Imagine the classic, irresistible puppy chow you know and love, but with a nostalgic Butterfinger twist that takes it to a whole new level—yes, we’re talking about Butterfinger Puppy Chow! This dreamy, no-bake treat is an explosion of chocolate, peanut butter, crunchy cereal, and sweet, crispy Butterfinger bits all dusted in a snowy coat of powdered sugar. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party, movie night, or just because you deserve something special, Butterfinger Puppy Chow is the ultimate snack that brings out the kid in everyone while satisfying every sweet tooth at the table.

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Butterfinger Puppy Chow is that it calls for just a handful of pantry staples and a bag of Butterfinger bars, yet every single ingredient plays a starring role in creating that crave-worthy combination of flavors and textures. Each one brings its own charm—crunch, creaminess, sweetness, or that iconic Butterfinger snap.

Rice Chex cereal: This cereal is the perfect blank canvas, sturdy enough to hold all the gooey goodness without losing its crunch.
Butterfinger candy bars (crushed): These bring in that unmistakable peanut-buttery, crispy flavor and add bursts of caramelized crunch throughout.
Milk chocolate chips: Melting into the peanut butter, these chips create a silky, chocolatey coating for every piece.
Creamy peanut butter: The backbone of puppy chow—rich, smooth, and nutty, it helps everything stick together and tastes amazing with Butterfinger.
Unsalted butter: Just a touch adds lusciousness to the chocolate-peanut butter mix and helps it coat the cereal beautifully.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brightens all the flavors and gives the treat an extra layer of warmth.
Powdered sugar: The final dusting that makes each bite sweet, snowy, and totally snackable.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep the Cereal

Start by pouring your Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. It’s important to use a big bowl so you have plenty of room to toss and coat the cereal evenly later on. Set this aside—your crunchy base is ready and waiting!

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

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave this trio in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until everything is smooth, glossy, and perfectly blended. It usually takes about 1 to 1½ minutes total. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract for that extra pop of flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Chex cereal. Using a spatula or big spoon, gently fold the cereal until every piece is beautifully coated. Take your time—gentle mixing ensures the cereal doesn’t get crushed, and every bite is as chocolatey as the last.

Step 4: Add the Butterfinger Magic

Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle in your crushed Butterfinger candy bars and give everything another gentle toss. The Butterfinger bits will stick to the warm chocolate coating, ensuring every handful of Butterfinger Puppy Chow is brimming with those signature crispy, peanut-buttery shards.

Step 5: Shake with Powdered Sugar

Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a large zip-top bag or a container with a secure lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal it up, and shake, shake, shake! The sugar will snow over every piece, making them perfectly sweet and giving them that classic puppy chow look.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Spread the freshly coated Butterfinger Puppy Chow onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Let it cool completely—this step helps everything set up and prevents sticky fingers later. Once it’s cooled, dive in!

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Garnishes

For a playful finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra crushed Butterfinger pieces or even a handful of mini chocolate chips on top just before serving. This adds extra color and a burst of flavor on the very first bite.

Side Dishes

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a showstopper on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or alongside other sweet-and-salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn for a full-on snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Butterfinger Puppy Chow in mason jars tied with ribbon for party favors, in small treat bags for a bake sale, or piled high in a big bowl at your next gathering. For a festive touch, mix in colorful sprinkles or candy-coated chocolates to match your party theme!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butterfinger Puppy Chow keeps its crunch and flavor best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if you can resist eating it all before then!

Freezing

Want to save some for later? No problem! Pop your Butterfinger Puppy Chow in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and stash it in the freezer for up to two months. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before snacking.

Reheating

No reheating is needed for this sweet treat! If your Butterfinger Puppy Chow has been frozen, simply let it thaw at room temperature. It will be ready to munch in no time, tasting just as good as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Snack, Dessert

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is classic for Butterfinger Puppy Chow, you can swap in corn Chex, Crispix, or even a gluten-free variety if needed. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the coating.

Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?

Yes! Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative, and use nut-free chocolate chips. Just double-check your Butterfinger bars, as they may contain traces of nuts.

What’s the best way to crush Butterfinger bars?

For perfect, crunchy shards, place the Butterfinger bars in a zip-top bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass. You want a mix of small bits and a few larger chunks for texture.

Can I make Butterfinger Puppy Chow ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! This treat holds up beautifully, so you can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. It’s a lifesaver for party prep or busy schedules.

How do I prevent the puppy chow from becoming soggy?

Be sure to cool the mixture completely before storing it, and always keep it in an airtight container. Moisture is the enemy of crunch, so keep it sealed and away from humidity for the crispiest results.

Final Thoughts

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is one of those snacks that never fails to bring joy, whether you’re sharing it at a party or sneaking a handful during movie night. It’s so easy to make, absolutely addictive, and always a huge hit. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a deliciously addictive no-bake snack mix featuring crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a rich blend of melted milk chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and butter, then tossed with crushed Butterfinger candy bars and powdered sugar for a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for parties or anytime snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Cereal

6 cups Rice Chex cereal

Candy and Coating

1 cup Butterfinger candy bars, crushed
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the cereal: Place the 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside for coating.
Melt the chocolate mixture: Combine 1 cup milk chocolate chips, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes total.
Add vanilla: Stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture to enhance the flavor.
Coat the cereal: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and gently toss with a spatula or spoon to evenly coat every piece of cereal without crushing them.
Incorporate candy pieces: Add the crushed Butterfinger candy bars to the coated cereal and gently stir to distribute the candy pieces throughout.
Coat with powdered sugar: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal mixture into a large zip-top bag or container with a lid. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake thoroughly until all cereal pieces are evenly coated with the powdered sugar.
Cool and serve: Spread the coated snack mix onto a baking sheet in a single layer and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before serving or storing.

Notes

Store Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze the mixture in a sealed container and thaw before serving.
For extra crunch and flavor, stir in additional chopped Butterfinger pieces after coating with powdered sugar.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American