Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is an irresistible treat that combines the crunchiness of Chex cereal with the rich flavors of chocolate and Butterfinger candy. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a sweet snack at home, this dessert offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. With its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, this Butterfinger Puppy Chow is perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of chocolate and Butterfinger creates a unique flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for snacks, parties, or holiday gatherings; it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the crunchy texture and sweet taste, making it a fun recipe to prepare together.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist on this classic recipe.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Butterfinger Puppy Chow, gather simple kitchen tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Double boiler or microwave
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or spatula
• Gallon ziplock bags
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Double boiler or microwave: Essential for melting chocolate without burning it. This ensures a smooth chocolate coating.
• Mixing bowls: Helps in combining ingredients easily without mess.
• Gallon ziplock bags: Perfect for shaking the coated cereal with powdered sugar for even coverage.

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

For the Cereal Base

• 4 cups Rice or Corn Chex Cereal

For the Candy Additions

• 1 cup BUTTERFINGER® Peanut Butter Cup Minis
• 6 BUTTERFINGER® Fun-Size Bars

For the Peanut Butter Mix

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

For Coating the Mixture

• 1 cup powdered sugar

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat in short increments, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Once melted, remove from heat.

Step 2: Warm the Peanut Butter

In another bowl, gently warm peanut butter in the microwave until it becomes liquidy.

Step 3: Prepare the Candy Bars

Chop the six BUTTERFINGER® bars into small pieces and set them aside.

Step 4: Combine Chocolate with Cereal

Combine 2 cups of Rice or Corn Chex cereal with melted chocolate. Stir softly to coat each piece evenly. Add half of the chopped candy bars and mix gently.

Step 5: Mix Peanut Butter with Cereal

Take another 2 cups of cereal and mix it with the warm peanut butter. Carefully fold in the remaining chopped candy bars.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar (Chocolate Mix)

In a gallon ziplock bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar with the chocolate-coated cereal. Seal the bag while allowing some air inside. Shake until all pieces are well coated.

Step 7: Coat with Powdered Sugar (Peanut Butter Mix)

Repeat the same process with the peanut butter-coated cereal in a second gallon ziplock bag using the remaining powdered sugar.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Once both mixtures are coated in powdered sugar, mix them in a large bowl. Finally, add in the BUTTERFINGER® Peanut Butter Cup Minis. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Serving Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a fun and creative process. This sweet treat can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a special snack at home.

Individual Cups

• Serve the Puppy Chow in small cups for individual portions. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy without mess.

Snack Bags

• Package servings in clear snack bags tied with ribbons. These are great for party favors or as a sweet treat to share with friends.

Dessert Bar

• Create a dessert bar featuring Butterfinger Puppy Chow alongside other treats. Guests can mix and match their favorites for a personalized sweet experience.

Toppings Station

• Set up a toppings station where guests can add extra goodies like sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or additional chopped Butterfinger bars to their Puppy Chow.

Ice Cream Topping

• Use Butterfinger Puppy Chow as a crunchy topping on ice cream. It adds texture and sweetness that pairs perfectly with creamy flavors.

How to Perfect Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Perfecting Butterfinger Puppy Chow is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your treat:

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your Chex cereal and chocolate are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Melt chocolate carefully: Always melt chocolate slowly to prevent burning. Stir continuously for an even consistency.
• Chop evenly: Chop the Butterfinger bars into uniform pieces so they mix well throughout the cereal.
• Avoid clumping: When mixing with powdered sugar, shake gently in the bag to prevent clumps from forming.
• Store properly: Keep leftover Puppy Chow in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow can be complemented by a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options that pair well:

1. Fresh Fruit: Lighten things up with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas, which provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the Puppy Chow.
2. Popcorn: Offer different popcorn flavors, such as caramel or cheese, to create a fun snack mix alongside your sweet treat.
3. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses for a savory balance to the sugary snack, which can enhance the overall flavor experience.
4. Veggie Sticks: Crunchy vegetable sticks such as carrots and celery add a healthy element that balances out the richness of the dessert.
5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These add both sweetness and saltiness, making them an excellent companion snack for your Puppy Chow.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Serve mini cupcakes in various flavors; they make delightful mini desserts that complement the textures in your main treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Butterfinger Puppy Chow is fun and easy, but a few common mistakes can ruin your treat. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Using the wrong chocolate: Always choose high-quality semi-sweet or milk chocolate. Poor chocolate can affect the flavor and texture of your Puppy Chow.
• Overheating the chocolate: Melt chocolate gently to prevent burning. Use short increments in the microwave and stir frequently.
• Not mixing thoroughly: Ensure each piece of cereal is well-coated with chocolate or peanut butter. This prevents dry spots and ensures every bite is delicious.
• Skipping the powdered sugar: Powdered sugar gives your Butterfinger Puppy Chow that classic sweetness and helps prevent clumping. Don’t skip this step for optimal results.
• Storing incorrectly: Keep your Puppy Chow in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Exposure to air can make it go stale quickly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Keep away from moisture to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Butterfinger Puppy Chow

• You can freeze Butterfinger Puppy Chow for up to three months.
• Use a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring it’s sealed tightly.

Reheating Butterfinger Puppy Chow

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, spread on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (10-15 seconds) while stirring until slightly warm.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring constantly until warm but not melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Butterfinger Puppy Chow that may help you enjoy this treat even more.

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.

How long does Butterfinger Puppy Chow last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Butterfinger Puppy Chow lasts about one week at room temperature and up to three months if frozen.

Can I customize my Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other candies or nuts to personalize your mix. You can also change the type of cereal for different textures.

Is Butterfinger Puppy Chow gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free Chex cereal, then yes! Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if that’s a concern.

Final Thoughts

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a delightful treat that combines sweetness and crunch in every bite. Its versatility allows for endless customization, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and feel free to experiment with different flavors!