Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Published: January 29, 2026

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This Butterfinger Puppy Chow requires no baking and can be whipped up in just 11 minutes.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate creates a rich and satisfying taste.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or gift—it’s perfect for sharing on any occasion.
Kid-Friendly: Children will love the fun texture and sweet flavors; it’s an ideal choice for parties or school events.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amount of candy or mix in other treats to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Butterfinger Puppy Chow, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Extra large bowl
Microwave-safe bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Ziplock bag (2-gallon size)
Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

Extra large bowl: This allows enough space to mix your cereal without spilling.
Microwave-safe bowl: Essential for melting chocolate and butter evenly without burning.
Ziplock bag: Makes coating the cereal with powdered sugar easier and minimizes cleanup.

Ingredients

This Butterfinger Puppy Chow is everything you want in an easy, no-bake treat—crunchy, chocolatey, peanut buttery, and packed with bits of that unmistakable Butterfinger crunch.

Ingredients:
– 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)

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal

Add the cereal to an extra large bowl.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter.
Microwave on high for 1 minute.
Stir well until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Stir in the pure vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Drizzle the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal.
Gently stir to coat all pieces of cereal evenly.

Step 5: Mix in Crushed Candy Bars

Stir in the 15 crushed Butterfinger candy bars until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar

You can either sprinkle powdered sugar over the coated cereal mixture and stir or place it all into a ziplock bag to shake it up.
Using a ziplock bag keeps things tidy while ensuring even coating.

Step 7: Let It Dry

After coating in powdered sugar, spread out on a baking sheet to dry.
Just before serving, sprinkle in the remaining 3 chopped fun size candy bars for that extra crunch!

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in several delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging yourself, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

As a Sweet Snack Mix

Combine with other snacks such as pretzels or popcorn for a crunchy snack mix. This adds texture and enhances the flavor profile.

In Gift Bags

Package the Butterfinger Puppy Chow in decorative bags as thoughtful gifts. They make perfect treats for friends and family during holidays or celebrations.

At Parties

Display in a large bowl at gatherings for guests to enjoy. This easy-to-eat treat will be a hit at any event!

With Ice Cream

Serve over scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of flavors will delight your taste buds.

As Toppings

Use as a topping on cupcakes or cakes. It adds a fun crunch and visual appeal that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Achieving the perfect Butterfinger Puppy Chow is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your treat turns out delicious every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your chocolate chips and Butterfinger bars are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Microwave Carefully: Heat the chocolate mixture in short intervals to avoid burning it. Stir well between each interval.
Coat Evenly: Make sure to drizzle and mix thoroughly so all cereal pieces are coated evenly with the chocolate mixture.
Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting powdered sugar prevents clumps and ensures a smooth coating on the cereal.
Let It Set: Allow the mixture to dry completely on the baking sheet before serving. This helps maintain its crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow pairs well with various side dishes that complement its sweet and crunchy profile. Here’s a list of tasty options:

Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness of the dessert.
Veggie Platter
Crisp vegetables served with hummus offer a savory contrast that is both healthy and satisfying.
Cheese Board
An assortment of cheeses adds richness and depth, making it an ideal pairing for sweet snacks.
Nut Mix
A blend of roasted nuts introduces protein and healthy fats, enhancing your snacking experience.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
The salty-sweet combo pairs perfectly with Butterfinger Puppy Chow’s flavors, creating an irresistible snack.
Mini Sandwiches
Bite-sized sandwiches filled with turkey or chicken provide a savory option that balances sweets nicely.
Popcorn Bar
Offer flavored popcorn varieties for guests to snack on alongside their treats—it’s fun and interactive!
Yogurt Parfaits
Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light dessert option that complements the rich flavors of Butterfinger Puppy Chow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes while making Butterfinger Puppy Chow can enhance your experience and final product. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

Overheating Ingredients: Microwaving chocolate and peanut butter for too long can cause them to seize. Always microwave in short bursts of 20 seconds, checking consistency frequently.
Not Sifting Powdered Sugar: Failing to sift the powdered sugar can lead to clumps that won’t coat the cereal evenly. Always sift it before use for a smooth finish.
Using Stale Cereal: Using old Rice Chex can affect the crunchiness of your treat. Ensure your cereal is fresh for the best texture.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Not letting the coated Butterfinger Puppy Chow cool on a baking sheet can result in a sticky mess. Spread it out to dry properly before serving.
Ignoring Portion Control: This treat is easy to overindulge in! Keep servings moderate to enjoy it without going overboard on calories.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Butterfinger Puppy Chow

For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container.
It can last up to 3 months when frozen.

Reheating Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Oven: Preheat to 250°F and warm for about 5 minutes; this helps restore crunch.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts (10-15 seconds) until slightly warm; avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs regarding Butterfinger Puppy Chow that can help you make the most of this delightful treat.

What is Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a no-bake snack made from Rice Chex cereal coated with chocolate, peanut butter, and crushed Butterfinger candy bars for a sweet crunch.

How do I customize my Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

You can customize it by adding different types of candies or nuts, or even swapping out Rice Chex with another cereal like Corn Chex for varied flavor and texture.

Can I make Butterfinger Puppy Chow gluten-free?

Yes! Use certified gluten-free Rice Chex or any gluten-free cereal as an alternative.

Is Butterfinger Puppy Chow kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe is simple enough for kids to help with and makes a fun treat for parties or snacks.

How should I serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Serve it in small bowls or bags for easy snacking. It also makes a great gift when packaged nicely!

Final Thoughts

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is not only an easy treat but also versatile enough for various occasions. Its crunchy texture combined with rich flavors makes it irresistible. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or cereals to create your own unique version!

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