If you are a fan of sweet, crunchy snacks with a fudgy twist, then you absolutely have to try this Brownie Puppy Chow Recipe. It’s a wonderfully addictive treat that combines the classic chewy sweetness of brownie mix with the irresistible crunch of Rice Chex, all wrapped up in silky chocolate and peanut butter goodness. Perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking a handful when no one’s watching, this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward that perfect balance of texture and flavor in this Brownie Puppy Chow Recipe. Each component plays its role—whether it’s the crispness of the cereal, the creamy richness of peanut butter, or the deep chocolate notes that bring everything together.
- 12 oz box of Rice Chex Cereal: The crunchy base that soaks up all the chocolatey goodness without losing its crisp.
- 2 cups of chocolate melting chips: Smooth and luscious, these create the decadent coating that defines this snack.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a dreamy, nutty richness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- 8 oz box of fudge brownie mix: The secret ingredient that gives this puppy chow its signature fudgy, chocolaty exterior.
- Optional: Reese Pieces or other chocolate candies: Fun additions for extra bursts of flavor and colorful crunch.
How to Make Brownie Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cereal
Start by pouring the entire box of Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. This crunchy foundation will be the vehicle for all the delicious coatings to come, so make sure you have enough space to mix comfortably without breaking the pieces.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your chocolate chips gradually. Set your microwave power to medium, around level 5, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between each session to ensure the melting is even and the chocolate doesn’t scorch—creating that perfect silky texture we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Combine Chocolate and Peanut Butter
When the chocolate is halfway melted, add the creamy peanut butter directly into the bowl. Continue heating and stirring until both are fully melted and blended together in a smooth, luscious mixture that’s ready to coat the cereal.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Pour the warm chocolate and peanut butter mixture over your Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir or toss the cereal so each piece is generously coated. The key here is to be thorough without crushing the cereal, ensuring every bite is rich and crunchy.
Step 5: Add Brownie Mix Coating
Next, pour your fudge brownie mix into a large ziplock bag. Working in small batches, add some of the coated cereal to the bag, seal it, and shake until the cereal pieces are evenly dusted with the brownie mix. Use a slotted spoon to remove the coated cereal and place it on a baking sheet while you continue with the rest.
Step 6: Let It Cool
Allow your brownie puppy chow to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step helps the coating set so it’s less messy to handle and maintains its crisp texture.
Step 7: Customize Your Treat
Feel free to get creative! Add Reese Pieces, mini marshmallows, or extra cereal varieties to make your Brownie Puppy Chow Recipe uniquely yours. It’s a fantastic way to mix textures and flavors for any occasion.
How to Serve Brownie Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, garnish your Brownie Puppy Chow with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few decorative chocolate chips. Adding a handful of colorful candies like Reese Pieces on top can also brighten the look and add an extra pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This snack is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy vanilla yogurt dip. For adult gatherings, serve alongside coffee or hot chocolate to balance the sweet and rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Brownie Puppy Chow Recipe in decorative bowls or mason jars wrapped with festive ribbons for parties or gifts. You can also portion it into cupcake liners for individual servings at kid’s birthdays or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Brownie Puppy Chow Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crunchy and delicious for up to one week, making it a convenient snack to grab anytime.
Freezing
If you want to make this treat ahead of time or save larger batches, freezing works beautifully. Place the puppy chow in a sealed freezer bag or container, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
No need to reheat this snack, but if you prefer it a little warm, gently microwave a small portion for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to melt the coating completely—just a slight warmth enhances the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cereal instead of Rice Chex?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex is preferred for its light crunch and ability to hold coatings well, you can experiment with other cereals like Corn Chex or even Cheerios to suit your taste.
Is the peanut butter necessary in this recipe?
Peanut butter adds richness and helps bind the chocolate coating to the cereal; however, you can try almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free option, but note the flavor and texture will differ.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use a gluten-free brownie mix and double-check the cereal and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep this treat safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long does Brownie Puppy Chow last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Brownie Puppy Chow remains fresh and crunchy for about one week at room temperature. Beyond that, the cereal may begin to lose its crispness.
What are some fun mix-ins to add?
Try tossing in colorful chocolate candies, mini marshmallows, pretzel bits, or even crushed nuts to add exciting textures and tastes. Each variation brings a new personality to the classic recipe!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Brownie Puppy Chow Recipe as much as I do. It’s super simple, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for game day, a cozy night in, or an easy snack to brighten your day, this recipe has you covered with layers of chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your snack rotation!
Print
Brownie Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Brownie Puppy Chow is a delicious no-bake snack mix combining crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a smooth mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then dusted with rich fudge brownie mix for an irresistible treat perfect for snacking or parties.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 12 oz box of Rice Chex Cereal
- 2 cups of chocolate melting chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Coating
- 8 oz box of fudge brownie mix (size of box will vary)
Optional Additions
- Reese Pieces or other chocolate candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Pour your box of Chex cereal into a large bowl, ensuring you have enough room to mix the chocolate coating in later.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate melting chips at power level 5, heating in 30-second increments. Stir well after each increment to prevent burning and ensure even melting.
- Add Peanut Butter: When the chocolate is about halfway melted, add the peanut butter to the bowl and continue microwaving and stirring until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the smooth chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece of cereal is evenly coated.
- Apply Brownie Mix Coating: Pour the fudge brownie mix into a large resealable ziplock bag. Add the chocolate-coated cereal in small batches and shake the bag to coat the cereal evenly with the brownie mix. Use a large slotted spoon to scoop out the coated cereal onto a baking sheet. Repeat until all cereal is coated.
- Cool the Snack: Allow the coated cereal to cool completely on the baking sheet to let the coating set before serving.
- Customize (Optional): For variety, add Reese Pieces, other chocolate candies, marshmallows, or additional cereals to customize your Puppy Chow mix to your liking.
Notes
- Melt the chocolate and peanut butter slowly and stir frequently to prevent scorching.
- Shake the cereal in small batches to ensure even coating with the brownie mix.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep fresh.
- This snack is great for parties, potlucks, and on-the-go snacking.
- Feel free to swap peanut butter for a nut-free alternative if needed.
