When I was in grade school I was always the odd girl out. I didn’t understand the childish behavior of my peers, and they certainly didn’t understand my more adult behavior. No one wanted to sit with me at lunch, and those who were forced to ignored me as though I may give them the plague. They failed to comprehend that I didn’t want to play four square or let them copy my homework. I was totally out of the loop when it came to their lingo, and this was in the time before Facebook. I imagine if I was in grade school today, ignoring me wouldn’t be an issue because I would be absolutely clueless as they spoke in acronyms, likely not even knowing what the word acronym itself meant.
Puppy chow was just another of the many things that was foreign to me. When someone made it for a how-to presentation in class, every single member of that class cheered, excited to get this treat, while I sat there seriously wondering why anyone would want to eat something called Puppy Chow, not believing it was even meant for human consumption. After watching the presentation my eyes were opened to this potentially tasty treat. When handed a bag, I quite eagerly tasted and was instantly impressed and addicted. Where had this been all my life?
I finished my bag over the next couple of days, and then it went by the wayside. I forgot about it. Since then, I’ve also developed that pesky chocolate allergy, so when I did remember it, making it wasn’t really a possibility, no matter how good it sounded. But then I came across this chocolateless Puppy Chow recipe from Averie Cooks and couldn’t wait to try it. This crazy hot summer was the perfect time to take a few minutes and whip it up, as it seems everyone, even this die hard baker, is interested in no-bake recipes.
This Puppy Chow did not disappoint. It took me right back to the single time I had the traditional version, as I had to pull myself away from the bowl to prevent myself from eating it all. I actually made it twice, because I may or may not have been so excited to make it the first time that I forgot to take pictures. And I made it slightly different each time. In the end, being able to compare them side by side, the recipe definitely benefits from less butter and more vanilla and peanut butter, so that’s the version you’ll find below.
Even if grade school wasn’t perfect, this Puppy Chow is pretty close, so head to the kitchen to do some no-baking for a serious treat.
Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Varies
Ingredients
- 1 cup Nestle White Baking Chips
- ¾ cup creamy natural peanut butter (I used Trader Joe’s)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 6 cups Corn Chex
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- In a large microwave safe bowl, combine the chips, peanut butter, and butter. Place in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove and stir vigorously. Microwave for 30 seconds more. Stir again. See if you can get all the chips melted and the mixture fully combined, if not pop it back into the microwave for about 10 seconds. After stirring again, the mixture should be completely melted.
- Add vanilla and stir to combine. Add the cereal to the mixture. I added 3 cups at a time just to make stirring easier. Try not to break up the cereal too much, though some breaking and crushing is inevitable. The cereal should be basically completely coated with the peanut butter mixture. It is okay if there are some clumps; they are the best parts.
- Add 2 cups confectioner’s sugar and stir to begin coating the cereal. Add the third cup and stir to completely coat the cereal. If it is not coated enough, you may add more confectioners’ sugar until it is.
- Store in a zipper bag at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer in a doubled zipper bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for just a few minutes.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Averie Cooks
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
Glad you like the white choc puppy chow and it works for you!
Thanks so much for visiting, Averie, and of course for such a wonderful recipe 🙂
Looks so cool! Love the presentation…
★★★★★
Thanks, Debbie! I wasn’t sure how to photograph the Puppy Chow since it is so small and white, so I thought I’d give some colorful cupcake liners a try and liked it. So glad you did too!
Laura, this was really good! I have never heard of Puppy Chow! I only know it as dog food, lol!! But this is great!! I think the name is even cute! How can you go wrong with a crispy crunch and powdered sugar???!!! It was great!!! 🙂
★★★★★
Thanks, Kristy! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. When I first heard of it, I thought it was dog food too, but I’m glad I discovered it was people food because it’s so yummy!
Thank you for the puppy chow. I have never heard of it before, but, it was very good. Allen and I ate it right up.
Thank you again. I will be making this myself.
It’s good to know I wasn’t the only one who didn’t know what Puppy Chow was. I’m so glad you liked it, Linda. I hope you do make it, and let me know how it turns out for you. Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment too; I really appreciate it 🙂
I was worried a little when I saw the name Puppy Chow, because I never heard of it. But once I tried it, A+. Tasted great!
★★★★★
So glad you liked it, Lendon! I wouldn’t steer you guys wrong with a recipe 🙂
I love puppy chow. I keep some in the freezer and it is delish cold. By the way, have you tried white chocolate puppy chow. It is incredible!
This is white chocolate puppy chow because I’m allergic to chocolate and white baking chips don’t actually have any chocolate in them. It’s a great recipe; I hope you’ll give it a try.
Where have I been? I never heard of Puppy Chow before. Glad you posted it though, it’s great.
Glad you liked it 🙂 It’s also nice to know I’m not the only one who had no idea what this was!
Great stuff. An easy and fancy treat for the kids…. Great taste & of course great for adults also. 😉
★★★★
I’m glad you liked it, Eric! It is great for kids and adults; that’s one of the best things about this recipe. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t like it.
I remember this from when I was a child – this tastes almost exactly as I remember! Thank you for taking me back in time and for the tasty treat. Aria thought it was really good too 🙂
★★★★★
So good to hear you and Aria enjoyed the Puppy Chow! You’re the first person who’s heard of it before, so it’s also nice to know it tastes like the original; that was my goal. Now I want to make some different versions.
Hey Laura, I ate the hell out of Puppy Chow. It tasted a bit like my favorite candy bar butter finger. Really good, I like the bite size too. That you for that wonderful treat!
★★★★★
I’m so glad you liked the Puppy Chow, Hank 🙂 Haven’t heard it compared to a Butterfinger before, but anything that tastes like a Butterfinger must be good, right? I would actually love to make the inside of a Butterfinger. I’m working on it, but it’s a hard thing to even figure out how to recreate.
I too have an allergy to chocolate!! I absolutely loved making this recipe. My hubby and 1 year old loved it too. Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
I’m so glad you liked it, Beth Lee! It is one of my favorite go to sweets. Thank you so much for leaving a comment 🙂
Hi Laura,
Puppy Chow was one of my favorites!! So many of your treats were wonderful tasting and I miss them. Thank you so much for sharing them all with me.
Hope you all are doing well and tell your Dad I said hello.
Henry
★★★★★
Thank you so much for leaving a comment, Henry! I so appreciate it. We are doing well, though ready for spring. I will definitely tell Dad you said hi.
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