Puppy Chow Bars Recipe

Introduction

Puppy Chow Bars are a delightful twist on the classic muddy buddies snack, combining crunchy Rice Chex cereal with creamy peanut butter, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallows. These bars are easy to make and perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.

Ingredients

• 7 cups Rice Chex cereal (start with 5 cups and check consistency)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (258 g) creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, can use salted
• 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup (31 g) confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add the Chex cereal and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the mini marshmallows to the melted mixture and stir to coat. Return to the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until the marshmallows puff up and melt into a thick, creamy mixture.
4. Step 4: Pour the marshmallow mixture over the Chex cereal. Stir thoroughly to generously coat all the cereal pieces.
5. Step 5: Transfer the coated cereal mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the pan.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the pan for 10-15 minutes to allow the bars to set.
7. Step 7: Lightly dust the top of the bars with confectioners’ sugar before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the chocolate and peanut butter mixture for extra flavor.
• You can mix a little confectioners’ sugar into the bars before pressing them into the pan for a sweeter texture.
• Make sure to stir the cereal mixture well to coat every piece evenly for the best texture.
• Swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty taste or to accommodate allergies.

Storage

Store the Puppy Chow Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best texture, allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage—thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, salted butter works just fine in this recipe. It will add a slight salty contrast to the sweetness, which many find delicious.

What can I substitute for mini marshmallows?

If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can use regular-sized marshmallows, but chop them into smaller pieces for even melting and coating.

Puppy Chow Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 71 reviews

Puppy Chow Bars are a delicious twist on the classic muddy buddies snack, transforming the familiar mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and Rice Chex cereal into a firm, sliceable bar. These bars combine creamy peanut butter, melted chocolate, and marshmallows to coat crispy cereal, which is then chilled and dusted with confectioners’ sugar for a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for dessert or snack time.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (microwaving and melting intervals)
• Total Time: 25 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Cereal

• 7 cups Rice Chex cereal (start with 5 cups and check consistency)

Chocolate Mixture

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (258 g) creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter (can use salted)

Marshmallow Mixture

• 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows

Topping

• ¼ cup (31 g) confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cereal: In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Chex cereal and set it aside, ensuring it is ready for coating.
2. Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until everything is melted and smooth.
3. Add Marshmallows and Melt: Add the mini marshmallows to the chocolate mixture and stir to coat. Return the bowl to the microwave, heating again in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until the marshmallows begin to puff and melt, resulting in a thick and creamy mixture.
4. Coat the Cereal: Pour the marshmallow-chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Stir thoroughly to coat each piece generously and evenly with the mixture.
5. Press into Pan: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the pan to compact the bars.
6. Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 10-15 minutes, allowing the bars to firm up.
7. Finish with Confectioners’ Sugar: Lightly dust the top of the bars with confectioners’ sugar before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

• You can start with 5 cups of Rice Chex to check the coating consistency and add more cereal if needed.
• Using salted butter instead of unsalted is acceptable if that’s what you have on hand.
• For extra flavor, some people add a splash of vanilla extract to the chocolate and peanut butter mixture before adding marshmallows.
• Press the mixture firmly in the pan to ensure the bars hold together well when cut.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best texture and freshness.

Keywords: Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow Bars, Muddy Buddies Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, No-Bake Bars