Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy treat that combines Chex cereal, chocolate, and Butterfinger candies. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Its irresistible blend of flavors makes it ideal for parties, movie nights, or simply as an afternoon snack. Elevate your snack game with this delightful mix that’s hard to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare – With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious treat effortlessly.
• Irresistible Flavor – The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and Butterfinger candy creates a taste sensation that everyone will love.
• Versatile Snack – Great for parties, holidays, or just a fun family treat; it fits any occasion perfectly!
• Easy to Customize – Feel free to add your favorite candies or nuts for a personal touch.
• Kid-Friendly Fun – Making this Puppy Chow can be a fun activity to engage kids in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Butterfinger Puppy Chow, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Double boiler or microwave
• Mixing bowls
• Gallon ziplock bags
• Sharp knife
• Large bowl for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

• Double boiler or microwave – These are crucial for melting chocolate safely without burning it.
• Mixing bowls – Having multiple bowls helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
• Gallon ziplock bags – These are perfect for shaking the cereal mixture with powdered sugar to achieve an even coat.

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
• 4 cups Rice or Corn Chex Cereal
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

For the Candy Mix

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

For Coating

• 1 cup powdered sugar

How to Make Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

1. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short increments.
2. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Once melted, remove from heat.

Step 2: Warm the Peanut Butter

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

Step 3: Prepare the BUTTERFINGER® Bars

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

Step 4: Combine Chocolate with Cereal

1. Combine 2 cups of the cereal with the melted chocolate.
2. Stir softly to coat the cereal.
3. Add half of the chopped candy bars and mix gently.

Step 5: Combine Peanut Butter with Cereal

1. Take another 2 cups of cereal and mix it with the melted peanut butter.
2. Fold in the remaining chopped candy bars carefully.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar (Chocolate Blend)

1. In a gallon ziplock bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the chocolate-coated cereal.
2. Seal the bag while allowing some air inside.
3. Shake until coated evenly.

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

1. Repeat step six with the peanut butter cereal in a second gallon ziplock bag using the remaining powdered sugar.

Step 8: Mix Everything Together

1. Once coated, mix both cereal blends in a large bowl.
2. Add the BUTTERFINGER® Peanut Butter Cup Minis.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Butterfinger Puppy Chow

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a fun and versatile treat perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a movie night, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Party Platter

• Create a large platter filled with Butterfinger Puppy Chow, garnished with extra candy pieces for a festive look.

Snack Bags

• Portion out the Puppy Chow into small snack bags for an easy grab-and-go option at parties or school events.

Ice Cream Topping

• Sprinkle Butterfinger Puppy Chow over vanilla ice cream for an added crunch and flavor boost.

Gift Jars

• Fill mason jars with the treat and tie them with a ribbon for an adorable homemade gift idea.

Movie Night Bowl

• Serve in a large bowl during movie night, allowing everyone to dig in while enjoying their favorite film.

How to Perfect Butterfinger Puppy Chow

This delicious treat can be made even better with a few tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your Butterfinger Puppy Chow turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh butter and candy bars to enhance flavor.
• Melt chocolate carefully: Heat slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning for smooth coating.
• Mix gently: Fold ingredients carefully to keep the cereal intact and crunchy.
• Adjust sweetness: Customize the amount of powdered sugar based on your sweetness preference.
• Store properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Butterfinger Puppy Chow

While Butterfinger Puppy Chow is delightful on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded snack experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the Puppy Chow.
2. Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables served with dip offer a savory balance to the sweet treat.
3. Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses that provide rich flavors alongside the crunchy dessert.
4. Popcorn: Lightly salted popcorn is a great finger food that pairs well with sweet snacks.
5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination enhances the overall snacking experience.
6. Trail Mix: A nutty trail mix offers additional textures and flavors that complement the crunchy Puppy Chow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butterfinger Puppy Chow, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the taste and texture of this delightful treat. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ingredient Choices: Using generic brands can lead to less flavor. Always choose high-quality chocolate and peanut butter for the best results.
• Chocolate Melting: Melting chocolate too quickly can cause it to burn. Use a double boiler or melt in short increments in the microwave while stirring consistently.
• Mixing Technique: Over-mixing can break the cereal pieces and create a mushy texture. Gently fold ingredients together to maintain crunchiness.
• Coating Method: Not shaking the cereal well enough in the powdered sugar can leave some pieces uncoated. Ensure you seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously for even coverage.
• Storage Conditions: Storing in an open container can make your Puppy Chow lose its crunch. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Butterfinger Puppy Chow

• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to three months. Make sure to label it with the date.

Reheating Butterfinger Puppy Chow

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and spread on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes to refresh its crunch.
• Microwave: Heat in short increments (10-15 seconds) until slightly warm; do not overheat.
• Stovetop: For a quick warm-up, use a non-stick pan on low heat, stirring gently until just warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is a sweet snack mix made with Chex cereal, melted chocolate, peanut butter, and Butterfinger candy bars, creating a delicious treat.

How long does Butterfinger Puppy Chow last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Butterfinger Puppy Chow can last up to one week at room temperature or up to three months if frozen.

Can I customize Butterfinger Puppy Chow?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different candies or nuts based on your preferences. You could also try using different types of chocolate for variety.

Is Butterfinger Puppy Chow suitable for parties?

Yes! This treat is perfect for parties and gatherings because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version of Butterfinger Puppy Chow, substitute dairy chocolate with dairy-free chocolate and use a plant-based peanut butter alternative.

Final Thoughts

Butterfinger Puppy Chow is an irresistible treat that combines crunchy Chex cereal with sweet chocolate and rich peanut butter flavors. With easy customization options, you can adjust this recipe to suit your taste preferences perfectly. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful snack!