Butterfinger puppy chow is my go-to treat, especially after a chaotic day in the kitchen with my kids. Just last week, Camila decided that “helping” meant tossing flour everywhere, while Mateo was busy asking for seconds of the sweet goodies that always seem to come out of that messy little corner. This delightful chocolate peanut butter snack is perfect for our bustling family—it’s simple, no-bake, and oh-so-decadent. The smiles on their faces as they munch on this treat make every flour explosion worth it.
Why This butterfinger puppy chow is Always on Repeat
One of the reasons I adore making butterfinger puppy chow is its sheer simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, I can whip this up in about 15 minutes—perfect for those busy afternoons when I want to indulge the kids without a major cleanup. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to involve Mateo and Camila. They love helping out, whether they’re measuring the cereal or sprinkling the Butterfinger on top. It truly turns into a family bonding moment!
Another reason is the delightful crunch and sweetness that this snack brings. I’ve made it for everything from birthday parties to quiet movie nights at home, and it never fails to disappear within minutes. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy cereal creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. After all, who can say no to a little extra happiness?
What Goes Into My butterfinger puppy chow
– 9 cups chex cereal
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 cup Butterfinger candy, crushed
My Favorite Ingredient Swaps for butterfinger puppy chow
When it comes to making butterfinger puppy chow, I love experimenting with different ingredients to suit our family’s taste. Sometimes, I swap out the regular chex cereal for chocolate chex for an extra chocolatey twist. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll try adding crispy M&M’s or crushed Oreos for variety. On occasions when I want to cut back on sugar, I’ve used dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate; the result is a richer flavor and a healthier chocolate peanut butter snack! Don’t be afraid to get creative—this recipe is very forgiving.
Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Equipment
- Microwave
- Large Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Cookie Sheet
Ingredients
Cereal Base
- 9 cups chex cereal
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Topping
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup Butterfinger candy, crushed For topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, measure out the chex cereal and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the chex cereal and gently fold until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the coated cereal and toss to coat evenly. Add the crushed Butterfinger candy and mix gently.
- Let the puppy chow sit for a few minutes to set, then enjoy! Store in an airtight container.
Notes
How I Make butterfinger puppy chow
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
In a large bowl, I measure out the chex cereal and set it aside. It’s always fun to get the kids involved; Camila loves counting the cups!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, I combine the milk chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. I microwave them in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. This is where Luis usually pops his head in, giving me the “Is it ready yet?” look!
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Once the chocolate-peanut butter mixture is ready, I pour it over the chex cereal, gently folding everything together until each piece is coated. Mateo enjoys this part—his little fingers always want to help!
Step 4: Transfer and Sprinkle
Next, I transfer the coated cereal to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It’s starting to smell heavenly!
Step 5: Dust with Sugar and Butterfinger
Now comes the fun part! I sprinkle the powdered sugar over the coated cereal and toss it to coat evenly. Then, I add the crushed Butterfinger candy and mix gently. The crunch of that candy adds such a delightful texture!
Step 6: Let it Set
I let the puppy chow sit for a few minutes to set, which gives me just enough time to tidy up the kitchen (and possibly nibble a few stray treats).
Step 7: Enjoy!
Finally, it’s time to enjoy! I store it in an airtight container, but it rarely lasts long with my family around.
The Way I Plate butterfinger puppy chow at Home
At our home, butterfinger puppy chow often makes an appearance during family movie nights. I love to serve it in a big, colorful bowl that everyone can easily dive into. Sometimes, I pair it with a big pitcher of milk or some homemade hot cocoa for an extra cozy vibe. We all snuggle up on the couch, and as the first movie credits roll, I can already see the kids’ eyes lighting up as they grab handfuls of this sweet treat. It’s a ritual I look forward to every time!
What I’ve Learned Making butterfinger puppy chow Over and Over
One lesson I’ve come to appreciate is to make sure my chocolate and peanut butter are perfectly melted before I pour them over the cereal. If they’re too thick, it can lead to clumping, which isn’t ideal! Also, I’ve learned that a light dusting of powdered sugar makes all the difference—too much can be overwhelming. The final tip? Ensure you let it cool completely before storing it; otherwise, it can become soggy.
Keeping butterfinger puppy chow Fresh in My Kitchen
Store the butterfinger puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for about a week, but honestly, it rarely hangs around that long! If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze it. Just place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for about a month. I always recommend letting it thaw at room temperature before digging in!
From My Kitchen to Yours
Butterfinger puppy chow has become more than just a snack; it’s a little piece of our family’s happiness and love. Every time I make it, I think of the laughter shared with my kids over the kitchen counters, the playful chaos, and the stories we create around the snack bowl. Whether you’re making it for a party, a movie night, or just a sweet indulgence after a messy day, I truly hope it brings as much joy to your family as it does to mine.
FAQs about butterfinger puppy chow
How do I store butterfinger puppy chow?
To keep your butterfinger puppy chow fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile. Each variation adds its own unique twist to this delicious snack.
Is butterfinger puppy chow suitable for kids?
Yes! Butterfinger puppy chow is a kid-friendly favorite. It’s fun, colorful, and absolutely delicious for little hands (and big ones too). Just be mindful of portion sizes, as it is quite sweet!
What can I serve with butterfinger puppy chow?
This chocolate peanut butter snack pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
Can I make puppy chow without peanut butter?
Yes! If you need to avoid peanut butter, you can substitute it with almond butter or sun butter for a nut-free version. This way, you can enjoy the same wonderful textures and flavors without the nuts!
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
