If you’re a devoted fan of rich, fudgy brownies, prepare to be amazed. This unique variation of puppy chow takes that incredible brownie flavor and coats crispy cereal in a way that’s utterly addictive. It’s the perfect sweet escape, whether you’re craving a late-night treat, preparing for a party, or simply want to elevate your snack game.

The magic happens when melted chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter are combined, creating a smooth, luscious base that perfectly clings to every piece of Chex cereal. But the real game-changer is the addition of dry brownie mix, which envelops everything in a luxurious, chocolatey dust, making this treat truly hard to resist. This recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors – the crunch of the cereal, the smooth chocolate-peanut butter coating, and the intense brownie essence.

We absolutely adore exploring new twists on classic snack mixes. Beyond traditional Puppy Chow and Sweet Chex Mix, we’ve ventured into delightful creations like Puppy Chow Ice Cream. For those who can’t get enough of brownie goodness, be sure to also try our Mini Brownie Cupcakes, Buckeye Brownies Recipe, and Brownie Truffles. Each offers a unique way to enjoy that rich, chocolatey brownie taste!

What is Puppy Chow?

Puppy Chow, also affectionately known as Muddy Buddies, is an iconic American snack mix renowned for its simplicity and irresistible flavor. At its heart, it’s a no-bake treat featuring crispy Chex cereal generously coated in a decadent mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then dusted with powdered sugar. While the name might be playful, rest assured, it’s entirely human-friendly!

This beloved snack transcends generations, making appearances at school functions, holiday gatherings, and casual movie nights. Its widespread appeal stems from its quick preparation, minimal ingredients, and satisfying combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures. Today, we’re taking this classic to a whole new level by replacing the traditional powdered sugar with dry brownie mix. This innovative twist amplifies the chocolate flavor, delivering a deeper, richer experience that truly stands out. It’s an elevated version of a nostalgic favorite, perfect for anyone who craves that intense brownie goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Brownie Puppy Chow

• Effortlessly Delicious: With just 4 key ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for last-minute cravings or busy schedules.
• Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and the unique brownie mix coating creates a taste sensation that’s deeply satisfying and deliciously decadent.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for parties, potlucks, or family movie nights, this snack disappears quickly. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• No-Bake Simplicity: Skip the oven and enjoy a fantastic dessert that comes together in minutes. Perfect for any season!
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different chocolate types, nut butters, or fun mix-ins to suit your preferences.

Ingredients for Brownie Puppy Chow

Gathering your ingredients for this delightful treat is quick and straightforward. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Chex Cereal: The foundation of our puppy chow! You have the flexibility to use either rice Chex or corn Chex, depending on your preference. Both varieties offer that signature crisp texture that holds up beautifully to the coating. Feel free to use a mix of both for added dimension!
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These provide the rich, classic chocolate flavor that forms the core of our coating. Semisweet strikes a perfect balance, offering sweetness without being overly rich. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with other options like dark chocolate chips for a more intense cocoa flavor, or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier profile.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is crucial for achieving a smooth, well-combined chocolate mixture. Its rich flavor pairs perfectly with the chocolate, and its consistency ensures an even coating on the cereal. We highly recommend sticking with creamy peanut butter over chunky for this recipe, as chunks can make the coating uneven. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates easily, as its oil content can affect the texture of the final coating.
• Dry Brownie Mix: This is the secret ingredient that elevates this puppy chow! Using dry brownie mix (from a box, any brand you like) provides an incredible depth of chocolate flavor and a fudgy, rich coating that’s unlike anything else. It replaces the traditional powdered sugar, infusing every bite with that unmistakable brownie essence. Make sure it’s dry mix, not prepared batter.

You can find the exact measurements and a printable recipe card further down the page!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this irresistible Brownie Puppy Chow is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps for a perfectly coated, deliciously decadent snack:

Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your Brownie Puppy Chow fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Once the puppy chow has fully cooled and the coating has set, transfer it to an airtight container or a large plastic bag with a zip-top seal. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat, for up to 5 days. For optimal freshness and crunch, try to consume it within the first few days. While it technically can be frozen for longer storage, the texture might change slightly upon thawing, becoming a bit softer. If freezing, use a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creative Puppy Chow Variations

The beauty of puppy chow lies in its versatility! Once you master the basic technique, the possibilities for flavor combinations are endless. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your next batch:

• Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow: A delightful twist for chocolate lovers, this variation captures all the cozy flavors of a warm cup of hot cocoa in a crunchy snack mix. It’s especially perfect for colder months or holiday gatherings.
• Funfetti Puppy Chow Recipe: Bring a festive, joyful touch to your snack mix with colorful sprinkles. This vibrant version is incredibly easy to make and is guaranteed to be a hit at birthday parties or any celebration.
• S’mores Puppy Chow: Enjoy all the nostalgic flavors of a campfire s’more without the need for a fire! This variation typically includes mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces alongside the chocolate coating, creating a truly irresistible treat.
• Harvest Puppy Chow Recipe: Perfect for autumn, this seasonal mix is loaded with fun add-ins like candy pumpkins and candy corn, making it a festive and tasty snack for Fall gatherings. The mix of textures and flavors is incredibly satisfying.
• Holiday Puppy Chow: Incorporate seasonal candies, colored sprinkles, or crushed peppermint for Christmas, or pastel candies for Easter.
• White Chocolate Puppy Chow: Swap out the semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can even add a touch of almond extract for a unique twist.
• Mint Chocolate Puppy Chow: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to your melted chocolate mixture and dust with crushed peppermints or mint-flavored chocolate candies.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Brownie Puppy Chow

Achieving the perfect batch of Brownie Puppy Chow is simple with a few key tricks:

• Experiment with Fun Mix-ins: While delicious on its own, puppy chow is fantastic with added elements. Consider tossing in Reece’s Pieces, M&M’s, mini Hershey bars cut into chunks, or a generous amount of sprinkles for extra color and flavor. Broken pretzel pieces also add a wonderful salty crunch that complements the sweetness perfectly. Add these after the brownie mix coating, once the puppy chow has cooled slightly.
• Use a Large Mixing Bowl: This is a crucial tip! You need ample space to gently but thoroughly coat the Chex cereal in the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture. A cramped bowl makes it difficult to stir without crushing the delicate cereal pieces. A bowl with plenty of room allows you to fold the mixture effectively.
• Always Line Your Baking Sheet: For a super easy cleanup, always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. The chocolate and peanut butter mixture can be quite sticky before it dries, and parchment paper ensures your puppy chow won’t adhere to the pan. You’ll be incredibly grateful for this step when it comes time to clean up!
• Choose the Right Peanut Butter: For the best results, stick with creamy peanut butter, not chunky. The smooth consistency of creamy peanut butter ensures that it melts evenly and coats the cereal uniformly, without any lumpy bits. We also don’t recommend using natural peanut butter (the kind that separates oil at the top) in this recipe, as its texture can be inconsistent and may not bind as well to the other ingredients, leading to a greasier or less stable coating.
• Cereal Alternatives: While Chex Cereal is the traditional choice and works wonderfully, you can also use Crispix Cereal as a suitable alternative. Crispix offers a similar light, crispy texture and square shape that holds the coating well.
• Preventing Clumps: After shaking the cereal with the brownie mix, spread it out immediately on the prepared baking sheet. This helps prevent large clumps from forming as it cools. If you find some smaller clumps, you can gently break them apart once the puppy chow has fully set.
• Microwave with Care: When melting the chocolate and peanut butter, use short intervals (20-30 seconds) and stir thoroughly after each. Chocolate can seize or burn if overheated, so low and slow is key to a smooth, glossy coating.

More Irresistible Brownie Desserts

If you’re a true brownie connoisseur, don’t stop here! Explore these other fantastic brownie recipes that are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings:

• Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
• One Bowl Brownies
• Easy Brookie Recipe
• Homemade Brownie Recipe
• Easy Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
• Brownie Pie

The next time you’re searching for an easy party food, a delightful movie night treat, or a simple dessert to brighten your day, whip up this incredible Brownie Puppy Chow in just minutes. Its rich, chocolatey flavor and satisfying crunch will make it an instant hit with everyone who tries it. Give this fun new recipe a try, and please come back and leave a comment to share your experience – I love hearing from you!

Brownie Puppy Chow

Brownie Puppy Chow is a chocolate twist on the classic muddy buddy recipe. With only 4 ingredients, this salty and sweet treat does not disappoint.

Prep Time
15 mins

Total Time
15 mins

Servings
12

Cuisine
American

Course
Dessert

Calories
572

Author
Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• 9
  cups
  Chex Cereal
• 2
  cups
  Semisweet Chocolate Chips
• 1/2
  cup
  Creamy Peanut Butter
• 2
  cups
  Dry Brownie Mix

Instructions

1. Place the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals until melted and smooth, stirring after each interval.
2. Then, gently mix in the Chex cereal. Gently fold the cereal until it’s thoroughly coated with the chocolate and peanut butter mixture, being careful not to crush the cereal.
3. Place the dry brownie mix in a large, sealed zip-top bag. Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag. Seal the bag tightly and shake to thoroughly coat the cereal with the brownie mix.
4. Remove the coated puppy chow from the bag and spread it out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool.
5. Let the puppy chow cool completely, allowing the coating to set. Once cooled, your Brownie Puppy Chow is ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Keep any leftover puppy chow in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 572kcal,
Carbohydrates 87g,
Protein 11g,
Fat 23g,
Saturated Fat 9g,
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat 9g,
Trans Fat 0.02g,
Cholesterol 2mg,
Sodium 429mg,
Potassium 402mg,
Fiber 9g,
Sugar 36g,
Vitamin A 510IU,
Vitamin C 6mg,
Calcium 123mg,
Iron 17mg