Puppy Chow Bars Recipe

Introduction

Puppy Chow Bars are a delightful twist on the classic snack, combining crunchy cereal with a creamy chocolate and peanut butter coating to create an irresistible treat. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these bars offer a sweet, marshmallow-packed experience that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

• 7 cups Rice Chex cereal (start with 5 cups and adjust for consistency)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (258 g) creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter (can use salted)
• 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup (31 g) confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until completely melted and smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the mini marshmallows to the melted mixture. Return to the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the marshmallows puff up and melt into a thick, creamy mixture.
4. Step 4: Pour the marshmallow mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is generously coated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the pan for 10-15 minutes to allow the bars to set.
7. Step 7: Once chilled, lightly dust the top of the bars with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely and increase the amount of chocolate chips slightly.
• Add Golden Grahams cereal to the mix for a crunchier, s’mores-inspired variation.
• To make cutting easier, lightly grease your knife or use a plastic knife to prevent sticking.
• If you want extra chewiness, slightly undercook the marshmallows when melting to retain some texture.

Storage

Store Puppy Chow Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For best texture, bring refrigerated bars to room temperature before serving. They can also be frozen for up to a month; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Chex?

Yes, you can substitute Rice Chex with other similar cereals like Corn Chex or even Golden Grahams for a different flavor and texture, but be sure to adjust marshmallow and coating quantities as needed.

What can I do if the marshmallow mixture is too thick or not melting well?

Microwave the mixture in additional 15- to 30-second intervals, stirring well each time until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency. Avoid overheating, which can cause marshmallows to harden.

Puppy Chow Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 113 reviews

These Puppy Chow Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make treat combining crispy Rice Chex cereal with a gooey mixture of melted chocolate, peanut butter, butter, and mini marshmallows. Finished with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, these bars are perfect for snacking, parties, or anytime you want a sweet, crunchy bite. Unlike traditional Puppy Chow, these bars are held together in a pan and chilled for a more substantial snack.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Bars
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Cereal

• 7 cups Rice Chex cereal (start with 5 cups and adjust for consistency)

Chocolate Mixture

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (258 g) creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter (can use salted)
• 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows

Topping

• ¼ cup (31 g) confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Add Chex to bowl: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside to prepare for coating.
2. Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter: In a separate medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
3. Add marshmallows and melt: Stir the mini marshmallows into the melted mixture and return to the microwave. Heat again in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the marshmallows puff up and melt, forming a thick and creamy mixture.
4. Pour marshmallow mixture over cereal: Pour the melted marshmallow chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Stir thoroughly and gently to coat all the cereal pieces evenly with the sticky mixture.
5. Press mixture into baking dish and refrigerate: Transfer the coated cereal mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 10–15 minutes until set.
6. Coat top of bars with confectioners’ sugar: Lightly sprinkle confectioners’ sugar evenly over the top of the chilled bars. Cut into squares and serve immediately or store for later snacking.

Notes

• Start with 5 cups of Rice Chex and add more as needed to achieve the right consistency and thickness of bars.
• If you prefer, salted butter can be used instead of unsalted; reduce added salt in other recipes accordingly.
• Heating the marshmallow mixture in short intervals helps prevent burning and ensures smooth melting.
• Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together when cut.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Puppy Chow Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, Chex Treats, Marshmallow Bars, Easy Snack Bars