Easy Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
Easy Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe
Ever demolished a bag of Butterfinger candy in one sitting and thought, “Why can’t everything taste like this?”
Same.
That’s exactly why this Butterfinger puppy chow exists. It’s that same crunchy, peanut-buttery, chocolate-coated perfection, but somehow even more addictive because you’re eating it by the handful instead of unwrapping individual pieces.
I made this for a game night last month and people were literally hovering near the bowl. One friend texted me the next day asking for the recipe because she “couldn’t stop thinking about it.”
That’s the power of Butterfinger puppy chow.
The crazy thing is how stupidly simple it is to make. We’re talking 15 minutes of actual work, and most of that is just stirring things in a bowl. No fancy equipment, no complicated techniques, just pure chocolatey peanut butter chaos that somehow works perfectly.
Recipe at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| ⏱️ Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| 🍳 Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| ⏳ Total Time | 15 minutes |
| 🍽️ Servings | 12 cups |
| 📊 Difficulty | Beginner-friendly |
| 💰 Cost | Under $15 |
And if you’re one of those people who thinks puppy chow is just for kids or holidays, I’m here to tell you that’s nonsense.
This is an anytime snack.
Movie marathon? Butterfinger puppy chow. Random Tuesday afternoon? Butterfinger puppy chow. Breakfast? I mean, I won’t judge.
Let me show you how to make this ridiculously good snack.
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Chex cereal | 9 cups | About one 12 oz box |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 ½ cups | Can use dark chocolate |
| Creamy peanut butter | ¾ cup | NOT crunchy |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup | 4 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure is best |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | Also called confectioners sugar |
| Butterfinger candy bars | 1 ½ cups chopped | About 8 fun-size bars |
💡 Why Rice Chex? The square shape and neutral flavor make it the perfect base. Corn Chex works too but has a slightly harder texture. Trust the classic here.
Also Read: Creamy Lobster Bisque
Tools Checklist
✅ Large mixing bowl (big enough for 9 cups cereal) ✅ Medium microwave-safe bowl ✅ Gallon-sized zip-top bag (or two) ✅ Parchment paper or wax paper ✅ Rubber spatula ✅ Sharp knife for chopping candy ✅ Measuring cups and spoons
Pro Tips
🧊 Chop the Butterfingers while they’re cold
Pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes before chopping. Room temperature Butterfingers get sticky and messy, but cold ones break into clean pieces.
⏰ Don’t rush the cooling
Give the chocolate coating at least 5 minutes to set before adding the powdered sugar. If you don’t, you’ll end up with a gloppy mess instead of that perfect powdery coating.
👊 Shake in batches
Split the cereal into two batches and shake each one separately. Your arms will thank you, and your puppy chow will look way better.
🍫 Add the Butterfingers at the end
Don’t add them before the powdered sugar shake. They’ll get too coated and lose their crunch. Fold them in gently after everything’s coated.
📦 Store it properly
This stuff gets soggy fast if you leave it out. Keep it in an airtight container, and if you’re not eating it all the same day, store it in the fridge. It’ll stay crunchy for up to a week (if it lasts that long).
Substitutions and Variations
Candy Swaps
| Instead of Butterfinger | Try This | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups | Chopped into chunks | More peanut buttery, less toffee |
| Snickers | Cut into small pieces | Adds caramel + nougat |
| Heath Bar | Crushed | Pure toffee crunch |
| Peanut Butter M&Ms | Whole | Kid-friendly, less sweet |
| Crushed peanut butter cookies | Crumbled | Homemade vibe |
Chocolate Options
| Chocolate Type | Best For | Sweetness Level |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-sweet | Classic version | Medium |
| Dark chocolate | Adult parties | Less sweet |
| Milk chocolate | Kids | Very sweet |
| White chocolate | Something different | Super sweet |
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
Peanut allergy?
- Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter
- Swap Butterfingers for chocolate chunks
Gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free Rice Chex (they make them!)
- Check candy bar labels
Dairy-free?
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips
- Swap butter for coconut oil
- Skip the Butterfingers or use dairy-free candy
How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Lay out a large piece of parchment paper on your counter.
Do this FIRST, not after your hands are covered in chocolate.
Step 2: Measure the Cereal
Pour 9 cups of Rice Chex into your large mixing bowl.
Don’t pack it down, just pour loosely.
🤓 Random Fact: Rice Chex was invented in 1950, and puppy chow wasn’t created until the 1960s. Someone took decades to figure out that coating these things in chocolate was genius.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
What goes in:
- Chocolate chips
- Peanut butter
- Butter
The method:
- Combine all three in your microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave in 30-second intervals
- Stir between each interval
- Usually takes 1 ½ to 2 minutes total
The mixture should be completely smooth with no chunks. If you see any lumps, keep microwaving in 15-second bursts.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | ✅ Do This Instead |
|---|---|
| Microwaving too long at once | Use 30-second intervals |
| Not stirring enough | Stir thoroughly each time |
| Overheating the mixture | Stop when just melted |
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal.
Using your rubber spatula, fold gently to coat every piece. You want to be thorough but gentle so you don’t crush the cereal.
How long should this take? About 2-3 minutes of steady folding.
What you’re looking for: Every piece has chocolate on it.
Also Read: Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups
Step 5: Let It Cool Slightly
Spread the coated cereal on your parchment paper in an even layer.
Let it sit for 5 minutes.
This is when you resist the urge to taste it. I know, it’s hard.
Step 6: The Powdered Sugar Shake
First batch:
- Pour 1 cup powdered sugar into zip-top bag
- Add half of the cooled cereal mixture
- Seal the bag (double-check this!)
- Shake for 30 seconds until evenly coated
- Pour onto clean parchment paper
Second batch: Repeat with remaining cereal and powdered sugar.
💪 Pro Move: Hold the bag at the top and shake it like a cocktail shaker. Gets better coverage than just tossing it around.
Step 7: Add the Butterfingers
Chop your Butterfinger bars into small chunks.
Aim for pieces about the size of the cereal.
Gently fold the Butterfinger pieces into the powder-coated puppy chow.
Step 8: Let It Set
Spread everything out one final time and let it sit for 10 minutes.
This gives the chocolate time to fully harden and the powdered sugar to settle.
Done. Seriously, that’s it.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Why It Happened | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy chow is soggy | Added sugar too soon | Let chocolate cool longer next time |
| Chocolate didn’t coat evenly | Not mixed thoroughly | Fold for full 2-3 minutes |
| Too much powdered sugar clumps | Shook while still warm | Cool cereal completely first |
| Butterfingers got mushy | Added them too early | Always fold in at the very end |
| Whole batch is sticky | Humidity or storage | Store in airtight container in fridge |
Make Ahead Tips
Timeline Options
| When You’re Serving | When to Make It | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Same day | 2+ hours ahead | Make completely, store room temp |
| Next day | Night before | Make & refrigerate, add candy day-of |
| 2-3 days ahead | Anytime | Make & refrigerate in airtight container |
| Party prep | 1-2 days before | Portion into individual bags |
The secret to keeping it fresh: Don’t add the Butterfinger pieces until the day you’re serving it. They can get a bit soft if they sit in the powdered sugar too long.
Storage Guide
How Long Does It Last?
| Storage Method | Duration | Texture Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 3 days | Good (if airtight) |
| Refrigerator | 1 week | Best |
| Freezer | 2 months | Okay (texture changes) |
Best Storage Practices
✅ DO:
- Use airtight containers
- Store in cool, dry place
- Keep in fridge for longest freshness
- Layer with parchment paper if stacking
❌ DON’T:
- Leave in open bowl
- Store in humid areas
- Freeze if you can avoid it
- Mix with other snacks
🆘 Rescue Mission: If your puppy chow gets soft, spread it on a baking sheet and pop it in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely, and it’ll crisp back up.
Nutrition Breakdown
Per 1 Cup Serving (Out of 12 Cups Total)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 285 | – |
| Total Fat | 12g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 150mg | 7% |
| Total Carbs | 42g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 28g | – |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
Also Read: Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Macro Breakdown
| Macronutrient | Grams | Calories | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 168 | 59% |
| Fat | 12g | 108 | 38% |
| Protein | 4g | 16 | 6% |
These are approximate values and will vary based on specific brands used.
Look, this isn’t health food. We all know that. But if you’re looking for something fun to make and share, this hits the spot.
Serving Ideas
Perfect Pairings
🎬 Movie Night Combo
- Butterfinger puppy chow (obviously)
- Regular popcorn
- Junior Mints
- Cold Dr. Pepper
🎉 Party Snack Mix
- 4 cups Butterfinger puppy chow
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup M&Ms
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
🍨 Dessert Upgrade Top vanilla ice cream with:
- 2 scoops ice cream
- ½ cup puppy chow
- Chocolate sauce drizzle
- Whipped cream
Portion Guide for Events
| Event Size | Servings Needed | Batches to Make |
|---|---|---|
| Small party (5-8 people) | 6 cups | 1 batch (halved) |
| Medium party (10-15 people) | 12 cups | 1 full batch |
| Large party (20-30 people) | 24 cups | 2 batches |
| Big event (40+ people) | 36+ cups | 3+ batches |
Cost Breakdown
Want to know if this fits your budget? Here’s what you’re looking at:
| Ingredient | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Rice Chex cereal (12 oz box) | $4.50 |
| Chocolate chips (12 oz bag) | $3.00 |
| Peanut butter (16 oz jar) | $3.50 |
| Butter (1 lb) | $4.00 |
| Vanilla extract (2 oz bottle) | $3.00 |
| Powdered sugar (2 lb bag) | $2.50 |
| Butterfinger bars (8 fun-size) | $3.00 |
| Total | $23.50 |
But wait! Most of these are pantry staples you probably already have.
The only thing you might need to buy specifically for this recipe is the Butterfingers.
Cost per serving: About $1.96 per cup
Compare that to buying pre-made snacks and you’re saving serious money.
Also Read: Baked Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups
FAQ
The Basics
Q: Can I use a different cereal?
Rice Chex is the classic for a reason. It has the perfect texture and neutral flavor. Corn Chex works too, but it’s a bit harder and doesn’t absorb the chocolate as well. I wouldn’t recommend using anything else.
Q: Why is it called puppy chow?
Because it looks like dog food. Weird name, amazing snack. Some people call it “muddy buddies” if the dog food comparison bothers them.
Q: Can kids make this?
With supervision, yes. The melting chocolate part needs an adult, but kids can definitely help with the shaking and mixing. It’s actually a fun activity.
Technical Questions
Q: Why is my puppy chow soggy?
Usually this happens because the chocolate mixture wasn’t fully set before adding the powdered sugar. Make sure you let it cool for at least 5 minutes. Also, humidity can make it soggy, so store it in an airtight container.
Q: How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting into the chocolate?
Let the chocolate coating cool completely before adding the powdered sugar. If you shake it while it’s still warm, the sugar will melt and get gummy.
Q: Can I make this without a microwave?
Yep. Melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter in a double boiler on the stove. Just keep stirring until it’s smooth.
Customization Questions
Q: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a really big bowl and two zip-top bags for the powdered sugar shake. Everything else stays the same.
Q: Do I have to use Butterfingers?
Nope. This is your puppy chow. Use whatever candy you want. But Butterfingers are really good here, so don’t knock it till you try it.
Q: What other candy works well?
Reese’s cups, Snickers, Heath bars, Twix, or even crushed Oreos. Pretty much any candy that goes with chocolate and peanut butter.
Time-Saving Hacks
Speed Round
| Task | Standard Time | Hack | New Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopping Butterfingers | 5 min | Freeze first, use food processor | 2 min |
| Melting chocolate | 2 min | Use double boiler on stove | 3 min (but smoother) |
| Coating cereal | 3 min | Use two people | 1.5 min |
| Cooling time | 15 min | Spread thin on large surface | 10 min |
Prep Like a Pro
- Mise en place – Measure everything before you start
- Batch prep – Chop all Butterfingers at once
- Assembly line – Set up stations for each step
- Clean as you go – Saves time at the end
Comparison: Homemade vs Store-Bought
Why Make It Yourself?
| Factor | Store-Bought | Homemade |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $6-8 per bag (8 cups) | $1.96 per cup |
| Freshness | Weeks old | Made today |
| Flavor | Generic chocolate | Your choice of chocolate |
| Customization | None | Unlimited |
| Fun factor | Zero | Pretty high |
| Butterfinger amount | Minimal | As much as you want |
The math is simple: homemade wins in every category except convenience.
Wrapping Up
There you have it. Butterfinger puppy chow in all its crunchy, chocolatey, peanut-buttery glory.
I’m telling you, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to snack for everything. Birthday parties, random cravings, bribing your friends, whatever.
The thing I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can swap out the candy, change the chocolate, add different mix-ins, and it still works. It’s basically foolproof.
So grab your cereal and chocolate, and make a batch. Then come back and tell me how fast it disappeared. I’m guessing less than 24 hours.
What candy are you going to use in yours? Already planning your next variation? Drop a comment below. I wanna know what wild combinations you come up with. 👇
