Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible crunch and sweet peanut butter-chocolate magic of Butterfinger Puppy Chow! This no-bake treat blends crispy cereal, a silken chocolate-peanut butter coating, and loads of crushed Butterfinger candy bars for a snack that’s totally nostalgic but with a candy-laden upgrade. Whether you’re setting out a big bowl for movie night, packing lunchbox surprises, or simply treating yourself, Butterfinger Puppy Chow delivers a bold burst of flavor and texture that disappears in a flash at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses remarkably simple ingredients that come together for the perfect blend of crunch and creaminess. Each one plays a key role—the cereal gives you that light snap, while the chocolate and peanut butter create a decadent glue that Butterfinger gleefully clings to!

• Rice Chex cereal: The classic base, its square pockets perfectly absorb all that luscious, melty goodness without falling apart.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Just the right balance of intensity and sweetness, they melt beautifully and pair perfectly with peanut butter.
• Creamy peanut butter: Smooth and nutty, it helps bind the coating while amping up the flavor’s nostalgia factor.
• Salted butter: Adds a dose of richness and a little saltiness that heightens every bite.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash rounds out all the flavors and brings a little warmth.
• Fun size Butterfinger candy bars: The signature move! Crushed inside and scattered on top, these add crunchy, toffee-like pockets throughout.
• Powdered sugar: Sifted for silkiness, it creates the iconic sweet coating every Puppy Chow fan loves.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep the Cereal

Pour all your Rice Chex cereal into an extra-large mixing bowl. This will make stirring way easier later on—no accidental cereal casualties flying across your kitchen! Giving yourself room will help coat every last piece evenly.

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

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and combine the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for one minute, then give it a thorough stir. The heat will finish melting everything into a smooth, glossy mixture—just keep stirring if there are a few unmelted bits.

Step 3: Stir in the Vanilla

Off the heat, add in the pure vanilla extract and give it a quick stir. This step layers in an extra hint of bakery goodness and pulls the flavors together for that can’t-resist aroma.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Drizzle the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over your bowl of cereal. Use a big spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and fold everything together. Take your time—gentle movements help prevent the squares from getting crushed while achieving a thorough, glossy coating.

Step 5: Add Crushed Butterfinger

Mix in the 15 crushed Butterfinger bars. Fold carefully so those candy bits make their way into every handful, bringing signature crunch and pops of flavor to your Butterfinger Puppy Chow.

Step 6: Add the Powdered Sugar

You have two options: sprinkle the powdered sugar directly onto your coated cereal and stir, or pour everything into a gigantic zip-top bag, add powdered sugar, and shake! The bag method is especially fun with kids and contains the mess. Keep shaking or stirring until each piece is coated in a snowy blanket of sweetness.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Spread your freshly tossed Butterfinger Puppy Chow out on a baking sheet. This gives it a chance to set and prevents clumping. Just before serving, toss in the three fun size Butterfingers you roughly chopped for an extra pop of color and candy on top!

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Garnishes

Top your platter or bowl with those reserved chunks of Butterfinger and maybe an extra dusting of powdered sugar. The added Butterfinger pieces sit on the top layer, beckoning with their peanut-buttery stripes and making each handful just a little more special.

Side Dishes

Butterfinger Puppy Chow pairs perfectly with salty snacks like pretzel sticks or popcorn for a sweet-and-salty spread at parties. It also makes a quick dessert snack after a savory meal—simply add a bowl alongside coffee, tea, or cold milk for a dreamy finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic snack bowl! Try portioning Butterfinger Puppy Chow into mason jars with festive ribbons as edible gifts, filling treat bags for party favors, or serving in small cups at movie nights for easy sharing. You can even layer it with mini peanut butter cups and chopped Butterfingers in a glass trifle bowl for a stunning centerpiece snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Butterfinger Puppy Chow into an airtight container or ziplock bag. It keeps crisp and delicious at room temperature for up to a week, making it the perfect make-ahead treat for surprise visitors or hungry snackers.

Freezing

If you need to keep it longer, toss the Puppy Chow into a freezer-safe bag or container. Butterfinger Puppy Chow freezes wonderfully for up to two months—just let it come to room temperature again before serving, and it’ll be as crunchy as the day you made it.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this crunchy treat, but if your Butterfinger Puppy Chow has been in the freezer, simply leave it on the counter in a single layer for 20 or 30 minutes until it returns to its perfect snappy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other cereal brands or types?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is the classic choice, mixing in corn or wheat Chex, or even off-brand crispy squares, gives you a fun variety in taste and texture. Just steer clear of cereals that are too dense or they might not coat evenly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Great news: Rice Chex is naturally gluten-free! Double check your Butterfinger bars and other mix-ins to make sure they’re certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe treat for everyone.

What are fun add-ins for extra flavor?

Try folding in mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms, or even pretzel bits after coating with powdered sugar. It’s a blast to create your own over-the-top version of Butterfinger Puppy Chow with whatever you have on hand.

Is there a way to reduce the sweetness?

If you prefer a less sweet version, start by using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, and reduce the powdered sugar by a quarter cup. You can even add a pinch more salt for a more balanced bite without losing that signature Butterfinger charm.

Can I make Butterfinger Puppy Chow ahead for parties?

Yes! This is the ideal party snack because it stays fresh for days. Make it up to 3–4 days before your event and store it airtight. Save the extra Butterfinger garnish for right before serving to keep everything looking and tasting its best.

Final Thoughts

Butterfinger Puppy Chow takes everything you love about traditional puppy chow and kicks it up several notches with bits of candy bar happiness in every bite. If you need a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing treat, you absolutely can’t go wrong here. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and surprise everyone (including yourself) with just how good Butterfinger Puppy Chow can be!

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