Butterfinger Puppy Chow is the kind of treat that brings out the kid in everyone—a gloriously crunchy, chocolaty, peanut-buttery snack where every handful tastes like a party. What makes this version extra special is the addition of chopped Butterfinger candy bars tucked into every bite. Whether you’re filling snack bowls for a movie night or whipping up a sweet surprise for a bake sale, this Butterfinger Puppy Chow is guaranteed to disappear in a flash (usually straight into eager hands!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few pantry staples and a healthy dose of Butterfinger magic, this treat comes together in minutes. Every ingredient is perfectly chosen to deliver that addictive sweet, salty, and crunchy combo—this is what puppy chow dreams are made of!
- Rice Chex Cereal: The light, crisp foundation that soaks up all the yummy coating while staying perfectly crunchy.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Brings a rich, silky chocolate flavor that complements the peanut butter just right.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds smooth, nutty depth and helps create that classic puppy chow coating.
- Salted butter: Balances out the sweetness and helps everything melt down smoothly for easy mixing.
- Pure vanilla extract: A little splash enhances all the other flavors and adds irresistible aroma.
- Fun size Butterfinger candy bars: The start of the show! Crushed and chopped Butterfingers provide that signature toffee, chocolate, and peanut-butter crunch in every handful.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the puppy chow its signature snowy, sweet finish and keeps the whole mix from sticking together.
How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal Base
Pour your Rice Chex cereal into an extra large mixing bowl so there’s plenty of room for tossing everything together later. This is the sturdy base that will carry all the delicious flavors!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for a minute, then give it a good stir. If you see any unmelted bits, microwave in 15-second bursts until you have a smooth, glossy mixture that smells amazing.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Once your chocolate and peanut butter mixture is totally smooth, stir in the pure vanilla extract. This little step amplifies all the flavors and makes your Butterfinger Puppy Chow taste even more indulgent.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Drizzle your warm, melty mixture right over the Rice Chex. Using a big spatula or spoon, gently toss and fold the cereal until every piece is evenly coated. You want every bite to have that perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter!
Step 5: Add the Butterfinger Magic
Now’s the time to stir in your 15 crushed Butterfinger fun size bars. As you fold them in, you’ll notice delicious flecks of candy clinging to the chocolatey cereal—it’s the secret to the ultimate Butterfinger Puppy Chow experience.
Step 6: Powdered Sugar Parade
Sprinkle the sifted powdered sugar over the whole mixture. For the no-mess route, toss everything into a gigantic (2-gallon) ziplock bag and shake until every piece is coated and snowy white. If you prefer, just mix it gently in your bowl, making sure nothing gets left behind.
Step 7: Dry and Garnish
Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet so it can set and dry a bit. Right before serving, toss in those final three chopped Butterfinger bars for a pop of color and even more crunchy-candy goodness.
How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Garnishes
A little extra Butterfinger sprinkle never hurt anyone! Top your puppy chow with additional chopped Butterfinger pieces or even a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving for a truly tempting look and an extra pop of candy bar flavor.
Side Dishes
When serving Butterfinger Puppy Chow at parties, balance out the sweetness by pairing it with bowls of salty pretzels, roasted nuts, or some fresh fruit. The mix of flavors makes your snack spread feel complete and ensures guests have something a little lighter to munch between handfuls.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Butterfinger Puppy Chow the star of any occasion by serving it in colorful snack cups, mason jars tied with ribbon for gifts, or even piled high in a trifle bowl for a playful centerpiece. For kids’ parties, mini paper bags or small jars with custom labels are always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crisp, sweet, and delicious for up to a week—although it’s so irresistible, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead of time? Freeze your Butterfinger Puppy Chow in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Just make sure to let it come back to room temperature and give it a gentle shake before serving so it’s crisp and ready to enjoy.
Reheating
This is one recipe that doesn’t need any reheating—if your puppy chow has been in the fridge or freezer, simply let it stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. The texture will be just as snackable as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal besides Rice Chex?
Absolutely! Corn Chex or Crispix are great alternatives and will still soak up the delicious coating. Just avoid overly sweet cereals, as they’ll make the mix too sugary.
Is Butterfinger Puppy Chow gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free version of Rice Chex and double-check your Butterfinger bars for allergens or wheat ingredients, you can make this snack gluten-free. Always read ingredient labels carefully!
Can I add nuts or other candies?
Go for it! Chopped peanuts, almonds, or even mini peanut butter cups are fun additions if you want to play with new textures and flavors alongside the Butterfinger bites.
How do I crush the Butterfinger bars?
The easiest way is to put them in a ziplock bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or meat mallet. You want some large chunks for texture, not a total powder.
Can I make Butterfinger Puppy Chow in advance for a party?
Yes! In fact, Butterfinger Puppy Chow is perfect for prepping 1-2 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will be fresh and crisp whenever you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made puppy chow before or you’re looking for a new twist on an old favorite, Butterfinger Puppy Chow is the answer. Every handful is ridiculously delicious, with chocolate, peanut butter, and candy crunch in perfect harmony. Give it a try—your snack game will never be the same!
Print
Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 14 ½ cup servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butterfinger Puppy Chow is an addictive snack mix with a delightful sweet and salty crunch, made even better with the addition of chopped Butterfinger candy bars in every bite.
Ingredients
Rice Chex Cereal:
7 cups
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:
1 cup
Creamy Peanut Butter:
½ cup
Salted Butter:
¼ cup
Pure Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Butterfinger Candy Bars:
18 fun size (15 crushed, 3 roughly chopped for garnish)
Powdered Sugar:
1 ¼ cups, sifted
Instructions
- Add the cereal: Place the Rice Chex Cereal in an extra-large bowl.
- Melt chocolate mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stirring until smooth.
- Combine flavors: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Coat cereal: Drizzle the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently stir to coat evenly.
- Add crushed candy bars: Mix in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars.
- Coat with powdered sugar: Sprinkle the sifted powdered sugar over the cereal mix and stir until coated, or place in a large ziplock bag and shake.
- Dry and garnish: Spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet to dry. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger candy bars on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (½ cup)
- Calories: 606 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 337mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 79g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
