Introduction
Indulge your sweet tooth with this delightful Butterfinger Puppy Chow recipe! Combining the crunch of Rice Chex cereal with the rich flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and Butterfinger candy bars, this treat promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a sweet snack, this recipe is easy to prepare and customize according to your taste preferences.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
7 cups Rice Chex Cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup salted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
18 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars (15 crushed, 3 roughly chopped for garnish)
1¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings
Instructions
1. Place the Rice Chex cereal in an extra-large bowl.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth. If necessary, continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted.
3. Stir in the pure vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
5. Add the 15 crushed Butterfinger candy bars to the coated cereal and mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture into a large (2-gallon) ziplock bag. Add the sifted powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until the cereal is thoroughly coated.
7. Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to dry.
8. Before serving, sprinkle the 3 roughly chopped Butterfinger candy bars over the top for garnish.
Storage
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 5 days.
– To freeze, place the puppy chow in a tightly sealed ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips
– To crush the Butterfinger candy bars, place them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to smash them into small pieces. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor until finely chopped.
– For the powdered sugar coating, you can either sprinkle the powdered sugar over the coated cereal and stir, or add the coated cereal and powdered sugar to a large ziplock bag and shake. Using a ziplock bag helps contain the powdered sugar and simplifies cleanup.
– Spreading the coated cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet and letting it rest for 20 minutes helps prevent the pieces from sticking together and becoming soggy.
– This recipe serves as a great base for adding other favorite candies or savory snacks. Customize it with M&Ms, sprinkles, Reese’s Pieces, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
Place the Rice Chex cereal in an extra-large bowl.
Step 2: Melt the Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth. If necessary, continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Stir in the pure vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 5: Incorporate Butterfinger
Add the 15 crushed Butterfinger candy bars to the coated cereal and mix well.
Step 6: Shake with Powdered Sugar
Transfer the mixture into a large (2-gallon) ziplock bag. Add the sifted powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until the cereal is thoroughly coated.
Step 7: Dry the Cereal
Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to dry.
Step 8: Garnish
Before serving, sprinkle the 3 roughly chopped Butterfinger candy bars over the top for garnish.
Storage
Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 5 days.
Freezing
To freeze, place the puppy chow in a tightly sealed ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Notes
Crushing Butterfinger
To crush the Butterfinger candy bars, place them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to smash them into small pieces. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor until finely chopped.
Powdered Sugar Coating
For the powdered sugar coating, you can either sprinkle the powdered sugar over the coated cereal and stir, or add the coated cereal and powdered sugar to a large ziplock bag and shake. Using a ziplock bag helps contain the powdered sugar and simplifies cleanup.
Prevent Sticking
Spreading the coated cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet and letting it rest for 20 minutes helps prevent the pieces from sticking together and becoming soggy.
Customization
This recipe serves as a great base for adding other favorite candies or savory snacks. Customize it with M&Ms, sprinkles, Reese’s Pieces, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Cook techniques
Melting Chocolate and Peanut Butter
When melting chocolate and peanut butter, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until the mixture is smooth. This ensures even melting and prevents burning.
Coating Cereal
To coat the Rice Chex cereal evenly, pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over it and gently stir. Be careful not to crush the cereal while mixing.
Crushing Candy Bars
Crush Butterfinger candy bars by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin or mallet. For finer pieces, pulse them in a food processor.
Using a Ziplock Bag
For the powdered sugar coating, placing the coated cereal and powdered sugar in a ziplock bag makes it easier to shake and coat everything thoroughly while minimizing mess.
Cooling and Setting
Spread the coated cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Allow it to set for about 20 minutes to avoid sticking and to retain crunchiness.
FAQ
How long can I store the finished product?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the puppy chow in a tightly sealed ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I customize the recipe with different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other favorite candies or savory snacks, such as M&Ms, sprinkles, Reese’s Pieces, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
What should I do if the chocolate-peanut butter mixture is too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, continue to heat it in 15-second intervals in the microwave, stirring after each interval until it reaches a smooth consistency.
How do I avoid pieces sticking together?
Spreading the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and allowing it to rest for 20 minutes helps prevent sticking and ensures the pieces stay crunchy.
Conclusion
This delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix with Butterfinger brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. It’s a fun and quick treat that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply enjoying at home. With its deliciously coated Rice Chex, rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the irresistible flavor of Butterfinger, this recipe is sure to please everyone.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Almond Chex Mix
Replace the Butterfinger with chopped almonds and add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for a nutty twist.
Rainbow Sprinkles Chex Mix
Incorporate colorful sprinkles along with M&Ms for a cheerful and festive snack that’s perfect for celebrations.
Nutty Coconut Chex Mix
Add shredded coconut and a mix of chopped nuts for an exotic flavor and an extra crunch in your Chex mix.
Caramel Apple Chex Mix
Mix in caramel bits and dried apple pieces for a flavor reminiscent of caramel apples, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Oreo Cookie Chex Mix
Substitute crushed Oreos for the Butterfinger and mix in mini marshmallows for a cookies-and-cream treat.
Peanut Butter Cup Chex Mix
Incorporate chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of Butterfinger for a rich and indulgent option.
Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix
Toss in cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist, and add some raisins or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.
