15 Minute Butterfinger Puppy Chow That’s Irresistible

Picture this: you need a sweet, crunchy snack in a hurry, and the thought of turning on the oven makes you groan. That’s where my Butterfinger puppy chow swoops in to save the day! This no-bake miracle combines all my favorite things—chocolate, peanut butter, and those irresistible Butterfinger crumbs—into one addictive treat. I first made this for my niece’s sleepover, and let me tell you, those kids went wild for it. Now it’s my go-to when I need a quick dessert that always gets “wow” reactions. The best part? You can whip it up in about 15 minutes flat, and trust me, it disappears just as fast!

Why You’ll Love This Butterfinger Puppy Chow

This recipe has become my secret weapon for so many reasons, and I know you’ll fall for it too. Here’s why:

• Quick fix: From pantry to party tray in 15 minutes – no baking, no fuss!
• Impossible to mess up: Even my clumsy cousin can’t ruin this one (and believe me, she’s tried).
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite candy or adjust the sweetness to your taste.
• Crowd-pleaser: I’ve never brought this to a gathering without getting recipe requests.
• Kid-approved: My toughest critics (my 7-year-old niece and her picky friends) go crazy for it.

Seriously, this stuff is like edible happiness in a bowl!

Ingredients for Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most of them already! The magic happens when they all come together:

• 8 cups Chex cereal (I use Rice Chex, but any variety works)
• 1 cup Butterfinger candy, crushed into small bits (about 8 fun-size bars)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (the good stuff!)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter (real butter, please – no substitutes!)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (that little splash makes all the difference)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for that snowy, sweet coating)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

Don’t stress if you need to make swaps – this recipe is super forgiving! Here are my tried-and-true variations:

• Gluten-free? Just use GF Chex cereal – works perfectly!
• Not a peanut butter fan? Almond butter makes a delicious alternative.
• For extra chocolatey goodness, try dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• Short on Butterfingers? Reese’s Pieces or crushed peanut butter cups work great too.
• Pro tip: Store your finished puppy chow in an airtight container – it stays fresh for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making this magical snack! I’ve made this so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turns out perfect on the first try.

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

First, grab a microwave-safe bowl (I use my favorite glass mixing bowl) and combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each one. Watch it closely – chocolate burns easily! You want it smooth and glossy, like melted caramel. When it’s ready, stir in that teaspoon of vanilla – it adds such a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Now pour your Chex cereal into the biggest bowl you’ve got (trust me, you’ll need the space!). Slowly drizzle the chocolate mixture over the cereal while gently folding with a rubber spatula. Be patient here – you want every single piece coated evenly without crushing those precious little squares.

Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar

Here comes the messy (but fun!) part. Transfer your chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable bag (I use gallon-sized). Add the powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake it like you’re dancing to your favorite song! For extra smooth coating, sift the sugar first – but honestly, I usually skip that step because I kind of love those little powdered sugar clumps.

Step 4: Finish with Butterfinger

Spread your puppy chow out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. While it’s still slightly sticky, sprinkle those crushed Butterfinger bits all over. The candy will cling perfectly as the mixture cools. Try to resist eating it right away – though I never can!

Tips for Perfect Butterfinger Puppy Chow

After making this recipe more times than I can count (okay fine, I’ve lost track because I eat it so fast), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:

• Crush those Butterfingers fine – big chunks are tasty but tend to fall off. I whack mine with a rolling pin inside a ziplock bag (great stress relief too!).
• Use parchment paper when cooling – it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. No one wants to scrape chocolate off cookie sheets!
• Powdered sugar police – start with 1 cup, then add more to taste. Some like it snow-covered, others prefer just a light dusting.
• Let it breathe before storing – about 30 minutes uncovered prevents condensation from making it soggy.

Follow these tips and you’ll have puppy chow that’ll make you the snack hero every time!

Serving & Storing Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Here’s the beautiful thing about this snack – you can dig in immediately while it’s still slightly warm (my personal favorite way) or let it cool completely for that perfect crunch. Either way, store any leftovers (ha! as if!) in an airtight container for up to a week. Just keep it away from humidity – nobody wants soggy puppy chow! I usually stash mine in the pantry, but it never lasts more than two days in my house.

Butterfinger Puppy Chow Nutrition

Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating puppy chow for its health benefits! But for those curious minds, here’s the scoop (per 1-cup serving): about 320 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated), and 45g carbs. Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary slightly based on ingredients. Everything in moderation, right? Though I won’t judge if you “accidentally” eat three servings!

FAQs About Butterfinger Puppy Chow

I get asked these questions all the time, so let me save you some trouble with my tried-and-true answers:

Can I use other candy besides Butterfingers? Absolutely! Reese’s Pieces or crushed peanut butter cups work wonderfully. I’ve even used Snickers in a pinch – just chop them small so they stick properly.

Is this recipe gluten-free? It sure can be! Just swap regular Chex for the gluten-free version (they taste identical in this recipe). Always check your other ingredients too – some candy contains gluten.

How long does puppy chow stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container, it keeps its crunch for about a week. Though between you and me, mine never lasts that long before getting devoured!

Can I make this ahead for parties? You bet! In fact, I think it tastes even better after a day when all the flavors have really melded together. Just wait to add the Butterfinger topping until right before serving.

Help! My powdered sugar clumped! No worries – just give your storage container a good shake before serving. Those little sugar pockets are actually kind of delicious!

Rate This Butterfinger Puppy Chow Recipe

Tried making this addictive snack? I’d love to hear your thoughts – leave a comment and let me know how it turned out!

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