Brownie Puppy Chow is the ultimate snack mix for chocolate lovers. It’s crunchy, chocolaty, and dusted with a generous coating of powdered sugar for that perfect finger-licking finish. Each bite-sized piece delivers a fudgy brownie flavor with a crispy cereal crunch that makes it impossible to stop at just one handful.


Perfect for parties, movie nights, or even as a sweet edible gift, this treat is quick to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or a casual gathering, Brownie Puppy Chow is the no-bake dessert that keeps people coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Brownie Puppy Chow
- No Baking Needed: Quick and easy, this treat comes together in minutes with no oven required.
- Kid-Friendly: Little hands love helping shake the bag of sugar and mix everything up.
- Customizable: You can get creative by adding mini marshmallows, sprinkles, or even crushed cookies.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for gift bags, potlucks, or snack jars.
- Irresistibly Addictive: That combo of chocolate and crunch is truly hard to beat!
What Kind of Cereal Should I Use?
For classic Brownie Puppy Chow, stick with rice or corn Chex cereal. The ridged texture holds onto all that chocolate coating and powdered sugar like a dream. You could also try it with Crispix or even mini pretzels for a salty-sweet twist. The key is choosing a cereal with a light, crispy structure that won’t go soggy from the chocolate mixture.
Ingredients for the Brownie Puppy Chow
Each ingredient in this Brownie Puppy Chow adds its own magic. The right mix gives you that perfect chewy-crunchy balance with rich chocolatey goodness and a sweet powdery finish.
- Chex Cereal: The base of this recipe. Rice or corn Chex works best because it holds the coating without becoming soggy.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts smoothly and delivers that classic chocolatey flavor.
- Butter: Helps the chocolate melt evenly and adds a rich, smooth texture.
- Brownie Mix (Dry): Adds deep, fudgy flavor to the mix, intensifying that brownie taste.
- Powdered Sugar: Coats each bite, giving it that iconic puppy chow sweetness and texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth to the chocolate profile.
How To Make the Brownie Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Measure out your Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. You’ll want enough room to stir everything together later without breaking the cereal.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract once melted.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold until every piece is evenly coated. Take your time here to avoid crushing the cereal.
Step 4: Add the Brownie Mix
Sprinkle the dry brownie mix over the coated cereal while it’s still a little warm. This helps it stick and soak up that deep, fudgy flavor.
Step 5: Shake on the Sugar
Transfer the mixture to a large zip-top bag or container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until the cereal is well-coated and looks beautifully dusty.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Spread the mix on a baking sheet or parchment paper to cool and set completely. Once dry, transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.

How to Serve and Store Brownie Puppy Chow
Brownie Puppy Chow is best served in a large bowl where people can grab a handful (or three). It makes a fun addition to dessert tables, movie night snacks, or casual get-togethers. You can even portion it into small treat bags for party favors or lunchbox surprises.
This recipe makes enough to feed 8–10 people, depending on portion size and snack enthusiasm!
To store, place the cooled puppy chow in an airtight container or resealable bag. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for up to a month—just let it come to room temp before serving.
What to Serve With Brownie Puppy Chow?
Hot Chocolate
The rich, creamy chocolate flavors of hot cocoa pair perfectly with this crunchy treat.
Coffee or Espresso
A hot cup of coffee balances the sweetness with a hint of bitterness and makes it feel like a grown-up snack.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Use Brownie Puppy Chow as a topping on a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent sundae experience.
Fresh Berries
A bowl of strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing, slightly tart contrast.
Chocolate Milk
Perfect for kids (or the kid in you), this combo brings double the chocolate fun.
Whipped Cream
Spoon some whipped cream on the side or use it as a dip for an extra fluffy indulgence.
Pretzel Sticks
Add a salty crunch alongside your sweet bites for the ultimate salty-sweet mix.
Peanut Butter Drizzle
Drizzle warm peanut butter over your bowl to elevate it into a full-on dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of cereal?
Yes! While Chex is traditional, you can also use Crispix or even mini pretzels for a salty twist. Just make sure the cereal holds up well to the chocolate coating.
Does this contain any actual brownies?
No baked brownies are needed. The dry brownie mix adds all the rich, fudgy flavor without the mess of baking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan butter substitute. It still tastes amazing.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to a month. Just let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I add mix-ins like candy or nuts?
Definitely. Mini M&Ms, chopped nuts, or marshmallows are great add-ins. Just mix them in after coating and shaking.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use mini pretzels or go classic? Did you try peanut butter or sprinkles?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other snack smarter.
For more delicious, snackable ideas, check out my daily recipes on Pinterest: Life With Livia on Pinterest
Conclusion
Brownie Puppy Chow is the kind of treat that everyone grabs a handful of and instantly asks, “What IS this?” It’s a nostalgic, sweet, chocolate-packed snack that brings fun to any occasion. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this no-bake dessert is one of those easy wins you’ll make again and again.
So grab a big bowl, your favorite cereal, and get ready to shake up something irresistibly tasty!
Print
Brownie Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get ready to fall in love with this easy, no-bake Brownie Puppy Chow recipe! It’s a sweet, crunchy, chocolate-coated snack that’s perfect for movie nights, holiday gifts, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent. This easy recipe uses just a few pantry staples and comes together in minutes—no oven needed. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast snack, fun dessert idea, or sweet food gift, this puppy chow variation will become your go-to treat.
Ingredients
6 cups Chex cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1⁄4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3⁄4 cup dry brownie mix
1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Measure the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir to coat evenly without crushing the cereal.
5. Sprinkle dry brownie mix over the warm coated cereal and gently stir again.
6. Transfer mixture into a large zip-top bag or container with a lid.
7. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until everything is fully coated and powdery.
8. Spread the mixture on parchment paper to cool and set before serving or storing.
Notes
Use a large mixing bowl so you don’t crush the cereal while stirring.
Make sure the cereal is still warm when adding brownie mix so it sticks well.
For extra crunch and fun, add mini marshmallows, M&Ms, or pretzels once cooled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: brownie puppy chow, snack mix, no bake dessert, holiday treats




