This Fall Puppy Chow is a crunchy, sweet, and salty snack that’s perfect for the season. It’s loaded with Mini Pretzels, Candy Corn, Oreos, Chocolate and Reese’s Pieces, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Best of all, it’s super easy to make and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re planning for a festive autumn gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this Fall Puppy Chow is the ideal snack. It’s not limited to specific holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving; its versatility makes it a great choice for any fall occasion. Best of all, it’s quick to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the season.
If you’re making this for Halloween, or you’re looking for more fun Halloween snacks to make, try these fun Halloween Rice Krispie Treats!
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this is a go-to for busy parents.
- Versatile: It’s great for parties, picnics, or as a lunchbox surprise for your kids.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.
Key Ingredients
- Rice Chex Cereal: The base of the recipe. It’s gluten-free and provides the crunch. Corn Chex can be a good substitute. Make sure to use fresh cereal for the best crunch. Stale cereal won’t give you the texture you’re looking for.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Adds the chocolatey goodness, but you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture. Chunky peanut butter can make the mixture difficult to stir. If you need a substitute, go for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for those with peanut allergies.
- Mini Pretzels: Feel free to use pretzel sticks or traditional pretzel shapes. Just make sure to break them into smaller pieces for easier mixing.
- Candy Corn, Oreos, and Reese’s Pieces: These add color, texture, and extra flavor. Substitute: M&M’s or Skittles for Reese’s Pieces if you want to avoid nuts.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
How To Make Fall Puppy Chow
- Preparation: Start by pouring Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl and setting it aside.
- Melting Process: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in intervals, stirring after each, until everything is melted. Stir in some vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Coating the Cereal: Gently pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Carefully stir to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Shaking it Up: Divide the coated cereal between two large Ziploc bags. Add powdered sugar to one bag and brownie mix to the other. Seal the bags and give them a good shake.
- Drying Time: Spread the coated cereal on a sheet of parchment paper and let it sit until the chocolate hardens a bit.
- Final Mixing: Combine the coated cereal with mini pretzels, candy corn, crushed Oreos, and Reese’s Pieces in a large bowl. Stir everything together gently.
Recipe Tips
- Microwave Timing: When melting the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, make sure to do it in intervals to avoid burning the mixture.
- Stirring Technique: Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the chocolate mixture into the cereal to avoid crushing it.
- Ziploc Bags and Shaking Method: Make sure to seal the Ziploc bags tightly before shaking to ensure an even coating of powdered sugar and brownie mix. Shake the bags in a horizontal motion rather than up and down for a more even coating.
- If you’re looking to add a seasonal twist, a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice can do wonders. I also like to add Brach’s pumpkin candy or Brach’s autumn mix when I have it.
- Mixing and Drying: Don’t rush the drying process; giving it adequate time ensures the chocolate sets properly. When adding the pretzels, candy corn, Oreos, and Reese’s Pieces, do it in stages and mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- This recipe is great for making a day ahead of any event or gathering, saving you time on the day itself.
- Store your Fall Puppy Chow in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh on the counter for up to a week (avoid storing it in a warm area, as the chocolate may melt). If you’re planning to make this for an upcoming event, feel free to prepare it a day in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, you can switch out the Rice Chex for Corn Chex or even Cheerios if you prefer.
While this snack is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month if needed.
Of course, adding nuts can give an extra crunch, just make sure to check for any nut allergies among those who will be enjoying the snack.
This Fall Puppy Chow is a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty snack that’s perfect for busy parents and anyone who enjoys cooking. If you try it and love it, don’t forget to rate and review the recipe. And if you think it’s as fantastic as we do, make sure to pin it for later!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Fall Puppy Chow
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 cups rice chex cereal
- 1 ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup mini pretzels slightly crushed
- 1 ½ cup candy corn
- 1 ½ cup Oreo cookies slightly crushed
- 1 cup Reese’s pieces
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup brownie mix
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice Chex cereal in a large bowl.
- Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in vanilla.
- Coat the cereal with the melted chocolate mixture.
- Divide the coated cereal into two Ziploc bags. Add powdered sugar to one and brownie mix to the other. Shake well.
- Let the coated cereal dry on parchment paper for 20 minutes.
- Mix the coated cereal with the mini pretzels, candy corn, Oreos, and Reese’s Pieces.
Notes
- Use fresh Rice Chex cereal for the best crunch.
- Opt for creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture.
- Use a rubber spatula for gentle stirring.
- Seal Ziploc bags tightly before shaking.
- Use parchment paper for drying the coated cereal.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
did you make this recipe?
Make sure to follow on Pinterest @nourishplate and on Instagram @nourishplate
Leave a Review!