Elaine'S Puppy Chow

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A sweet and crunchy puppy chow snack featuring chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar coated cereal that’s perfect for parties, snacking, or gifting.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup oleo
  • 9 cups wheat or rice Chex cereal
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and oleo over low heat. Stir until smooth.
  2. Add cereal to the melted mixture and mix well to coat evenly.
  3. Transfer the coated cereal into a large bag with powdered sugar.
  4. Shake the bag until the cereal is thoroughly coated with powdered sugar.
  5. Store in an airtight container.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute the oleo with coconut oil. Make sure to mix the cereal quickly after adding it to the melted mixture to ensure even coating. You can also add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture, much like in Gelatin Popcorn Balls.

Serving Suggestions

Puppy Chow makes an excellent snack for parties or movie nights. Serve it in small bowls or treat bags for easy sharing. It pairs beautifully with Lickin' Good Salad for a sweet and savory combination. You can also use it as a topping on ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just ensure it’s completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Elaine'S Puppy Chow contains roughly 1327 calories, with 39g protein, 235g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2356mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

1327 kcal 66% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 38.7g 77% DV
Total Fat 29.2g 37% DV
Carbs 235.3g 86% DV
Fiber 7.2g 26% DV
Sugar 32g 64% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2355.8mg 100% DV
Potassium 883.4mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 2.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Calcium 117.3mg 9% DV
Iron 9.3mg 51% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cereal for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use different types of cereal, such as corn Chex or even Rice Krispies, to create your own twist on this classic recipe. Just make sure the cereal has a similar texture for the best results.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Puppy Chow gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free Chex cereal. Additionally, check that the chocolate chips and any other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to ensure the entire dish meets dietary needs.

Can I make Puppy Chow ahead of time?

Absolutely! Puppy Chow can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about a week, making it a great option for parties or snacks throughout the week.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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