Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is the ultimate snack mix that combines the crunch of Chex cereal with the irresistible sweetness of chocolate and Butterfinger candy. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or a delightful afternoon treat, this recipe offers an unforgettable flavor experience. Its unique blend of textures and tastes will leave everyone craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a quick treat for any occasion.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and Butterfinger bars creates a sweet and salty explosion that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Snack: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want a tasty snack for yourself, this Puppy Chow fits the bill perfectly.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Making this treat can be a fun kitchen activity for kids, letting them participate in the mixing and shaking!
• Perfect Gift: Package it up in a jar or bag to create a charming homemade gift for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Butterfinger Puppy Chow successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and makes the process enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Double boiler or microwave
• Mixing bowls
• Gallon ziplock bags
• Measuring cups
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Double boiler or microwave: Essential for melting chocolate without burning it, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Mixing bowls: Provide ample space for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Gallon ziplock bags: Great for coating the cereal evenly with powdered sugar; they help minimize cleanup.

Ingredients

A delightful mix of Chex cereal, chocolate, and Butterfinger candy creates a crunchy, sweet treat that’s hard to resist.

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 4 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate
• 4 cups Rice or Corn Chex Cereal

For the Peanut Butter Mixture:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 6 BUTTERFINGER® Fun-Size Bars

For Coating:

• 1 cup BUTTERFINGER® Peanut Butter Cup Minis
• 1 cup powdered sugar

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short increments. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Remove from heat once fully melted.

Step 2: Warm the Peanut Butter

In another bowl, gently warm peanut butter in the microwave until it becomes liquidy. This helps with easier mixing later on.

Step 3: Chop the Butterfinger Bars

Chop the six BUTTERFINGER® bars into small pieces and set them aside. These will add delicious chunks throughout your Puppy Chow.

Step 4: Combine Chocolate with Cereal

Take 2 cups of Chex cereal and combine it with the melted chocolate. Stir softly to coat. Add half of the chopped candy bars and mix gently.

Step 5: Mix Peanut Butter with Cereal

In another bowl, take another 2 cups of cereal and mix it with the melted peanut butter. Carefully fold in the remaining chopped candy bars.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar (Chocolate)

In a gallon ziplock bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and chocolate-coated cereal. Seal the bag while allowing some air inside. Shake until thoroughly coated.

Step 7: Coat with Powdered Sugar (Peanut Butter)

Repeat the same process using another gallon ziplock bag with peanut butter-coated cereal and remaining powdered sugar.

Step 8: Combine & Serve

Once both mixes are coated, combine them in a large bowl. Add in the BUTTERFINGER® Peanut Butter Cup Minis for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful snack!

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a fun and versatile treat that can be served in various ways. Whether it’s a party snack or a cozy evening treat, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

In Individual Cups

• Use small plastic or paper cups to serve individual portions. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling.

As a Topping

• Sprinkle Butterfinger Puppy Chow over ice cream or yogurt for a delightful crunch. The combination of flavors will elevate any dessert.

On a Dessert Platter

• Create an eye-catching dessert platter by mixing Butterfinger Puppy Chow with other sweet treats like cookies and brownies. The variety will impress your guests.

With Beverages

• Pair Butterfinger Puppy Chow with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate. The flavors complement each other perfectly, making for a satisfying snack.

How to Perfect Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Perfecting Butterfinger Puppy Chow ensures that every bite is deliciously crunchy and sweet. Here are some tips to achieve the best results.

• Use quality chocolate: A good quality semi-sweet or milk chocolate will melt smoothly and add rich flavor.
• Chill before serving: Allow the mix to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes after coating. This helps the chocolate set.
• Mix gently: When combining ingredients, use gentle folding motions to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add sprinkles or drizzles of extra melted chocolate on top for added flair.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its sweetness. Consider these options for a well-rounded snack experience.

1. Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the puppy chow.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that balance out the sweetness. Include crackers for added texture.
3. Veggie Sticks: Crisp veggies like carrots and celery can offer a crunchy counterpoint, perfect for cleansing the palate.
4. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These provide both salty and sweet flavors, enhancing the overall snacking experience.
5. Mini Cupcakes: Small cupcakes make for an adorable addition that pairs nicely with the treat’s flavors.
6. Popcorn Mix: A sweet popcorn mix with caramel or chocolate complements the puppy chow while adding varied textures.
7. Trail Mix: A nutty trail mix provides protein and crunch, making it an excellent side dish choice.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae bar where guests can create their own concoctions alongside Butterfinger Puppy Chow!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Butterfinger Puppy Chow can be a fun process, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the double boiler – Using only a microwave without careful attention can lead to burned chocolate. Always melt chocolate using a double boiler or in short increments in the microwave to ensure smoothness.
• Not warming the peanut butter – If you don’t warm the peanut butter, it may not mix well with the cereal. Heat it gently until it becomes liquidy for better coating.
• Overmixing the cereal – Stirring too vigorously can crush the Chex and ruin the texture. Mix gently to keep that delightful crunch.
• Using stale cereal – Freshness matters! Ensure your Chex cereal is crisp for optimal taste and texture.
• Neglecting to seal the bags tightly – If you don’t seal the ziplock bags properly, the powdered sugar won’t coat evenly. Make sure to squeeze out excess air before shaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Butterfinger Puppy Chow

• You can freeze it in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
• It will last for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Butterfinger Puppy Chow

• Oven – Preheat to 300°F, spread on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave – Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals of 15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Heat gently in a pan over low heat while stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Butterfinger Puppy Chow that might help you out.

What is Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a sweet snack mix made with Chex cereal coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter, mixed with pieces of Butterfinger candy bars.

Can I use different types of cereal?

Yes! While Rice and Corn Chex are traditional, feel free to experiment with other cereals like Crispix or even granola for variety.

How do I make Butterfinger Puppy Chow more chocolaty?

For an extra chocolaty flavor, you can increase the amount of melted chocolate used in your recipe or add chocolate chips when mixing.

Is there a way to customize Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruit, or swap out Butterfingers for other candies like Reese’s or M&M’s based on your preferences.

How do I prevent my puppy chow from getting soggy?

Make sure all components are cooled properly before mixing and store in an airtight container to keep them crunchy longer.

Final Thoughts

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is an irresistible treat perfect for parties or cozy nights at home. Its delightful blend of crunchy cereal, chocolate, and buttery candy makes it versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins or enjoy it as is!