Easter Puppy Chow (human food) is such a fun way to turn a classic snack mix into a festive spring treat. I love taking the traditional chocolate and peanut butter puppy chow (also called muddy buddies) I already make, and adding pastel Easter candies for a colorful, seasonal variation. For another festive spring dessert, try my Easter Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies; they’re buttery, soft, and just as fun to make for the holiday season.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rice Chex Cereal: The base of this snack mix. I like Rice Chex because it holds up well when coated in chocolate. You could use Corn Chex if that’s what you have on hand.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These provide the rich chocolate coating. Milk chocolate chips will make the puppy chow sweeter, while dark chocolate chips will give a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds flavor and helps the chocolate coating stay smooth. Chunky peanut butter can work, too, but the peanut pieces may make the chocolate coating a little less smooth when mixing.
- Butter: The butter (I prefer unsalted butter) helps keep the chocolate mixture silky and easy to mix. Salted butter would work fine, too.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a little warmth and rounds out the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Also called powdered sugar, confectioners’ sugar coats the cereal and keeps the pieces from sticking together.
- Easter Candies: Use pastel holiday candies like M&M’s, mini chocolate eggs, or chopped larger candies. If needed, chop larger candies so they mix evenly into the snack.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes. While Rice Chex works best because it holds the chocolate coating well, you can also use Corn Chex if needed.
Do I have to use Easter candies?
No. The Easter candies are mostly for decoration and holiday color. You can skip them or substitute other small chocolate candies like mini chocolate chips, chopped chocolate bars, or other bite-sized candies that won’t melt easily.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. This recipe doubles well. If making a larger batch, use a very large mixing bowl or mix in portions to make sure the cereal is evenly coated.
Can I make Easter puppy chow without nuts?
This recipe contains peanut butter, so it is not naturally nut-free. If you need a nut-free version, you can substitute a nut-free, allergy-safe spread designed to replace peanut butter in recipes. Also, be sure to choose candies that are labeled nut-free if allergies are a concern.
Can I make this puppy chow ahead of time?
Yes! This is a great make-ahead snack. Add any very soft or delicate candies right before serving if you want them to look their best.
How to Store Easter Puppy Chow
Store Easter puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For the best texture, enjoy the snack within the first few days while the cereal coating is still crisp. I don’t recommend refrigerating this snack mix because moisture in the refrigerator can make the cereal lose its crunch. This recipe is best stored in a cool, dry place until you are ready to enjoy it.
Easter Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup (182 g / 6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (129 g) creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) confectioners' sugar
- 1 ½ cups Easter candies*, pastel M&M's, mini Cadbury eggs, Whoppers Robin Eggs malted milk balls, Reese's Pieces eggs, or a mix; chop larger candies if needed
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Pour the cereal into a very large mixing bowl (or divide between two bowls if easier). Set aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring well after each, until completely smooth (about 60 to 90 seconds total). Watch closely to avoid overheating.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until every piece is evenly coated; work quickly but carefully to avoid crushing the cereal.
- 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 mixture onto the lined baking sheet and let it set for 10 to 15 minutes, or until mostly firm.
- Once mostly set, gently break apart any large clusters before stirring in the Easter candies.
- Allow the puppy chow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
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