Introduction

Halloween Puppy Chow is a festive, gluten-free snack mix featuring crunchy Rice Chex coated in a rich chocolate-peanut butter glaze. Finished with colorful Reese’s Pieces, this sweet treat is perfect for sharing during the spooky season or any time you want a delicious, crunchy snack.

A close-up view of a clear glass bowl filled with a mix of chocolate cereal pieces dusted with white powder and scattered orange, yellow, and dark brown candy-coated chocolates. The cereal pieces are small, square-shaped, and textured, creating a layered look with the colorful round candies resting on top and throughout the mix. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, showing a rich contrast between the dark cereal and bright candies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 12 oz. box Rice Chex cereal (yields about 12 cups)
6 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (gluten free)
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (gluten free)

1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup Reese’s Pieces candies

Instructions

Step 1: Pour the Rice Chex cereal into a large serving bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare a double boiler by adding a few cups of water to the bottom pot and heating to a low boil.
Step 3: Place the top of the double boiler and melt the butter completely.
Step 4: Add the chocolate chips and peanut butter to the melted butter. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula until smooth and fully combined. Alternatively, melt the mixture gently in the microwave, stirring frequently.

Step 5: Stir in the vanilla extract until well mixed.
Step 6: Drizzle the warm chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex a little at a time. Gently stir with a wooden spoon to coat the cereal without breaking it. Continue until all cereal is coated evenly.
Step 7: Divide the coated cereal into two heavy-duty plastic zipper bags. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar to each bag, seal, and shake well to coat the cereal thoroughly.

Step 8: Spread both bags of coated cereal onto baking sheets. Sprinkle an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup powdered sugar over the top according to your sweetness preference. Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly, then carefully toss with a wooden spoon to combine.
Step 9: Transfer half of the coated cereal to a large serving bowl and mix in 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces. Repeat with the remaining cereal and candy, then serve.

Tips & Variations

For easier cleanup, line your baking sheets with parchment paper before spreading the cereal.

Try substituting the Reese’s Pieces with candy corn or Halloween-themed M&M’s to vary the festive look and flavor.
If you prefer a nut-free option, substitute the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use nut-free chocolate chips.
Gently folding the cereal when mixing helps preserve its crispness and prevents crushing.

Storage

Store the Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it away from heat or moisture to maintain crispness. If the chocolate softens, a brief chill in the refrigerator can help it firm up again. Puppy Chow is best enjoyed fresh but can also be refrigerated for longer storage; bring to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with many square cereal pieces covered in a light white powder, with bright red and yellow candy-coated chocolates scattered throughout. Behind it, there is a larger clear glass bowl filled with the same cereal and candy mix. The setting has a soft white marbled surface underneath, creating a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a microwave instead of a double boiler to melt the chocolate and peanut butter?

Yes, you can melt the butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter in the microwave in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between until smooth. Just be careful not to overheat or burn the mixture.

Is this recipe truly gluten free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Rice Chex cereal and verify that the chocolate chips and peanut butter you choose are labeled gluten free, this recipe is suitable for a gluten-free diet.