The Best Homemade Recipe to Make Puppy Chow
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love how easy and fun it is to make this Puppy Chow recipe—just a few simple ingredients and no baking required! Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a sweet snack anytime.
- Crunchy, sweet, and addictive—the perfect combo of crispy cereal, rich chocolate, and powdered sugar.
- Ready in minutes—no oven needed, just mix, coat, and enjoy.
- Great for parties or gifts—pack it in cute bags or boxes for a homemade treat everyone will adore.
Recipe

Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a popular snack mix made from Chex cereal coated in a sweet peanut butter and chocolate mixture, then dusted with powdered sugar. It’s a quick and easy treat loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or a mix)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Place the coated cereal in a large resealable plastic bag or container. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until the cereal is fully coated.
- Spread the Puppy Chow on a baking sheet to cool before serving.
Notes:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a twist, use white chocolate chips or almond butter instead of semisweet chocolate and peanut butter.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Resealable plastic bag or container
- Baking sheet
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: Makes about 9 cups.
Nutrition
Puppy Chow is a popular snack mix made with cereal, peanut butter, and chocolate. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Total Carbs | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
What To Serve With It
When I make puppy chow, I like to pair it with sweet treats like chocolate-covered pretzels or brownie bites—it’s a match made in dessert heaven! If I’m in the mood for something savory, I’ll add a bowl of cheese crackers or seasoned nuts to balance the sweetness. These combos make snacking feel like a party, and I love how they bring variety to the table.
Sweet Treat Pairings
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to balance the rich, chocolaty goodness of puppy chow with something light and invigorating. Fresh fruit, like juicy strawberries or tangy pineapple, adds a revitalizing contrast that cuts through the sweetness. I also love pairing it with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent yet balanced dessert combo. Sometimes, I’ll serve it alongside a fruit salad sprinkled with mint leaves for a pop of freshness. These pairings elevate the experience, making it feel like a complete treat rather than just a snack. Experiment and find what satisfies your sweet tooth best!
Savory Snack Options
Although puppy chow is undeniably sweet, I’ve found that pairing it with savory snacks creates a delicious balance that keeps things interesting. I love serving it with crispy pretzels or salty popcorn—their crunch contrasts perfectly with the chewy sweetness. Cheese cubes or sliced veggies with dip also work well, adding a fresh, tangy twist. Sometimes, I’ll even set out a bowl of mixed nuts for a protein-packed option. The key is variety, so everyone can mix and match flavors. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never want to enjoy puppy chow alone again!