Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 12-oz. box of Rice Chex cereal (about 10 cups)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (more as needed / desired)
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and salted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the melted chocolate mixture, mixing until evenly incorporated.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. If making a large batch, divide cereal into two big bowls for easier mixing.
- Mix Gently: Use a wooden spoon to gently fold the cereal into the chocolate mixture, taking care not to break the delicate cereal pieces.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar on top, then gently shake the bag to coat the cereal pieces with powdered sugar evenly, aiming for a wet/dry hybrid texture that encourages clustering.
- Set and Chill: Spread the coated cereal out on baking sheets or parchment paper to cool and set. For best texture and crunch, store the finished Puppy Chow in the freezer until ready to serve.
Notes
- Microwaving in short intervals prevents burning and helps achieve a smooth melt.
- Gently mixing preserves the integrity of the cereal and prevents breakage.
- The shaking technique with powdered sugar creates delicious clusters rather than a dry coating on individual pieces.
- Freezing enhances crunch and keeps the snack fresh longer.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your preference for sweetness and coating thickness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
