Butterfinger Puppy Chow

A no-bake, crunchy, chocolate-peanut buttery snack with bits of Butterfinger candy—perfect for parties or when sweet cravings strike hard. I love how easy it is to whip this up without turning on the oven, and the texture is as fun as the flavor. This recipe takes the classic Muddy Buddies and levels them up with crushed Butterfinger bars. Irresistible, addictive, and ideal for sharing—or not!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always turn to this Butterfinger Puppy Chow when I need a no-fuss dessert that people can't stop munching. It's ridiculously easy—just a few minutes in the microwave, a quick stir, and a toss in powdered sugar. I like how the crushed Butterfingers melt slightly into the chocolate-peanut butter mix, giving every bite that signature crunchy-candy snap. It’s perfect for parties, game day, holiday treats, or just a sweet treat for myself at home.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal

• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ¼ cup salted butter

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 18 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars (15 crushed, 3 roughly chopped for garnish)

• 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted

Directions

1. I start by adding the Rice Chex cereal to an extra-large mixing bowl.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, I combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter, then microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute. I stir it until it’s completely smooth.

3. I mix in the vanilla extract until everything is fully blended.

4. I drizzle this warm, velvety chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal, gently folding it so every piece gets coated.

5. Next, I stir in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars—most of them melt a bit and get beautifully sticky.

6. I transfer the coated cereal into a 2-gallon Ziploc bag or a large bowl, then add the powdered sugar and shake or stir until all the pieces are covered in that sweet, powdery coating.

7. I spread it all out on a baking sheet to cool and dry.

8. Right before serving, I sprinkle the chopped Butterfinger bars on top as a final touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 14 servings. It takes only 10 minutes to prep and 1 minute to cook, for a total of 11 minutes from start to finish. It’s a no-bake recipe, so I don’t have to wait for anything to cool too long—perfect for last-minute guests or when I want something quick.

Variations

I like switching things up sometimes. Here are a few twists I’ve tried:

• Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

• Mix different types of Chex cereals like corn or wheat with rice for a variety of textures.

• Toss in some fun extras like mini peanut butter cups, Reese’s Pieces, or even chopped Butterfinger balls.

storage/reheating

I store the Butterfinger Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a longer shelf life, I pop it in the fridge—it stays crunchy and fresh for up to two weeks. I don’t need to reheat it, but if it hardens too much, letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes brings it back to its perfect snacking consistency.

FAQs

What’s the best way to crush the Butterfinger bars?

I place them in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass to crush them. I leave a few small chunks for added texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make it a day or two in advance for parties or road trips. Just store it in an airtight container and wait to garnish with the extra Butterfingers until serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Rice Chex cereal is gluten-free, but I always double-check the Butterfinger ingredients and chocolate chips. Some brands may include gluten, so it depends on the specific products I use.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

I’ve tried it, but I prefer regular creamy peanut butter because it mixes more smoothly with the chocolate and holds everything together better.

How do I prevent the puppy chow from becoming soggy?

I make sure to mix gently but thoroughly so every piece gets coated evenly, and I spread it out well to dry before sealing it up. Avoiding excess moisture is key.

Conclusion

This Butterfinger Puppy Chow is one of my go-to treats when I want something that’s fast, fun, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I love how simple it is, but it still delivers that wow-factor with every sweet, crunchy bite. Whether I’m throwing a party or just need something sweet on hand, this no-bake snack never disappoints.