Name: Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal; 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, 3 roughly chopped); 1¼ cup sifted powdered sugar

I adore how this no-bake snack mixes crunchy Rice Chex, smooth chocolate‑peanut coating, powdered sugar, and chunks of Butterfinger candy into an irresistible treat that disappears fast. Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ll make this because it’s quick—just 11 minutes total—yet packs a powerful flavor punch. Kids and adults alike rave over the mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and Butterfinger crunch. Plus, it’s super shareable (when I even feel like sharing!).

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

7 cups Rice Chex Cereal
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, 3 roughly chopped)
1¼ cup sifted powdered sugar

directions

Pour the cereal into an extra-large bowl.
Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together for 1 minute; stir until smooth.
Mix in vanilla.
Drizzle mixture over cereal and gently fold to coat.
Stir in the crushed Butterfinger pieces.
Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag, add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until well coated.
Spread mix out on a baking sheet to cool. Just before serving, sprinkle on the chopped Butterfinger for garnish.

Servings and timing

Yield: 14 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 11 minutes

Variations

Swap semi-sweet chips for milk, dark, or candy melts.
Mix in other Chex varieties (corn, wheat) for textural contrast.
Stir in mix-ins like mini peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces, or Butterfinger balls for extra flair.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration tends to make it sticky. If that happens, I just toss in a bit more powdered sugar and shake it up.

FAQs

How long does puppy chow stay fresh?

I store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I freeze it, it lasts around 4 weeks, though it rarely sticks around that long!

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely—I often prep it several hours or even a day ahead and keep it fresh in a sealed container until I’m ready to serve.

Can I skip the powdered sugar?

I don’t recommend skipping it—the sugar gives puppy chow its classic powdery shell and absorbs any leftover stickiness for perfect texture.

Is it okay to refrigerate?

Technically yes, but I avoid it. The fridge can make it sticky, so I prefer room temperature storage.

Can I use homemade peanut butter or alternative nut butter?

Yes! I’ve used almond or sunflower butter when I needed a nut-free option, and it works beautifully.

Conclusion

I love how this Butterfinger Puppy Chow comes together fast, tastes indulgent, and disappears even faster. It’s perfect for movie nights, gatherings, gift bags, or whenever I need a sweet, nostalgic fix.