Puppy Chow Bars

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These Puppy Chow Bars are everything you love about the classic snack mix, but in a gooey, sliceable dessert bar that will disappear as quickly as you make them. They deliver that irresistible chocolate-peanut butter crunch in an easy-to-serve form, perfect for parties, after-school treats, or just a cozy movie night.

What makes them so special is the texture. You get the creamy richness of melted peanut butter and chocolate, the crisp crunch of Chex cereal, and the powdered sugar coating that melts in your mouth—all packed together into bars that hold their shape without sacrificing that nostalgic flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Puppy Chow Bars

These bars come together in minutes with minimal mess and no baking required. They’re sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy all at once—the perfect snack for both kids and grown-ups. If you love traditional Muddy Buddies, you’ll adore how easy it is to serve these in bar form, especially for potlucks or picnics.

Can I Use Any Type of Cereal for Puppy Chow Bars?

Classic rice Chex cereal is the go-to for this recipe because it stays crisp and holds up to the rich chocolate-peanut butter mixture. You can use corn Chex or even a mix of both for added texture. Just avoid overly delicate or sweetened cereals, which can get soggy or throw off the balance of flavor.

Ingredients for the Puppy Chow Bars

To make these bars, you’ll only need a few pantry staples. Each one plays a role in giving these bars their signature flavor and structure.

Rice Chex cereal gives the bars their signature crunch. It’s light but sturdy enough to hold the melted mixture without becoming soggy.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide rich cocoa flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter. You could use dark chocolate if you prefer a slightly more intense taste.

Creamy peanut butter adds smoothness and flavor while helping bind everything together. Make sure it’s not the natural oily kind for best results.

Unsalted butter makes the melted chocolate mixture extra luscious and helps everything blend seamlessly.

Powdered sugar coats the top and adds that familiar Puppy Chow sweetness.

Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors and adds depth to the mixture.

How To Make the Puppy Chow Bars

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter. Stir constantly until everything is smooth and completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Mix in the Cereal

Pour the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Gently fold the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture into the cereal until evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal.

Step 3: Press and Chill

Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it firmly into an even layer.

Step 4: Add the Powdered Sugar

Sprinkle powdered sugar generously over the top. Lightly press it down so it sticks to the bars.

Step 5: Set and Slice

Refrigerate for at least an hour, or until the bars are set. Then lift from the pan and slice into squares.

How to Serve and Store Puppy Chow Bars

These bars are perfect served chilled or at room temperature. Their firm texture makes them ideal for stacking on dessert trays or packing in lunchboxes. Each batch yields about 16 squares, depending on how large you cut them.

To store, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to make them ahead—just layer with parchment paper so they don’t stick.

What to Serve With Puppy Chow Bars?

A Cold Glass of Milk

The classic combo. The bars are sweet, so a cold, creamy glass of milk is the perfect balance.

Fresh Berries

The tartness of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can cut through the richness of the bars.

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The slightly bitter taste of coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweet chocolate and sugar.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn your Puppy Chow Bars into a next-level dessert by topping them with a scoop of ice cream.

Trail Mix or Pretzels

For a party platter, serve these bars alongside salty snacks for variety in flavor and texture.

Peanut Butter Milkshake

Double down on the peanut butter theme with a creamy shake that complements the bars perfectly.

Banana Slices

Fresh banana pairs well with both chocolate and peanut butter. Simple but satisfying.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these Puppy Chow Bars, you’ll definitely want to try:

• Rhubarb Shortbread Bars for a buttery tart contrast.
• Brownie Mix Cookies if you crave fudgy goodness in cookie form.
• Dr. Pepper Brownies for a fun twist on a classic.
• Southern Banana Cobbler if you love warm, fruity bakes.
• Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies to stay on the nostalgic snack track.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a crunchy peanut butter version? Add mini M&Ms for fun?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other snack smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and desserts on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to treat!

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