Name: Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Chex cereal; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup butter (or coconut oil); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 1/4 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 5 fun-size bars)

A crispy, chocolate-peanut butter treat with the nostalgic crunch of Butterfinger candy, this puppy chow is a fun and irresistible twist on the classic snack mix. I love making it for parties, holidays, or just to satisfy a sweet craving — it’s easy, no-bake, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s fast, foolproof, and has the perfect sweet-salty balance. The creamy chocolate-peanut butter coating wraps every bite in indulgence, while the crushed Butterfinger adds that unmistakable crunch and flavor. Whether I need a crowd-pleasing snack or just want to make something fun and nostalgic, this treat always delivers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 cups Rice Chex cereal

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup butter (or coconut oil)

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 1/4 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars (about 5 fun-size bars)

Directions

I start by adding the Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl and set it aside.

In a microwave-safe bowl, I combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.

I microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until it’s smooth and melted.

Then I stir in the vanilla extract.

I pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently mix until every piece is coated.

I add the crushed Butterfinger candy and stir again gently to evenly distribute the bits.

Next, I transfer the mix into a large resealable plastic bag.

I pour in the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake it well until everything’s evenly coated.

Finally, I spread the puppy chow out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set before storing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Calories per serving: Approximately 310 kcal

Variations

When I want to mix things up, I sometimes swap the Butterfinger with crushed Reese’s, Snickers, or toffee bits for a different candy twist. For a festive feel, I add colored sprinkles or mini M&M’s. I’ve even tried mixing in pretzels or using different cereal bases like Corn Chex for a saltier crunch.

Storage/Reheating

I store my Butterfinger puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature — it stays fresh for up to 1 week. There’s no reheating needed, but if I want to make it ahead for a party, I chill it slightly in the fridge to keep it extra crisp. Just let it sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving if it’s too firm.

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FAQs

What’s the best way to crush Butterfinger bars?

I like placing the fun-size bars in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin to crush them. It gives me a mix of fine crumbs and crunchy chunks.

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, but I make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily or dry, as natural peanut butter can affect the texture of the coating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Rice Chex is gluten-free, but I always double-check the Butterfinger bars and other ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free before making it for someone with sensitivities.

Can I freeze Butterfinger puppy chow?

Yes, I freeze it in an airtight bag or container for up to 2 months. When I want to serve it, I let it thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

Why is my puppy chow soggy or sticky?

If it’s too sticky, I may not have used enough powdered sugar or let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before mixing. I fix it by adding a little extra powdered sugar and letting it dry on the baking sheet longer.

Conclusion

This Butterfinger puppy chow is a crave-worthy, no-bake snack that I can whip up in minutes. It’s fun, flavorful, and totally customizable — the kind of treat that disappears fast at any gathering. I make a batch whenever I want something nostalgic, indulgent, and easy to share.

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