweet coating while binding everything together and keeping things from getting too sticky.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep the Cereal

Start by adding your Rice Chex cereal to a very large bowl. Go ahead and use the biggest bowl you have—it makes mixing easier and prevents precious cereal from tumbling all over the counter. This sets the stage for evenly coating the cereal with all those delicious melted ingredients!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and combine the semi sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for one minute, then stir everything together until it’s silky smooth and glossy. The warmth will help the flavors meld together for the perfect coating consistency.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla

Now, stir in the pure vanilla extract. This little splash layers in extra flavor and balances out the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter, waking up the mix with subtle warmth.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Drizzle the luscious chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the bowl of cereal. Gently fold and stir with a spatula, making sure every piece gets a generous coating without breaking up the cereal too much.

Step 5: Add Crushed Butterfinger

Sprinkle in the 15 crushed Butterfinger candy bars. Stir them into your coated cereal so every handful packs that Butterfinger Puppy Chow magic—crisp, crumbly candy bits waiting to surprise you.

Step 6: Add Powdered Sugar

Here’s a trick for less mess: pour your coated cereal into a giant zip-top bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake like you mean it! This not only coats everything quickly and evenly, but it’s also a super fun kitchen activity (especially with kids). If you prefer, you can stir the powdered sugar in the bowl, but be ready for a little blizzard!

Step 7: Spread Out and Finish

Once your mix is beautifully powdered, spread it all out on a baking sheet to cool and dry a bit. Just before serving, sprinkle on the three roughly chopped Butterfinger bars. The bright candy pieces make your Butterfinger Puppy Chow extra colorful and irresistible!

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Garnishes

A handful of extra chopped Butterfinger bars (or even whole fun-size bars sticking out of the bowl) instantly takes your presentation over the top. If you want even more color, toss in a handful of festive sprinkles or drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Butterfinger Puppy Chow with an ice-cold glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee for grown-ups. At parties and potlucks, it’s amazing alongside salty snacks like pretzels, roasted nuts, or party mix—which keeps people coming back for “just one more handful” again and again!

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping your Butterfinger Puppy Chow into little mason jars or cellophane bags for take-home party favors. Or, pour it into a giant bowl and nestle it among other snack mixes and candies for a DIY dessert bar. For holidays, use themed containers or colored sprinkles to create a festive vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Make sure it’s in a cool, dry spot—direct sunlight can melt the chocolate and make everything sticky.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Butterfinger Puppy Chow! Simply transfer it to a zip-top freezer bag, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to two months. When you want a sweet treat, you can eat it straight from the freezer (for an icy crunch) or let it thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is best enjoyed at room temperature—and it doesn’t need any reheating! If it comes out of the freezer a little too cold, just let it sit on the counter for 15–20 minutes until the coating softens up and the flavors pop.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Rice Chex is classic for puppy chow, but you can absolutely swap in Corn Chex or even Crispix—anything with a light, crunchy texture works well for Butterfinger Puppy Chow. Just avoid cereals that are too dense or sweetened, since they can overpower the flavors.

What if I don’t have fun-size Butterfinger bars?

No fun size? No problem! You can use full-size Butterfinger bars—just measure out the right quantity by weight and chop or crush them as needed. Even Butterfinger baking bits will work in a pinch.

Can I make Butterfinger Puppy Chow nut free?

Absolutely! Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or your favorite nut-free alternative. Just make sure the substitute is nice and creamy so the chocolate coating sticks well to the cereal.

How do I keep my puppy chow from getting soggy?

Spreading the finished mix out on a baking sheet is key. This lets excess moisture evaporate and ensures every piece stays crisp. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep out humidity.

Is Butterfinger Puppy Chow gluten free?

If you use gluten-free Rice Chex and double-check that all your other brands (especially the Butterfinger candy bars) are certified gluten free, you can definitely serve this as a gluten-free treat. Always read labels, since ingredients sometimes differ.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Butterfinger Puppy Chow at home, you’re in for a seriously delicious adventure. It’s one of those recipes everyone asks for, and it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you’ve waited this long. Gather your ingredients, share a big bowl with friends, and get ready for rave reviews!

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