Puppy chow? Muddy buddies? What does your family call this chex mix, chocolate, peanut butter magic? We’re calling this one Easter Bunny Chow for its robin’s egg colored additions and easter candy!
David was actually the one to introduce me to puppy chow. Which is startling considering that I’m usually the source in this family for all things deliciously midwestern (enter funeral potatoes, hot dog mac ‘n cheese, and casseroles galore).
But it was actually a tip from Pinch of Yum that made these little crunchy, sweet-salty snacks all the better for me. FREEZE THEM. The peanut butter chocolate coating gets just a little bit of an extra snap to it–like those smuckers frozen pb&j sandwiches that everyone eats frozen. (anybody else? no?) So make sure you throw this bunny chow in the freezer!
What is puppy chow?
Also known as muddy buddies, also known as [insert animal here] chow, also known as [insert animal here] poop. No, folks. I am not making that last one up. When we were in Alaska, you could get a snack bag of “reindeer poop,” which ranged from classic muddy buddies to malted milk balls. #facepalm
Typically, puppy chow is chex cereal (rice or corn), coated in a chocolate, peanut butter, and butter mixture, and then tossed with powdered sugar. Everyone’s family seems to have a slightly different recipe, based on the flavors they prefer. Us? We are a chocolate family. (Not exactly a news flash, if you’re visiting this blog often.)
Does puppy chow need to be refrigerated?
It depends! Factors include the type of peanut butter and the type of butter you use. If you use an all natural peanut butter that typically needs to be refrigerated, then you should probably refrigerate your puppy chow. If you use a shelf-stable peanut butter (e.g., Jif or Skippy), then your ability to leave it out at room temperature is only limited by the butter.
It is recommended that you use salted butter if you’re going to leave it out at room temperature. The salt helps inhibit bacterial growth. But even then, the USDA recommends not leaving butter out for more than two days. So make sure to put any leftover puppy chow in an airtight container and stick it in the refrigerator if you’re going to have it more than a couple days. (Also: puppy chow tastes SO much better when frozen.)
Puppy chow recipe variations?
The coating for the chex is pretty versatile. The chocolate chips could be substituted for any type of chocolate (milk, dark, white) or even peanut butter chips if you just want to go all out on peanut butter. If you’re looking for a puppy chow recipe without peanut butter, then replace the peanut butter with an equal amount of butter. If you’re looking for a puppy chow recipe without butter, then replace the butter with an equal amount of peanut butter or coconut oil.
And I think it goes without saying – always feel free to mix it up with your favorite candy pieces, chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, nuts, or . . . Easter candy!
mikaela | wyldflour
7 Cups Bunny Chow
A classic puppy chow recipe dressed up for Easter with fun robin's egg colored bunny chow and everyone's favorite Easter candy!
20 minPrep Time
20 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 3 cups corn or rice chex cereal
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup powdered confectioner's sugar
- 3 cups corn or rice chex cereal
- 3/4 cup light blue vanilla-flavored chocolate melts (e.g., Wilton's)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered confectioner's sugar
- 1 oz semi-sweet chocolate, very finely chopped
- E.g., Easter colored M&Ms, Cadbury mini eggs, chocolate eggs
Instructions
- Prepare the classic puppy chow! Measure the 3 cups chex cereal out into a large mixing bowl. Combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a small bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over the cereal and use a spatula to gently toss the cereal for 1-2 minutes until the cereal is well-coated. Transfer the cereal to a large gallon-sized zip-top bag and add the powdered sugar to the bag. Zip the top and gently turn the bag over and over, letting the powdered sugar coat the cereal. (I grab the corners and just tip the bag around and around.) Dump the cereal into a large airtight container and set aside.
- Prepare the Robin's Egg Bunny Chow! Again, measure the cereal into a large bowl and set aside. Combine the chocolate melts, peanut butter, and butter in a small bowl and microwave until melted. Pour over the cereal and toss with powdered sugar in the same way you made the classic puppy chow. Spread the coated bunny chow on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet. Because this mixture is more chocolatey, gently break up the pieces and spread on the sheet to let the chocolate set. As soon as you've spread the cereal, sprinkle very finely chopped chocolate (practically grated) over the cereal and use your hands to toss, letting the chocolate stick to the chex to give it a robin's egg spotted effect.
- Toss it all together! Once the bunny chow has set, add it to the airtight container of traditional puppy chow, along with a mixture of your preferred Easter candy. Toss together and store either in the refrigerator or freezer. Frozen bunny chow is our favorite!
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