Next, stir in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor. Once your mixture is silky, pour it over the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold the ingredients using a rubber spatula to coat the cereal evenly without crushing it, which is always a delicate balance, but this cereal is pretty sturdy! Then, once everything is coated, it’s time to add in the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, which I like to fold in last, for lovely little pockets of buttery, crunchy goodness.
Now for the messy but fun part! Place the powdered sugar in a large resealable bag—this is where the magic happens. Add the coated cereal into the bag, seal it tight, and give it a good shake! I love watching the snowy white sugar cling to the mixture as it transforms into a sweet treat that’s absolutely impossible to resist. Once it’s well-coated, spread the Puppy Chow out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool. I usually end up stealing a few bites at this point because it’s just that irresistible.
Pro Tips for Best Results
First, I recommend using a mix of both semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips for a more balanced flavor. The semi-sweet chocolate adds a bit of depth which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the powdered sugar and Butterfinger. I tried this three ways and found that the mix was a winner! Another tip is to let the mixture cool completely before storing it. If you store it warm, it can clump together, and you’ll miss out on that delightful crunch.
Next, don’t skip out on the crushing of the Butterfinger. I find that a good mix of fine crumbs and larger chunks provides the best texture. It took me a few tries to find that balance, and I’m thrilled with the result! Finally, if you find yourself with extra time, consider mixing in a dash of sea salt before you add the powdered sugar. It enhances the chocolate-peanut butter flavor beautifully and offers that perfect sweet-salty contrast.
Lastly, remember to use a large enough bowl for mixing. I underestimated this once and ended up with a bit of a mess on the counter—let’s just say my kitchen looked like a sweet explosion! A large bowl helps give you enough space to stir and coat everything evenly without worry. Trust me, a little foresight can save you from unnecessary clean-up!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I often made in the beginning was not fully melting the chocolate and peanut butter mixture. Leaving it a bit chunky made it difficult to coat the cereal. Make sure to stir it until everything is fully melted and combined—this ensures a smooth, even coat that makes the treats truly irresistible. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is pure motivation!(See the next page below to continue…)