Puppy Chow Bars Recipe

Introduction

Puppy Chow Bars are a fun and delicious twist on the classic snack mix. These chewy, chocolatey bars combine cereal, peanut butter, and marshmallows into an easy treat perfect for any occasion.

The image shows a stack of three square dessert bars arranged vertically, each bar revealing a layered texture with a mix of light brown crispy cereal pieces and a smooth, darker brown chocolate layer. The top of the bars is dusted with a light layer of white powdered sugar. The texture looks crumbly but moist, with visible oat-like cereal clusters embedded in the chocolate. The background is a white marbled surface with some crumbs scattered around the base of the stack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 7 cups Rice Chex cereal (start with 5 cups and check 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: In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Chex cereal and set it aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
  3. Step 3: Add the mini marshmallows to the chocolate mixture and stir to coat. Return to the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the marshmallows puff up and melt, creating a thick and creamy mixture.
  4. Step 4: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the reserved cereal. Stir well to ensure all the cereal is generously coated.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the coated cereal mixture to a 9×13 inch greased baking dish. Press it firmly and evenly into the dish.
  6. Step 6: Refrigerate the pan for 10 to 15 minutes to let the bars set.
  7. Step 7: Once chilled, lightly sprinkle the top with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

  • If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try using natural peanut butter or adding chopped nuts to the mixture.
  • For a festive touch, mix in some holiday sprinkles before pressing the bars into the pan.
  • Adjust the amount of cereal depending on how thick or chewy you want the bars to be.

Storage

Store Puppy Chow Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can be reheated slightly in the microwave if you prefer them warm and gooey.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a crumbly dessert bar cut into squares with visible three main layers: the bottom layer is a light beige-colored crunchy base, the middle layer is a thick, rich brown chocolate filling, and the top layer is a thin, textured crust dusted heavily with white powdered sugar. The edges of the bars are uneven and rough, highlighting the crumbly texture. The dessert pieces rest on a white marbled surface with some pieces blurred in the background, creating a depth effect. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, while Rice Chex is recommended for its texture, you can substitute with similar crispy cereals like Corn Chex or Wheat Chex for variation.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free cereal such as Rice Chex, these bars can be suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Print

Puppy Chow Bars Recipe

Puppy Chow Bars are a delicious, no-bake treat combining crispy Rice Chex cereal with a rich, creamy mixture of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallows, all topped with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert or snack that melts in your mouth with every bite.

  • Author: Ruby
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (microwaving and melting time)
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars (based on 9×13-inch pan cut into 4x4 pieces) 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 7 cups Rice Chex cereal (start with 5 cups and adjust for consistency)
  • 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows
  • ¼ cup (31 g) confectioners’ sugar

Wet Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Add Chex to bowl: Begin by placing the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set it aside to prepare the coating mixture.
  2. Microwave chocolate, peanut butter, and butter: In a separate medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second increments, stirring well between each interval until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
  3. Add mini marshmallows and melt: Stir the mini marshmallows into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture, then return the bowl to the microwave. Heat again in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the marshmallows puff up and melt, creating a thick and creamy coating mixture.
  4. Pour marshmallow mixture over cereal: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the Chex cereal in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly to make sure every piece of cereal is generously coated with the mixture.
  5. Press mixture into baking dish and refrigerate: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill and set for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Coat top with confectioners’ sugar and serve: Once chilled and firm, lightly dust the top of the bars with confectioners’ sugar for a sweet finish. Cut into bars and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Start with 5 cups of Rice Chex and add more if the mixture is too sticky; this allows control over the consistency of the bars.
  • Using salted butter can enhance flavor but reduce additional salt if used.
  • Ensure marshmallows are melted thoroughly for the best coating consistency.
  • Pressing the mixture firmly in the pan will help the bars hold together better when sliced.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Puppy Chow Bars, no-bake dessert, Rice Chex cereal bars, peanut butter chocolate bars, easy dessert recipe

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