Puppy Chow Bars

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If you thought puppy chow was irresistible by the handful, wait until you try it transformed into thick, chewy bars. These Puppy Chow Bars are rich, chocolatey, and packed with a satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s your favorite childhood snack elevated into a sliceable, shareable dessert that brings out the nostalgic joy of muddy buddies with a whole new twist.

With gooey layers of chocolate and peanut butter, these bars hold their shape while still melting in your mouth. Perfect for lunchbox treats, potluck stars, or a no-bake dessert to whip up on busy days, they disappear fast and delight everyone—yes, even the grown-ups.

Why You’ll Love These Puppy Chow Bars

• No oven required, making it the ideal summertime dessert.
• Super easy: mix, press, chill, and done!
• Irresistible combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and cereal crunch.
• Kid-approved and adult-adored.
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead ease.

What Type of Cereal Works Best for Puppy Chow Bars?

Classic Rice Chex or Corn Chex are your go-to choices. Their crisp texture and hollow pockets make them perfect for absorbing all the gooey peanut butter and chocolate goodness. But don’t be afraid to get creative—Crispix or even a blend of cereals can add a fun spin to the bars.

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Ingredients for the Puppy Chow Bars

• Chex cereal: This creates the crunch and structure we need for the base of the bars.
• Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.
• Butter: Gives extra smoothness and helps melt the chocolate and peanut butter together.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm, sweet flavors.
• Powdered sugar: Finishes the bars with a snowy-sweet coating, true to classic puppy chow.

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How To Make the Puppy Chow Bars

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate & Peanut Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 1/4 cup of butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.

Step 2: Stir in Vanilla & Cereal

Once the chocolate mixture is melted, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently fold in 4 cups of Chex cereal until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Press into a Pan

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Pour the coated cereal into the pan and press down gently but firmly into an even layer.

Step 4: Chill and Dust

Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Once set, dust generously with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Slice into 9 bars.

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How to Serve These Bars Best

These bars feed 9 people (or more if you cut them smaller). Serve them chilled for a clean bite and maximum crunch, or at room temperature for an extra gooey texture. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or coffee, and make a cute addition to dessert boards or holiday trays.

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How to Store Puppy Chow Bars

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to two months. Let them thaw for 10 minutes before serving to bring out the texture and flavor. Avoid keeping them at room temperature too long or they may lose structure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! It will add a little extra texture and nutty bite, but still works well.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all the ingredients to make a larger batch for parties or gifts.

What if I don’t have a microwave?
You can melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

Are these bars gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free Chex and verify your other ingredients (especially vanilla extract and chocolate), yes, they can be!

Can I add extras like M&Ms or chopped nuts?
Totally! Fold them in after mixing the cereal and before pressing into the pan.

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Want More No-Bake Dessert Ideas?

If you love these chewy chocolatey bars, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Brownie Puppy Chow for a rich twist on the classic snack.
• No Bake Moose Farts for a fun bite-sized indulgence.
• Mini Pecan Pies when you want something cute and portable.
• Apple Bars with warm cinnamon spice.
• White Chocolate Cherry Fudge for a sweet holiday treat.

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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 add pretzels or drizzle caramel on top? Did you make it nut-free?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Looking for more daily dessert inspiration? Visit my Pinterest at Life With Livia.

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