Get ready for a snack that will steal the spotlight at any gathering! Butterfinger Puppy Chow is the ultimate marriage of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey — a playful twist on the classic muddy buddies, with iconic Butterfinger flavor in every delightful handful. Whether you’re prepping a movie-night treat, craving an afternoon pick-me-up, or searching for the perfect party snack, this irresistible mix always delivers. If you’re a fan of easy, crowd-pleasing snacks, Butterfinger Puppy Chow is about to become your newest obsession!

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Butterfinger Puppy Chow is how effortlessly it comes together, all thanks to a handful of pantry staples and a few special add-ins that take it over the top. Each ingredient brings its own unique magic, from rich chocolate chips to crunchy cereal, combining for that perfect bite every time.

Rice Chex cereal: The crispy base that soaks up all that glorious coating while keeping every bite satisfyingly light.
Chopped Butterfinger candy bars (or Butterfinger baking bits): The star of the show! These add unmistakable crispy, peanut-buttery shards throughout the mix.
Creamy peanut butter: Gives that signature nutty flavor and helps the coating stick to each piece of cereal.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps everything melt down smoothly.
Milk chocolate chips: For an irresistibly smooth, chocolaty base that ties every flavor together beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and depth, enhancing the chocolate and peanut butter combo.
Powdered sugar: The finishing touch! It creates that classic, sweet puppy chow dusting and keeps every piece from sticking together.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal

Start by placing your Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. This gives you plenty of space to toss and coat every piece evenly. Set the bowl aside so it’s ready for the magic in the next step.

Step 2: Melt and Mix the Coating

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, and milk chocolate chips. Stir gently and continuously as the ingredients melt together, forming a smooth, glossy mixture. Once everything is silky and thoroughly blended, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with the chopped Butterfinger pieces for bursts of candy crunch in every bite.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Carefully pour the warm Butterfinger-chocolate mixture over your Rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently stir, folding the cereal from the bottom up so each piece gets an even layer of that decadent coating. Be patient and gentle—no one wants broken cereal!

Step 4: Shake It Up with Powdered Sugar

Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or a sealed container. Pour in the powdered sugar, then seal and shake for a good minute. This step is pure fun—the sugar will tumble over every piece, creating that signature sweet, powdery finish while keeping things from sticking together.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Spread your Butterfinger Puppy Chow out onto a baking sheet in an even layer. Let it cool and set for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps everything crisp up to snack-worthy perfection before diving in or packing up for later.

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Garnishes

For a party-ready presentation, toss in some extra chopped Butterfinger pieces or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips just before serving. A light dusting of extra powdered sugar makes it look even more irresistible, almost like a snowy mountain of sweet treats.

Side Dishes

Balance all that sweetness by pairing Butterfinger Puppy Chow with a bowl of salted nuts, popcorn, or even some pretzel twists. Fresh fruit skewers also make a lovely, refreshing side alongside this snack mix at casual get-togethers.

Creative Ways to Present

Package servings in colorful treat bags or mason jars for party favors, classroom treats, or edible gifts for the holidays. Layer puppy chow with chocolate pudding in clear dessert cups for fun parfaits, or pile it high in a big bowl for an impressive (and addictive) snack table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butterfinger Puppy Chow keeps beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—it’ll stay crunchy and delicious, ready for snacking at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

To make your Butterfinger Puppy Chow last even longer, tuck it into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is definitely best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s just come from the freezer, spread it on a baking sheet and let it warm up for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Snack

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is the traditional favorite for Butterfinger Puppy Chow, Corn Chex or even Crispix work well and offer their own subtle variations in flavor and crunch.

Can this recipe be made nut-free?

You can substitute sunflower seed butter or soynut butter for the peanut butter, and use nut-free chocolate chips. Just double-check your Butterfinger pieces or choose a similar nut-free candy bar for extra safety.

What’s the best way to crush or chop Butterfinger bars?

Use a sharp knife to chop them into bite-sized pieces, or place whole bars in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin. Aim for some small shards and a few larger chunks for texture variety.

Why isn’t my powdered sugar sticking?

If your Butterfinger Puppy Chow looks patchy, it may be too warm or the coating hasn’t fully set onto the cereal. Make sure you shake it immediately after pouring in the sugar, and let it cool completely before serving.

Can I add extra mix-ins?

Definitely! Try stirring in chopped peanuts, mini pretzels, or even mini marshmallows along with the Butterfinger bits for more crunch and flavor. Just keep the add-ins balanced so the coating can still cover every piece.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to blow your friends and family away with a snack that’s as easy as it is addictive, give Butterfinger Puppy Chow a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re making it for a party or just to satisfy a sweet craving at home. Dive in and spread the snack joy!

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a delicious no-bake treat that combines the flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, Butterfinger candy bars, and crispy cereal, all coated in powdered sugar. This sweet and crunchy snack is perfect for parties or as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Chex Cereal:

6 cups

Butterfinger Candy Bars (or Butterfinger Baking Bits):

1 1/2 cups, chopped

Peanut Butter:

1/2 cup, creamy

Unsalted Butter:

1/4 cup

Milk Chocolate Chips:

1 cup

Vanilla Extract:

1 teaspoon

Powdered Sugar:

1 1/2 cups

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Instructions

Prepare Cereal: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
Melt Ingredients: In a saucepan, melt peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips; stir until smooth.
Add Flavor: Stir in vanilla extract and chopped Butterfinger pieces.
Coat Cereal: Pour chocolate mixture over cereal, stir to coat.
Coat with Sugar: Transfer coated cereal to a bag, add powdered sugar, shake to coat.
Cool and Serve: Spread on a baking sheet to cool before serving or storing.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or pretzels before coating with powdered sugar.
Great for parties or as a homemade gift.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American