Puppy Chow is a classic holiday recipe, that's gluten free too! Chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar combine to make a crunchy, irresistible treat.
Today’s post is not so much a new/innovative recipe as it a PSA/reminder. Let’s talk about Puppy Chow, friends. It exists, it’s delicious, and you should make it. NOW!
What is Puppy Chow?
Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a popular snack in the Midwest that’s fun to make and eat all year long, but especially around the holidays. Something about clusters of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar covered-Rice Chex looking like delectable little snow balls or something like that.
Seriously though, nothing screams Christmas or the holidays more to me than Puppy Chow. Not even sugar cookies, and that’s really saying something! Best of all, this recipe is SO EASY. Just 15 minutes from ingredients to eating — you can’t beat that!
How Long Does Puppy Chow Last?
The unofficial answer is: minutes?! The official answer is up t0 5 days if stored in an airtight container or Ziplock bag. Promise it won’t hang around for long, though.
Does Puppy Chow Need to Be Refrigerated?
Puppy Chow does not need to be refrigerated which means it’s great for giving as an edible holiday gift. I like to package scoops of Puppy Chow in clear treat bags with a pretty ribbon, or in a holiday tin which you can get from the Target $1 aisle or even the Dollar Store.
Inexpensive, easy, and WAY better than giving someone a boring old candle for the holidays.
Before we go on, I feel like it has to be said – Puppy Chow is NOT for puppies nor any other animal. More for us humans!
How to Make Puppy Chow
Start by pouring Rice Chex into a very large bowl – the biggest you’ve got!
Next microwave semisweet chocolate chips, smooth peanut butter, butter or vegan butter, and vanilla then stire until melted and smooth.
Pour the chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the cereal then use a spatula to fold the ingredients to coat.
Next add powdered sugar to two large Ziplock bags then divide the Rice Chex mixture between the two bags.
Gently shake to coat the Rice Chex in the powdered sugar then spread the Puppy Chow onto wax paper to let it cool. Couldn’t be easier nor more tasty. UGH, so good! I hope you love this festive, simple, and scrumptious holiday treat – enjoy!
More Gluten Free Holiday Treats
- Chocolate Peppermint Covered Pretzels
- Christmas Crunch
- Buckeyes
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark
- Gluten Free Kiss Cookies
- Gluten Free Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
- 10 Gluten Free Christmas Cookies and Treats
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter , regular or vegan
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
Directions
- Divide powdered sugar between two, gallon-size Ziplock bags then set aside. Place two sheets of overlapping wax paper on the countertop. Pour cereal into a very large bowl then set aside.
- Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a large, microwave-safe bowl then microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Keep microwaving then stirring in 20 second increments until the mixture is smooth. Drizzle over the cereal then fold with a spatula until the cereal is completely coated.
- Divide the mixture between the two powdered sugar bags then gently shake until the cereal is completely coated. Pour the Puppy Chow out onto the sheets of wax paper to cool then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
I legitimately thought you were talking about dog food at first….but it looks great!!
Love these! So so so good for how simple it is to make! Before Pinterest happened, I had no idea anyone called it Puppy Chow…We always called ’em Muddy Buddies!
I love how you call in puppy chow! I have always known it has Chex muddy buddies, but puppy chow seems so much more appropriate!
I have not made puppy chow in years but now I MUST!!!! Yum!!
I usually skip making this one because I WILL scarf it all down by myself if left alone for too long. Two (or three or four) stuck together is THE greatest! A hidden goldmine in an already delicious treat.
Stop the madness! I LOVE puppy chow… but make it, maybe once every year or two. Really. I cannot be trusted around it — and then I eat it to the point of it just not being healthy. The chunks are together (more pb/chocolate!)
I HIGHLY recommend that you try freezing puppy chow. It’s how I grew up eating it and I’ve converted many people. :) There are even more stuck together clusters. So dang good!
And now I want some puppy chow. Also, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such beautiful pictures containing puppy chow in it.
God, I love the way the powdered sugar feels almost cool on your tongue. I can’t wait to try this one.
You know I have never heard of this…thought you had a cool dog food recipe to be honest for pups…looks good though and I like how simple it is!
Ed-
My English Bulldog Livy loves these:
1 egg
2 tablespoons honey
2 bananas, mashed with a fork
1/4 cup peanut butter
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cooking spray
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees . In a bowl, whisk together the egg, honey, bananas and peanut butter. Stir in 3 cups water; whisk until smooth.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and cinnamon; add to the egg mixture.
Spray two 12-cup muffin pans with cooking spray; fill each cup three quarters full. Bake until browned, about 30 minutes. Let cool.
I just made my brother a double batch of this last weekend…he likes it frozen. But it is a family favorite, that is for sure.
Kristin, these photos are absolutely gorgeous! (And I LOVE puppy chow at the holidays. Nothing says Christmas party food better!)
I’ve never made (or even tried) puppy chow, but you’re convincing me that I should! :)
What?!? That’s like a crime! ;) You have got to make this! Seriously…go do it….right now ;)
Agree, that’s a crime. Make some this weekend.