Get ready to meet the treat that always disappears first at any gathering: Extra Good Puppy Chow! This retro no-bake snack, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a delightful mix of crispy Rice Chex cereal drenched in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then dusted generously with powdered sugar. What makes it extra good? It’s the perfect blend of chewy, crunchy, salty, and sweet with option for irresistible mix-ins like Reese’s and M&Ms. Whether you’re making it for a party, road trip, or cozy movie night, Extra Good Puppy Chow is a joyful, shareable treat that sparks smiles with every handful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Extra Good Puppy Chow lies in its simple, pantry-friendly list of ingredients that come together in no time. Each one is essential, playing a unique role in the addictive taste, nostalgic texture, and irresistible look that makes this batch impossible to resist.
- Rice Chex cereal: These crisp, airy squares are the backbone of puppy chow, creating that iconic crunch that holds up under all that chocolatey coating.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: The chocolate melts smoothly for a rich, silky blanket that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
- Creamy peanut butter: Brings classic nutty flavor and a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds lusciousness and helps everything blend together into a dreamily smooth coating.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon deepens all the flavors and adds warm, bakery-fresh notes.
- Salt: Don’t skip this tiny addition—it brightens and sharpens every bite!
- Powdered sugar: The snowy finishing touch that creates those sweet, velvety bites and keeps fingers joyfully dusted.
- Optional mix-ins: Mini peanut butter cups, M&Ms, or chopped Reese’s add color, crunch, and extra bursts of fun. Swap in roasted peanuts or pretzels for extra crunch.
How to Make Extra Good Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prep the Cereal Base
Start by scooping your Rice Chex cereal into a roomy bowl—you want plenty of space for stirring later. This ensures every square gets thoroughly coated and none are left out of the chocolatey goodness! Set aside, ready and waiting for its sweet transformation.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until everything is melted and the mixture is totally smooth. Usually, 1 to 1.5 minutes does the trick. The result should be glossy and impossible to resist.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Once your chocolate mixture is melted, stir in the vanilla extract and salt. This amps up the flavor, making for Extra Good Puppy Chow with that perfect balance of sweetness and a little extra depth.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the waiting bowl of Rice Chex. Gently stir—scooping from the bottom up—to make sure every single piece is wrapped in that chocolate-peanut butter blanket. Take your time here, and be gentle to keep the Chex crispy.
Step 5: Shake with Powdered Sugar
Now for the fun part! Add your fresh chocolate-coated cereal to a large zip-top bag (or a huge bowl), pour in the powdered sugar, seal, and shake, shake, shake! The goal is a generous coating on every piece, turning the mix into snowy, sweet nuggets of joy.
Step 6: Cool and Add Mix-Ins
Spread the puppy chow out on a baking sheet to cool completely. Once no longer sticky, toss in your favorite mix-ins: peanut butter cups, M&Ms, or chopped Reese’s. This is where Extra Good Puppy Chow gets its party-ready finish with pops of color and flavor!
How to Serve Extra Good Puppy Chow
Garnishes
For a showstopping presentation, top your Extra Good Puppy Chow with a few extra candies or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a handful of rainbow sprinkles or a drizzle of melted chocolate ups the wow factor for special occasions.
Side Dishes
While puppy chow is a superstar on its own, it’s fantastic alongside bowls of fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices for a pop of brightness. Serve with cold milk or a creamy hot cocoa for classic, comfort-food vibes at your next movie night or party.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping Extra Good Puppy Chow into mason jars or treat bags for easy gifting! Layer it with colorful marshmallows or more mix-ins in clear containers to make edible centerpieces. For parties, serve in a big bowl with mini tongs so everyone gets their share without sticky fingers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep Extra Good Puppy Chow fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay deliciously crisp and chocolatey for up to a week. If you’re making it ahead for a party, just prep the mix-ins right before serving for maximum crunch.
Freezing
For long-term storage (or to have some ready for late-night snack attacks), stash portions of puppy chow in freezer-safe bags or containers. It holds up beautifully for up to a month. Plus, some folks love snacking on it straight from the freezer for a chilly, candy bar-like treat!
Reheating
No reheating needed—Extra Good Puppy Chow is meant to be enjoyed at room temperature or cold! If yours has been in the freezer, just let it sit out for 10 minutes so it’s not too firm to bite into. That’s all the prep you need between you and snack bliss.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Extra Good Puppy Chow and classic Muddy Buddies?
Great question! Extra Good Puppy Chow uses the same classic combo of Chex, chocolate, and peanut butter but levels things up with fun mix-ins and a touch more chocolate for even richer flavor. It’s all about making every bite a little more special!
Is Extra Good Puppy Chow gluten free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Rice Chex and double-check your mix-ins for hidden gluten, this snack is a safe and tasty option for gluten-free friends.
Can I use different types of cereal?
Definitely! While Rice Chex gives a light, neutral crunch, feel free to experiment with Corn Chex or even Crispix for a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Just avoid cereals that get soggy fast.
How far in advance can I make Extra Good Puppy Chow?
You can make it up to a week ahead and still enjoy that fresh, crunchy texture. If you need to prep further in advance, try freezing it and adding mix-ins right before serving for maximum freshness.
Is puppy chow safe for dogs?
This popular snack is strictly for humans! With chocolate, peanut butter (sometimes with sweeteners), and lots of sugar, it’s unsafe for pets. Keep all your Extra Good Puppy Chow to yourself, and maybe treat your pup to a dog-friendly snack instead.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried homemade Extra Good Puppy Chow, now’s your chance to experience pure snack joy with very little fuss. The combination of flavors and the totally addictive texture are simply unbeatable. Whether you’re making it to share or just to fuel your own sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat that will have everyone coming back for just one more handful!
Print
Extra Good Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes (microwave)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 9 cups
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this irresistible Extra Good Puppy Chow recipe, a classic sweet and crunchy treat that combines chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar for a delightful snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini peanut butter cups, M&Ms, or chopped Reese’s for mix-ins
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place the Rice Chex cereal and set aside.…
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.…
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt.…
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir until evenly coated.…
- Add the powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag or bowl, then add the coated cereal and shake or toss until well coated.…
- Spread the puppy chow out on a baking sheet to cool completely.…
- Once cool, add optional mix-ins if using and store in an airtight container.…
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped pretzels or roasted peanuts.
- Easily doubled for parties or gift bags.
- Keeps well in the freezer for a cold snack!
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