Butterfinger Puppy Chow

If you’re looking for a delightful, no-bake treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, then you’ve come to the right place! This Butterfinger Puppy Chow is one of those recipes that always brings a smile to my face. It combines crunchy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and the unmistakable taste of Butterfinger candy bars—all in one delicious snack. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this treat is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the joy of making it together with loved ones. You can whip it up in just 11 minutes, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous gatherings or when you need a little something sweet after dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious treat without turning on the oven.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the chocolatey goodness and fun crunch, making it perfect for snacks or dessert.
• Make-Ahead Delight: It stores well in an airtight container, so you can prepare it ahead of time for parties or movie nights.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it at any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or even just because!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Butterfinger Puppy Chow are not only simple but also wholesome. Gather these goodies, and you’ll be ready to create something truly special!

• 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal (or store brand version)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup salted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 18 fun size Butterfinger candy bars (15 crushed and 3 roughly chopped for garnish)
• 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations that you might want to try:

• Nut Butter Swap: Replace creamy peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor twist.
• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some pretzels or nuts for an extra crunch and salty contrast.
• Change Up the Chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter touch.
• Mix in Other Candies: Swap out Butterfinger bars for your favorite candy bars like Reese’s or Snickers.

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal

Start by adding the Rice Chex Cereal into an extra-large bowl. The size is important here because we’ll be mixing everything together later on.

Step 2: Melt the Mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for about one minute. Stir well until everything is melted and smooth. This step is key because melting these ingredients creates that deliciously gooey mixture that will coat our cereal perfectly.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds an extra layer of flavor that complements all the sweetness wonderfully.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Drizzle your melted mixture over the cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure every piece gets coated evenly. This is where all those flavors begin to come together!

Step 5: Mix in Crushed Candy

Fold in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars. These bits add that signature crunch and flavor we all adore. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout your mixture.

Step 6: Add Powdered Sugar

Now comes the fun part! You can either sprinkle powdered sugar over your coated cereal mixture directly or use an extra-large ziplock bag. I prefer using the ziplock method; it keeps things tidy while helping to coat everything perfectly.

Step 7: Let It Settle

Spread your coated cereal onto a baking sheet to dry out a bit. Right before serving, sprinkle in those chopped fun-size Butterfinger pieces for garnish—trust me, they make it look irresistible!

And there you have it—a delightful batch of Butterfinger Puppy Chow ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Creating the perfect Butterfinger Puppy Chow is all about attention to detail and a sprinkle of love. Here are some helpful tips to make your treat shine!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cereal and candy will enhance the overall flavor and texture, ensuring that your puppy chow is as delicious as possible.
• Microwave in intervals: Instead of microwaving everything at once, heat the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second intervals. This helps prevent burning and gives you more control over achieving a smooth consistency.
• Coat evenly: When drizzling the chocolate mixture over the cereal, be sure to do it slowly and stir gently. This ensures every piece is well-coated and contributes to that delightful crunch you’re looking for.
• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to your puppy chow prevents clumps from forming. Plus, it makes for a smoother finish that looks beautiful!
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. This will keep your treat crunchy and irresistible for days!

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Presentation can elevate even the simplest treats, making them feel special! Here are some ideas on how to serve your delectable Butterfinger Puppy Chow.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or almonds on top for an extra crunch that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Chocolate drizzle: A quick drizzle of melted chocolate over the finished dish adds a touch of elegance and enhances the chocolatey goodness.
• Colorful sprinkles: For a festive look, add some colorful sprinkles on top. They not only make the dish visually appealing but also add a fun texture.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with berries or citrus can balance out the richness of the puppy chow, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Veggie platter with dip: Crisp vegetables paired with a tangy dip make for a great companion, adding crunch and nutrition to your snack time.
• Popcorn: Offer a bowl of plain or lightly salted popcorn as a fun side option. It’s easy to munch on alongside your sweet treat!
• Nut butter energy bites: These healthy little bites made from oats, nut butter, and honey are perfect for those who want something savory to balance out their sweetness.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, your Butterfinger Puppy Chow is sure to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy this delightful treat at gatherings or simply as a special indulgence at home. Happy snacking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a fantastic treat for meal prep, making it easy to whip up in advance and enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a sweet snack on hand, this recipe is perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature.
• It will stay fresh for about 5-7 days, depending on humidity levels.
• Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight to maintain its crunchiness.

Freezing

• While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Butterfinger Puppy Chow if you want to save some for later.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat Butterfinger Puppy Chow! It’s delicious served at room temperature.
• If it loses some of its crunch after storage, you can spread it out on a baking sheet and place it in a low oven (around 200°F) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Butterfinger Puppy Chow that might help you out!

What is Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a delightful no-bake treat made with Rice Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and crushed Butterfinger candy bars. It’s crunchy, sweet, and utterly irresistible!

How do I make Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

To make Butterfinger Puppy Chow, combine melted chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter with Rice Chex cereal. Toss in crushed Butterfingers and coat with powdered sugar for a deliciously sweet snack!

Can I customize my Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in different candies or mix-ins like M&M’s or pretzels for extra texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Butterfinger Puppy Chow as much as I do! It’s such a special treat that brings together the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with that iconic Butterfinger crunch. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or savoring it yourself, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy snacking!