Chex Mix Puppy Chow is the BEST. What else can be said? 4 ingredients. 5 minutes. Totally delicious!
Chex mix puppy chow
Chex Mix Puppy Chow is a delicious treat that has been around for years. It involves coating Chex Mix cereal in chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It takes about 15 minutes to make from start to finish, and it's SO delicious. It's one of those treats where you can't keep your hands out of the bowl!
Why is it called puppy chow?
Whether you call it "puppy chow" or "muddy buddies," you're thinking of the exact same delicious recipe. I grew up calling this recipe "puppy chow" which I have recently learned is because the look of this dish closely resembles dog food. I will say I have a memory of my mom making this for us kids, putting in a bowl on the floor, and us acting like dogs to eat it.....
Puppy chow or muddy buddies?
Needless to say, I'm a puppy chow gal. Muddy buddies is great, but it doesn't feel right to call it that!
Healthy puppy chow
Let me start by clarifying what I mean when I classify this as a healthier puppy chow recipe. What I mean by healthier is that there's less of the standard ingredients -- there isn't any protein, fruits, or veggies!
This recipe still uses the same four classic ingredients (Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar), however there are a few variations. I use less of each ingredient, substitute milk for dark chocolate, and don't use butter.
I guarantee you this healthier puppy chow recipe tastes just as good, if not better, than the standard!
What ingredients do I need?
- Dark chocolate chips - I LOVE dark chocolate. Not only is it rich in antioxidants and nutrients, BUT it tastes delicious.
- Peanut butter - Almost as much as I love dark chocolate do I love peanut butter. It's creamy, tasty, and packed with protein and healthy fats. The peanut butter and chocolate will get melted and mixed together for the coating!
- Chex cereal - The Chex cereal is the star of the show. It's the crunchy squares that will be coated in the delicious peanut butter-chocolate coating and powdered sugar.
- Powdered sugar - If you've seen a picture of puppy chow, you will immediately notice it's covered in white, which is the powdered sugar!
What substitutions can I make?
There are a few substitutions you can make for this recipe.
- Dark chocolate chips - I LOVE dark chocolate, but you can totally use milk chocolate (which is what the standard recipes use).
- Peanut butter - While most puppy chow recipes use peanut butter, you can use any kind of nut butter. Almond, cashew, or sunflower will work just fine.
- Chex cereal - The Chex cereal is the star of the Chex Mix Puppy Chow show. I would NOT substitute this ingredient.
- Powdered sugar - I would not make substitutions for this ingredient!
What makes this healthy puppy chow?
Each person has their own definition of healthy, and this recipe is healthy for me! This recipe has a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. This chex mix puppy chow is lightened-up by using dark chocolate, less peanut butter and chocolate, and no butter. The recipe is definitely a dessert recipe, but uses simple ingredients and is more nutritious for me compared to similar recipes. I love that this tastes so delicious and is something I can easily make right in my own home! Plus, when I make this recipe for family or friends, they can never tell it's made with healthier ingredients.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to make. This is a one-bowl recipe so you’ll need to dump all of your ingredients into one large bowl and stir! The hardest part of this recipe will be stirring everything until it’s completely mixed. This recipe is also no-bake, so no oven required. The only “cooking” is the time when the chocolate and peanut butter are melted in the microwave. Trust me, this recipe is so quick and easy!
How do I make chex mix puppy chow?
Alright, here's how easy it is to make Chex Mix Puppy Chow.
- Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the peanut butter and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave, stirring every 30 second seconds until completely melted. Mix well.
- Pour the melted peanut butter and chocolate mixture over the cereal. Stir gently (careful not to crumble the cereal) until the cereal is coated.
- Place the powdered sugar in a gallon-sized bag.
- Add the coated cereal into the bag. Shake well until covered with powdered sugar.
- Dump the puppy chow into a bowl.
- Enjoy!
Looking for something similar?
If you are looking for some more dessert recipes that are great for a party, try these:
What is the chex mix puppy chow recipe?
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please rate it and share it with your friends! ENJOY.
Chex Mix Puppy Chow
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 5 cups chex cereal
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the peanut butter and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave, stirring every 30 second seconds until completely melted. Mix well.
- Pour the melted peanut butter and chocolate mixture over the cereal. Stir gently (careful not to crumble the cereal) until the cereal is coated.
- Place the powdered sugar in a gallon-sized bag.
- Add the coated cereal into the bag. Shake well until covered with powdered sugar.
- Dump the puppy chow into a bowl.
- Enjoy!
Michelle Hudson says
So easy, delicious and always a crowd pleaser!
Stephanie says
This is another one of our favorites! My kids and I love it!!!
Lauren W. says
Soo quick and easy to customize to tailor to your dietary needs!
Samantha Barlow says
Super easy and quick! I added a little protein powder - delicious
Rose says
Am I supposed to only use the Chex mix squares and not the rye/bagel chips and breadsticks?
Jordan Smith says
Hey Rose, instead of using Chex Mix, I would suggest using Chex cereal! That way you just have the square cereal and not the rye/bagel chips and breadsticks. Those would not go well in this recipe!
Aimee says
I just made this with the Chex mix (because it's what I have on hand and late at night). The mini preztels and rye chips are amazing!
Jordan Smith says
Ooooooh I have never made this with standard chex mix but I'll have to try!
Danielle Lee Potts says
Yes just the corn chex, not all the cereals used to make chex mix 😉
Maddie says
Seriously- puppy chow is my weakness. This is as good as the “normal” version!
Katy says
So good!! And so easy to a favorite at our house
Laura says
I love this recipe! It is so easy and, because I love chocolate, I double the peanut butter and chocolate amounts so it’s extra chocolately! Every time we have a potluck at work people request (demand) this!!! I am the Puppy Chow lady 🐶
Jordan Smith says
Laura, the puppy chow lady!! I'm so happy to hear this recipe has worked so well for you. Thanks for trusting this recipe at your work events!!
Jennie A says
Can i use milk chocolate chips instead
Jordan Smith says
You can absolutely use milk chocolate chips instead!