Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is the ultimate no-bake dessert snack mix that blends the perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy. Inspired by the classic muddy buddies recipe, this twist adds crushed Butterfinger candy bars to the mix, elevating it from a familiar childhood treat to a decadent snack worthy of any gathering. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a party, movie night, or just looking for something indulgent but easy to make, this snack delivers on all fronts.

This dessert goes by many names—puppy chow, muddy buddies, and even reindeer chow during the holidays—but the basic concept is the same: coat cereal in a luscious blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then toss it in powdered sugar until it’s sweetly dusted and irresistible. Adding crushed Butterfingers provides an unmistakable crunch and a flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate and peanut butter base. For more on how the original Chex cereal became a foundational snack, check out Chex on Wikipedia.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s completely no-bake, making it ideal for kids, busy parents, or anyone who wants a satisfying treat without turning on the oven. If you’re looking for a mix that fits in at every event—from holidays to sleepovers—Butterfinger Puppy Chow is it. You can even package it up in mason jars or treat bags for party favors or edible gifts. For more fun ideas like this, explore related Butterfinger dessert recipes on Pinterest.

As no-bake desserts continue to grow in popularity, this particular version stands out because of its combination of familiar, nostalgic flavors with a twist. Using Butterfinger candy bars not only gives the mix a rich, peanut-buttery flavor but also a crunchy texture that sets it apart from traditional muddy buddies. For anyone who loves sweet and salty combinations, this is a snack worth keeping in your regular rotation. Looking for inspiration for more sweet and salty snack mixes? Check out this collection on Pinterest’s sweet and salty snack mix board.

Ingredient Spotlight: What You’ll Need

To make the ultimate Butterfinger Puppy Chow, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the signature texture and flavor that makes this snack mix so addictive.

6 cups Rice Chex cereal
Rice Chex is the go-to choice for this recipe due to its light and crispy texture. It absorbs the chocolate and peanut butter mixture beautifully without becoming soggy. You can learn more about the history and variations of this cereal on Chex – Wikipedia.
1 ½ cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars
These iconic candy bars add a crunchy, buttery, peanut-buttery flavor. Crushing them into small pieces ensures they cling to the chocolate-coated cereal, enhancing both flavor and texture. For a deeper dive into this candy’s legacy, check out Butterfinger – Wikipedia.
1 cup milk chocolate chips
Milk chocolate chips melt into a silky base that binds the cereal. The smooth sweetness pairs perfectly with the salty notes in the peanut butter and Butterfingers. Learn more about different chocolate types on Chocolate – Wikipedia.
½ cup peanut butter
A rich and creamy peanut butter binds the chocolate and cereal. It also complements the Butterfinger flavor. Make sure to use creamy, not chunky, for a smoother coating. Explore peanut butter’s culinary uses here.
¼ cup unsalted butter
Unsalted butter helps the chocolate and peanut butter melt evenly and adds richness to the coating. It also helps everything cling better to the cereal pieces.
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
This is the final step—it creates the signature “dusty” puppy chow appearance while adding sweetness and texture. For more about how this ingredient differs from other sugars, visit Confectioners’ Sugar – Wikipedia.

These basic ingredients are pantry staples, making this a fast, budget-friendly recipe. If you’re ever looking to switch things up, explore additional mix-ins and variations on Pinterest’s no-bake snack mix board.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this no-bake snack mix is incredibly simple and quick. You don’t need an oven—just a microwave and a few mixing bowls.

Prepare the cereal
Place 6 cups of Rice Chex in a large mixing bowl and set it aside. Make sure the bowl is large enough to mix without spilling.
Melt the chocolate mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup milk chocolate chips, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
Coat the cereal
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex. Gently stir to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid breaking the cereal.
Add crushed Butterfinger
Fold in 1 ½ cups of crushed Butterfinger candy bars. The chocolate coating helps the candy stick to the cereal, adding extra crunch and flavor.
Coat with powdered sugar
Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or container with a secure lid. Add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake vigorously until all pieces are coated.
Cool and set
Spread the coated puppy chow on parchment paper or a baking sheet to cool and set completely before serving.

This easy method is part of what makes Butterfinger Puppy Chow such a popular treat for parties and holidays. For holiday-specific ideas, check out Pinterest’s holiday puppy chow ideas.

Tips for the Best Butterfinger Puppy Chow

To get the best results from your snack mix, keep these essential tips in mind:

Use fresh cereal
Stale cereal won’t hold up well when coated and will make the final texture less crisp.
Let the melted mixture cool slightly
If it’s too hot when poured over the cereal, it can make the cereal soggy. A slight cool-down allows for even coating without excess moisture.
Mix gently but thoroughly
Breaking the cereal will affect the texture, so fold carefully to keep the pieces intact while still ensuring every bit gets coated.
Shake in stages if needed
If your container or bag is small, coat and shake in batches to avoid clumping.
Don’t skip the cooling step
Allowing the mix to cool fully on a baking sheet or parchment paper helps the coating set, giving you that signature crisp puppy chow crunch.

For more sweet mix ideas that work with minimal effort, browse Pinterest’s Chex mix dessert collection.

Creative Variations & Add-ins

While Butterfinger Puppy Chow is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it with fun add-ins or swaps to suit different events or preferences.

Cereal swaps
Try Corn Chex or Crispix for a slightly different texture. These work well and offer the same coating surface.
Different chocolate options
Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you want a more intense flavor, or use white chocolate for a sweeter finish.
Additional mix-ins
Stir in small pretzels, mini marshmallows, Reese’s Pieces, or M&Ms for extra flavor and color.
Holiday themes
Use colored candy melts or sprinkles to match holiday colors. Red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or pinks for Valentine’s Day.
Other candy bars
Crushed Reese’s Cups, Twix, or Snickers can create entirely new flavor profiles with the same base method.

These creative twists make your mix even more appealing and customizable. Get more themed ideas on Pinterest’s holiday puppy chow section.

Storage & Shelf Life

Storing your Butterfinger Puppy Chow correctly ensures it stays fresh and delicious.

Use an airtight container
Once the puppy chow is completely cooled, store it in an airtight container to maintain its texture and prevent moisture.
Keep at room temperature
Store the mix in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days. Avoid placing it near heat or direct sunlight.
Can it be refrigerated or frozen?
While it can be refrigerated to extend shelf life, condensation may affect the texture. Freezing is possible, but allow it to thaw completely at room temperature before serving.

These tips help preserve the snack’s crunch and flavor. If you’re curious about how powdered sugar behaves in different storage conditions, you can explore Confectioners’ Sugar on Wikipedia.

When to Serve This No-Bake Snack Mix

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a flexible snack that fits just about any occasion.

Game day snack
Serve it in bowls for easy grazing while watching sports.
Movie night favorite
Its handheld size and sweet-salty flavor make it perfect for cozy movie marathons.
Holiday party mix
Add themed candies or sprinkles to match the holiday. This mix is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
DIY gift idea
Scoop it into mason jars or festive bags, add a ribbon, and you’ve got a simple, thoughtful edible gift.
Birthday party favor
Kids and adults love it. Package individual portions in colorful bags for easy handouts.

For more party snack inspiration, check out Pinterest’s sweet and salty snack ideas.

Why It’s Called “Puppy Chow”

Despite the name, puppy chow is strictly for humans—it just resembles dog food in appearance.

Origin of the name
The mix got its name due to the resemblance to kibble after being dusted with powdered sugar. Its appearance is similar to dog food, hence the name.
Alternate names
In some regions, it’s known as Muddy Buddies, a term popularized by Chex cereal. Others call it reindeer chow, especially during Christmas.
No actual dogs involved
It’s important to note that this treat is not safe for pets due to ingredients like chocolate. It’s 100% human food, despite the misleading name.

If you’re interested in other names and variations, Pinterest offers plenty of visual examples under Chex mix dessert recipes.

FAQs – People Also Ask

Can I make puppy chow without peanut butter?
Yes. If you need a peanut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or cookie butter. Just ensure it has a similar creamy consistency.

How do I prevent soggy puppy chow?
Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding it to the cereal, and mix gently to avoid breaking down the cereal’s structure.

Is Butterfinger Puppy Chow gluten-free?
Rice Chex is gluten-free, but check labels on Butterfingers and other ingredients to ensure compliance. Butterfingers may contain traces of gluten depending on the brand and manufacturing process.

Can I use a different cereal besides Chex?
Yes. Crispix, Corn Chex, and even some puffed rice cereals can be used. The key is a cereal that holds up when coated and shaken.

Can I freeze puppy chow for later?
You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month. Let it come to room temperature before serving to restore the original texture.

For more variations, see holiday-themed puppy chow ideas for visual examples and inspiration.

Butterfinger Puppy Chow – The Ultimate No-Bake Snack Mix

Print Recipe

A no-bake, sweet and salty snack mix made with Rice Chex, creamy peanut butter, milk chocolate, and crushed Butterfinger candy bars, all coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar. This irresistible Butterfinger Puppy Chow is crunchy, creamy, rich, and perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime snacking.

Author: Clara

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 1/2 cups crushed Butterfinger candy bars
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.

Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and gently stir to coat all the pieces evenly.

Add the crushed Butterfinger candy and fold it into the mixture.

Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar.

Seal the bag or container and shake until all the cereal is evenly coated with powdered sugar.

Spread the puppy chow out on a baking sheet or parchment paper to cool and set.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
Make sure to let the mix cool completely before storing to preserve the crunch.
Double the batch for larger gatherings or gift packaging.
Crushed Butterfingers can be found pre-crushed in some baking aisles, or you can crush bars yourself using a rolling pin.