Famous Butterfinger Puppy Chow: The Ultimate No-Bake Snack Mix

If there is one snack that instantly transports you back to childhood sleepovers and holiday parties, it is Puppy Chow (also affectionately known as Muddy Buddies). But today, we are taking that classic nostalgia and elevating it to a whole new level of decadence. Meet the Famous Butterfinger Puppy Chow. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a crunchy, sweet, peanut-buttery explosion that combines the traditional chocolate-coated cereal with the iconic, flaky crunch of Butterfinger candy bars.

Whether you are looking for a last-minute contribution to a potluck, a movie night treat, or just a sweet fix that doesn’t require turning on the oven, this recipe is your answer. It takes the beloved “Chex Mix” concept and drenches it in a rich mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, coats it in snowy powdered sugar, and finishes it off with shards of toffee-like candy. It is dangerously addictive and incredibly easy to make.

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Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this specific variation lies in the texture and flavor profile. Classic Puppy Chow is delicious, but it can sometimes feel one-note. By adding Butterfingers, we introduce complexity.

The Texture Clash: You have the airy crispness of the Rice Chex, the smooth velvet of the powdered sugar, and then the distinct, hard-crack crunch of the Butterfinger pieces. It keeps your palate interested with every bite.

The Flavor Harmony: Peanut butter and chocolate are soulmates. The Butterfinger bar amplifies the peanut factor but adds a caramelized, molasses-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the semi-sweet chocolate coating. It is salty, sweet, nutty, and rich all at once.

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Ingredients You Will Need

To create this masterpiece, you need simple pantry staples and, of course, the star of the show: the candy bars.

The Base

• Rice Chex or Corn Chex (9 cups): Rice Chex is generally preferred for its lighter, airier texture that absorbs the chocolate mixture well without becoming soggy. Corn Chex has a stronger flavor and a harder crunch. You can even use a mix of both!

The Coating Mixture

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): I recommend semi-sweet over milk chocolate because the powdered sugar and candy bars add a lot of sweetness. The semi-sweet chips provide a necessary balance. High-quality brands like Ghirardelli melt smoother.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): Stick to standard creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butters that separate with oil on top can prevent the coating from setting properly, leading to a greasy mix.
• Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup): This adds richness and helps thin the chocolate/peanut butter mixture so it coats the cereal evenly.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A splash of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor.

The Finish

• Powdered Sugar (1 1/2 to 2 cups): Also known as confectioners’ sugar. This seals the wet chocolate layer and makes the snack handleable (though finger-licking is encouraged).
• Butterfinger Candy Bars (approx. 1 cup, chopped): You can use Fun Size bars or full-sized bars. Chop them into irregular chunks—some fine dust to mix with the sugar, and some larger pieces for crunch.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe moves fast once the chocolate melts, so have your station prepared!

1. Prepare the Cereal

1. Measure out your 9 cups of Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl. You want a bowl with plenty of headspace so you can stir without sending cereal flying across the kitchen counter.

2. Melt the Mixture

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
2. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir.
3. Continue to microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring vigorously in between, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract immediately after melting.

3. The Coat

1. Pour the hot chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl.
2. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold the cereal. Do not crush the squares! Use a “scoop and fold” motion from the bottom of the bowl to the top. Continue until every single piece of cereal is coated in the chocolate goodness.

4. The Shake (The Fun Part)

1. You have two options here: use a 2-gallon Ziploc bag or a large container with a lid.
2. Add the powdered sugar to your bag or container.
3. Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the bag/container.
4. Seal it tight (double check this!). Shake it vigorously for about 1 minute until the cereal is coated in white sugar.

5. Add the Butterfingers

1. Open the bag and pour the coated cereal onto a large baking sheet or parchment paper to cool.
2. Sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger pieces over the mix. I like to do this while the chocolate is still slightly tacky underneath the sugar so some of the candy sticks to the clusters, but tossing them in loose works too.
3. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to set before serving.

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Tips for the Perfect Puppy Chow

Don’t Burn the Chocolate: Chocolate seizes (turns grainy and hard) if it gets too hot or comes into contact with water. Microwave in short bursts and stop when most chips are melted—the residual heat will melt the rest as you stir.

The “Double Bag” Method: If you are making a large batch, split the cereal and sugar between two bags. It is easier to shake and ensures more even coverage than trying to force it all into one bag.

Extra Crunch: For an even more textural experience, toss in a handful of pretzels or peanuts into the cereal bowl before adding the chocolate mixture. The saltiness cuts through the sugar beautifully.

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Variations to Try

While Butterfinger is the star here, this base recipe is incredibly versatile.

1. Reese’s Lovers

Swap the Butterfinger pieces for chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Reese’s Pieces. This doubles down on the peanut butter flavor profile.

2. S’mores Puppy Chow

Swap half the Chex for Golden Grahams. Stir in mini marshmallows right after coating the cereal with chocolate (before the sugar). Skip the peanut butter if you want a pure chocolate taste.

3. White Chocolate Peppermint

Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, omit the peanut butter, and add crushed candy canes instead of Butterfingers. This is perfect for the winter holidays.

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Storage and Freezing

One of the best things about Butterfinger Puppy Chow is that it stores beautifully, making it excellent for gifting.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container (like a Tupperware or a sealed cookie jar) on the counter for up to 1 week. If it is humid, the sugar might absorb moisture, so keep it sealed tight.

Refrigerator: Some people prefer eating this cold! It keeps the chocolate snappy. It will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter for a few minutes before eating, or eat it frozen for a extra crunchy treat.

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Conclusion

Famous Butterfinger Puppy Chow is more than just a sweet treat; it is a crowd-pleasing phenomenon. It requires zero baking skills, minimal time, and delivers maximum flavor payoff. The combination of crispy cereal, creamy chocolate and peanut butter, and that unmistakable Butterfinger crunch makes it irresistible.

Be warned: this stuff is highly addictive. You might start by grabbing a small handful, but before you know it, the bowl will be empty. So, do yourself a favor and make a double batch—one for the party, and one to keep stash away just for you!