This Butterfinger Puppy Chow takes classic puppy chow (also called muddy buddies) and gives it a candy-bar twist with melty chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and plenty of crunchy Butterfinger pieces in every bite. It’s a quick no-bake treat that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, holidays, or anytime you want something sweet and a little nostalgic. The cereal holds all that chocolate-peanut butter coating, and the extra Butterfinger on top adds that irresistible peanut-buttery crunch. Be sure to check out more of my 15-minute easy desserts that anyone can make!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Butterfinger Candy Bars: Look for fun-size candy bars (I used a total of 25 fun-sized bars), which I think are the easiest to chop and crush. You will need to finely chop 10 of the candy bars and crush the remaining 15 bars. If using full-sized candy bars, you will need about 8 for this recipe.
- Chocolate Chips: I used semi-sweet chocolate chips. But you can swap in milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor or dark chocolate for richer depth.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter melts smoothly into the chocolate, but crunchy peanut butter also works and adds extra texture. Almond or cashew butter will melt similarly, but the flavor won’t give that signature Butterfinger taste.
- Rice Chex Cereal: I prefer Rice Chex for its light crunch and neutral flavor, but Corn Chex or Wheat Chex also work well.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, confectioners’ sugar coats the cereal and prevents it from sticking. There’s no good sub for the classic puppy chow finish.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Puppy chow holds up well at room temperature for several days, so it’s a great make-ahead snack for parties, holidays, or gifting.
Can I use different candy bars?
Absolutely! Butterfinger gives the best peanut-butter-crunch flavor, but chopped Reese’s Cups, Heath, or KitKats also work.
Will this get soggy?
No, the confectioners’ sugar and chocolate coating help keep the cereal crisp. Just let it cool and fully set before packing.
Is this the same as muddy buddies?
Yes! “Puppy chow” and “muddy buddies” are the same base treat made with Chex, chocolate, peanut butter, and sugar. This version adds Butterfinger for extra crunch and flavor.
Serving Ideas
- Serve in a big bowl with other snacky treats for movie night or after-school snacks.
- Package in cellophane bags for holiday gifting or bake sale tables.
- Set out on a dessert board with cookies and bars; so fun for parties!
How to Store Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. No need to refrigerate; refrigeration can make the candy and cereal lose their pleasant crunch.
Can I Freeze Butterfinger Puppy Chow?
You can freeze it for up to 2 months, but expect the candy topping to soften slightly as it thaws. Spread in a single layer to thaw to prevent clumping.
Butterfinger Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 25 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars, divided
- 1 cup (168 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (129 g) creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups (282 g) Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups (187 g) confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Finely chop 10 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars and place in a small bowl. Crush the remaining 15 candy bars and keep them in a separate bowl.
- To a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and finely chopped candy bars. Heat until the chocolate has melted. (It will still have texture from the centers of the candy bars.)
- To a large mixing bowl, add the cereal. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold until every piece is coated.
- Fold in about half of the crushed Butterfingers, reserving about 1 cup for topping.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large sealable plastic bag. Add the confectioners’ sugar. Seal the bag and shake until the cereal is completely coated.
- Spread the coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it fully cool and allow the chocolate coating to firm up, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the reserved crushed Butterfingers over the top before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I love puppy chow, and adding chopped Butterfingers was genius. The cereal stayed crisp and the candy gave it that peanut-buttery crunch.
Elizabeth
What a great idea to make puppy chow with Butterfingers! If you love the candybar, you will love this puppy chow!
Stephanie
Loved the texture! Crunchy cereal plus chocolate plus peanut butter plus Butterfinger pieces is an amazing combo.
Bella
This is great! It's easy, and it tastes like a Butterfingers candy bar! I love the extra candy bar pieces in there, too.
