Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Bars

This chocolatey, peanut butter-rich Puppy Chow Bars recipe transforms the classic muddy buddy snack into convenient, sliceable treats that satisfy sweet cravings instantly. The familiar combination of crunchy cereal, smooth chocolate, and powdered sugar comes together without any baking required.

These bars became my go-to solution for school bake sales and potlucks after I accidentally discovered them while trying to make traditional puppy chow with my niece. The bars were much less messy than the original version and disappeared from the plate first every time.

Ingredients

• Corn Chex cereal: provides the perfect crunchy base that holds shape while still being light
• Chocolate chips: use semisweet for the ideal balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor
• Creamy peanut butter: creates that classic puppy chow flavor and helps bind everything together
• Vanilla extract: adds depth to the chocolate peanut butter mixture
• Large marshmallows: work as both a sweetener and binding agent when melted
• Powdered sugar: gives these treats their signature snowy appearance and sweet finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Pour 5 cups of Corn Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl making sure you have plenty of space to stir without crushing the cereal or spilling over the sides. Set this aside while you prepare the binding mixture.

Create the Chocolate Mixture:

Combine 2 cups chocolate chips, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 5 large marshmallows in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 45 second increments stirring between each until completely smooth. This usually takes about 1 minute 30 seconds total. The marshmallows should be fully melted and incorporated.

Coat the Cereal:

Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold using a rubber spatula until every piece is evenly coated. Work carefully to avoid crushing the cereal while ensuring complete coverage.

Form the Bars:

Transfer the chocolate coated mixture into a greased 8×8 baking dish. For firmer bars press down firmly using the back of a measuring cup or your fingers greased with a little butter. If you prefer a chunkier texture like traditional puppy chow leave it more loosely packed.

Add the Signature Finish:

Generously dust the top with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve for even coverage. The amount depends on your preference but aim for that classic snowy look.

Set and Serve:

For firmer bars refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until set. For softer bars simply let them rest at room temperature in an airtight container before cutting and serving.

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The first time I made these for my nephews birthday party, they disappeared within minutes. The tiny fingerprints in the powdered sugar topping told the story of their popularity, and I learned to always make a double batch for gatherings. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate has always been my comfort food weakness.

Storage Tips

These bars stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The texture will remain softer this way which many people prefer. For longer storage or firmer bars keep them refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. They will become quite firm when cold so let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving if stored in the fridge. These bars also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months just separate layers with parchment paper before freezing.

Creative Variations

The basic recipe is delicious as is but feel free to customize it to your taste preferences. Try using white chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter take. Almond butter makes an excellent substitution for peanut butter for anyone with peanut allergies. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast that enhances the chocolate flavor. Mix in some mini chocolate chips or peanut butter chips to the cereal before adding the chocolate mixture for extra texture and flavor pockets throughout your bars.

Serving Suggestions

These bars make an excellent afterschool snack paired with a cold glass of milk. For a special dessert serve a bar slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Cut into smaller pieces and arrange on a platter for party nibbles that guests can enjoy without needing plates or utensils. Package individual bars in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for bake sales or homemade gifts that transport well without refrigeration.

The Cultural Connection

Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies as its often commercially called has been a beloved American snack since at least the 1960s. The playful name comes from its resemblance to dog food in appearance only of course. This treat has strong midwestern roots where church potlucks and family gatherings almost always featured a bowl of the powdered sugarcovered snack mix. This bar version is a modern twist that maintains all the nostalgic flavors while adding convenience and portability perfect for our busier lifestyles.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use a different type of cereal for these bars?

Yes, Rice Chex or Crispix can work as substitutes for Corn Chex. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly. The key is using a cereal with a similar grid-like structure that can hold the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.

→ How should I store Puppy Chow Bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a softer texture (3-4 days) or refrigerate for firmer bars (up to a week). You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper.

→ Can I make these bars without peanut butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cookie butter for those with peanut allergies. Each alternative will provide a slightly different flavor profile.

→ Why add marshmallows to the mixture?

The marshmallows help bind the ingredients together while adding a subtle sweetness and creating a chewier texture in the bars. They also help the bars hold their shape better when cut.

→ Can I add other mix-ins to these bars?

Yes! Consider adding mini M&Ms, chopped pretzels, toffee bits, or crushed graham crackers for extra texture and flavor. Mix them in after coating the cereal with the chocolate mixture but before pressing into the pan.

→ Why are they called Puppy Chow Bars?

The name comes from the original snack mix (also called Muddy Buddies) which resembles dog food in appearance. These bars are simply a consolidated version of that beloved sweet snack, transforming the loose mix into a sliceable treat.