Description
A festive no-bake puppy chow made with crunchy cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and colorful red, white, and blue candies. It is an easy crowd-pleasing treat for Fourth of July parties, Memorial Day gatherings, and summer celebrations.
Ingredients
8 cups rice or corn square cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup red, white, and blue chocolate candies
1/4 cup patriotic sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl with enough extra room for gently tossing and coating the cereal.
- Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until melted and completely smooth.
- Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Immediately pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a large spatula until the cereal pieces are evenly coated, taking care not to crush them.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable bag or container with a secure lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and gently shake until the cereal is thoroughly coated.
- Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let cool for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has set.
- Gently stir in the red, white, and blue chocolate candies and optional patriotic sprinkles.
- Transfer the patriotic puppy chow to a serving bowl or airtight container and serve.
Notes
Milk chocolate or white chocolate chips can be substituted for the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
For extra texture, add mini pretzels, small marshmallows, or additional chocolate candies after the cereal has cooled.
For a peanut-free variation, substitute an appropriate creamy alternative such as sunflower seed butter.
Change the candy and sprinkle colors to customize the puppy chow for other holidays and celebrations.
Allow the cereal to cool completely before adding the candies to help prevent them from melting.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place at room temperature for up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and bring to room temperature before serving.
Do not reheat, as warming can melt the chocolate and powdered sugar coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
