Oh, the sweet nostalgia of puppy chow! It takes me back to lazy afternoons where the only agenda was indulging in this crunchy, chocolatey delight. Whether you’re munching solo or sharing with friends, this treat is a whirlwind of flavors—like a cozy hug in snack form.
Steps
- Melt equal parts of chocolate and peanut butter together by warming them for 60 seconds, then stirring and reheating in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Place some cereal in the bottom of a large bowl. Pour a portion of the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over it, alternating layers until all ingredients are used.
- Ensure the cereal is thoroughly coated by mixing well and adjust with additional cereal if needed. Allow the mixture to cool slightly without hardening.
- Once cooled to just below room temperature, add powdered sugar and mix until a thin coating forms, separating some pieces.
- Chill the mixture for an additional 15 minutes, then add more powdered sugar incrementally until the desired coating is achieved.
- Allow the puppy chow to harden by letting it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours or refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Serve the puppy chow at room temperature or slightly chilled to prevent melting. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for up to two months.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate
- 1 cup peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter of choice)
- 6 to 7 cups rice cereal (such as Chex or a similar brand)
- 1 to 1.5 cups powdered sugar
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1844.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 228.8g | Protein: 48.8g | Fat: 97.6g | Potassium: 499.2mg | Fiber: 21.6g | Sugar: 10.4g | Vitamin A: 1600IU | Vitamin C: 26.4mg | Calcium: 352mg | Iron: 32mg
FAQ
- Can you freeze puppy chow?
- Yes, puppy chow can be stored in the freezer. Ensure it is placed in an airtight container and it will remain fresh for up to two months.
- How long does puppy chow stay fresh?
- When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, puppy chow remains fresh for up to one week, though it’s often consumed much quicker.
- What alternatives are there for peanut butter in this recipe?
- If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute peanut butter with other nut or seed butters such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- Why is it important to chill the mixture before adding powdered sugar?
- Cooling the chocolate and peanut butter-coated cereal before adding powdered sugar is essential. This step helps ensure the powdered sugar doesn’t just dissolve, allowing for a proper, clumpy coating and preventing the mixture from becoming overly sweet.
- What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate is recommended for making puppy chow, as it balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. However, if you prefer a sweeter taste, milk chocolate can be used.
Tips
- Control the Cereal Amount: Begin with a small amount of cereal and gradually add more as needed. Using too much cereal can result in a poorly coated mixture, which can spoil the texture and flavor of your puppy chow.
- Properly Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter: Warm the chocolate and peanut butter in short intervals to avoid overheating. Stir until you achieve a smooth, glossy mixture to ensure even coating of the cereal.
- Chill Before Adding Powdered Sugar: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding powdered sugar. This step is essential to prevent the sugar from soaking into the warm mixture, which can lead to overly sweet and sticky results.
- Store Correctly: Keep the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze it for up to two months to maintain freshness and texture.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl with Lid – Useful for mixing and shaking the puppy chow with powdered sugar.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl – For melting chocolate and peanut butter in the microwave.
- Spatula or Mixing Spoon – For stirring the chocolate-peanut butter mixture and coating the cereal.
- Airtight Container – For storing the finished puppy chow to keep it fresh.
