S’mores Puppy Chow Recipe

If nostalgia and sheer snackable joy could be poured into a bowl, you’d end up with the irresistible treat known as S’mores Puppy Chow. Imagine everything you love about classic s’mores—with their gooey chocolate, toasted marshmallow, and sweet graham cracker flavors—remixed into crunchy, chocolate-dusted cereal clusters that are just as perfect for parties as they are for cozy movie nights. Every handful is a trip down memory lane, with all the taste of the campfire classic but none of the sticky fingers or smoke.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a few pantry staples can come together to create S’mores Puppy Chow’s legendary combo of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays an important role: adding crunch, sweetness, or that distinctive s’mores flair.

• Rice Chex cereal: The backbone of the recipe, these airy squares provide the crunch and structure for all the delicious coatings to cling to.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted down, they give classic s’mores chocolate richness to every bite.
• Graham cracker crumbs: A sprinkle evokes the sandy-sweet taste of graham crackers and adds texture.
• Mini marshmallows: These chewy, pillow-soft additions mimic toasted marshmallows at center stage in s’mores.
• Peanut butter: It helps the chocolate coating stick and adds a subtle nuttiness without overwhelming the s’mores flavor.
• Powdered sugar: The finishing touch that keeps puppy chow from sticking together and delivers that familiar sweet dusting.
• Butter: It creates a silky, pourable chocolate mixture and brings everything together.
• Vanilla extract: Just a dash rounds out the flavors and gives a bakery-style aroma.

How to Make S’mores Puppy Chow

Step 1: Melt and Mix the Chocolate Coating

Start by adding the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each, until everything is luxuriously smooth. Once melted, whisk in the vanilla extract. This chocolatey, nutty mixture is what gives S’mores Puppy Chow its signature flavor, so resist any urge to taste-test too much at this stage!

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Pour your rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle that glossy, melted chocolate mixture over the cereal, and gently toss with a spatula until every piece is generously coated. Be gentle so the Chex hold their shape, but persistent—a good chocolate coating means more deliciousness in every bite.

Step 3: Toss with Powdered Sugar

Transfer the chocolate-covered cereal into a large zip-top bag, add powdered sugar, and seal. Now it’s time for a shake! Tumble the bag until each piece is dusted with a sweet, snowy coat. This crucial step keeps everything snackable and non-sticky, so don’t skimp on the sugar.

Step 4: Add Graham Cracker Crumbs and Marshmallows

Pour your puppy chow into a big bowl and scatter in mini marshmallows along with graham cracker crumbs. Gently stir so you get a bit of everything—the crispy cereal, sweet marshmallows, and sandy graham flavor—in every handful of S’mores Puppy Chow. At this point, the transformation is complete, and you’re ready to dig in or share with friends!

How to Serve S’mores Puppy Chow

Garnishes

If you want to make your S’mores Puppy Chow extra festive, sprinkle in a handful of extra mini marshmallows or a few crushed graham cracker bits over the finished mix. For even more chocolatey fun, a drizzle of melted chocolate or white chocolate over the top adds flair (plus, who can say no to extra chocolate?).

Side Dishes

This sweet treat pairs beautifully with bowls of fresh fruit—think strawberries or raspberries—or a cool glass of milk or hot cocoa. At a party, set it out alongside popcorn or salty pretzels to balance that indulgent sweetness with a little savory crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your S’mores Puppy Chow in mason jars for an adorable gift, or scoop it into paper cones or cupcake liners for individual portions. For a party, set up a build-your-own snack mix bar with puppy chow, caramel corn, and chocolate candies so guests can create their own custom bowlfuls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep S’mores Puppy Chow fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crispy for up to one week—if you manage to make it last that long! Just be sure to keep it away from humidity, which can soften the cereal and marshmallows.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or store leftovers for longer, you can freeze S’mores Puppy Chow in a zip-lock bag or airtight container. Thaw it at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving—the texture remains delightful, and the flavors don’t miss a beat.

Reheating

S’mores Puppy Chow really doesn’t need reheating, because it’s best enjoyed at room temperature. However, if your marshmallows go a little stale, microwave the mix (in a microwave-safe bowl) for about 10 seconds—a quick warmup brings everything back to its best with just a touch of gooey goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Chex?

Absolutely! Crispix or plain corn Chex also work beautifully, and even Golden Grahams can bring an extra graham flavor. Just aim for a cereal that’s sturdy enough to hold up to the chocolate coating.

What if I don’t like peanut butter or have an allergy?

You can swap peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or simply leave it out entirely. The coating may be a bit less rich, but the S’mores Puppy Chow will still taste amazing and stick together just fine.

Is S’mores Puppy Chow gluten free?

It can be! Just double-check your cereal, graham cracker crumbs, and marshmallows for certified gluten-free labels, and you’ll have a gluten-friendly treat everyone can enjoy.

How long does S’mores Puppy Chow last?

When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, S’mores Puppy Chow stays fresh and delicious for up to a week. After that, the cereal may start to lose its signature crunch.

Can I make a larger batch for parties?

Certainly! Simply double or triple the ingredients and prepare it in a few rounds if your bowl isn’t big enough. It’s a crowd-pleaser, so don’t be surprised if your S’mores Puppy Chow disappears in record time.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly comforting about a bowl of homemade S’mores Puppy Chow—a treat that brings all the best parts of summer campfires right into your kitchen, no campfire required. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own; it just might become your new favorite way to share a little sweetness. Enjoy every crispy, chocolatey, marshmallow-laden bite!

Print