Harvest Puppy Chow is a crunchy, sweet snack mix that will make your taste buds dance! It’s made with chex cereal, powdered sugar, and fun fall flavors like pumpkin and cinnamon.
This treat is perfect for sharing at parties or cozy nights in. I love munching on it while watching a movie—just try not to eat it all in one sitting! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex Cereal: This is the base of your Harvest Puppy Chow. It’s light and crispy, perfect for holding the coating. You can substitute with Corn Chex or Wheat Chex for a different flavor and texture.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These provide that delicious chocolate flavor. If you want a sweeter mix, you could use milk chocolate chips instead. Dark chocolate can be a richer option for a deeper taste.
Creamy Peanut Butter: It gives a nice nuttiness and richness. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seed butter or even a smooth soy nut butter as a good alternative.
Mini Pretzels: They add a fun crunch and salty contrast. Feel free to use regular pretzels or even pretzel sticks. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free pretzels.
How do I Get My Cereal Coated Perfectly?
Coating the cereal well is key to making this Harvest Puppy Chow delicious. Here’s how to do it right:
- Microwave the chocolate and peanut butter mixture slowly to prevent burning. Stir often until smooth.
- Be gentle when mixing the cereal with the chocolate. Over stirring can break the cereal, making it less crunchy.
- When transferring the coated cereal to the powdered sugar, work in small batches if needed, to ensure each piece gets coated properly.
Harvest Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1/2 cup candy corn
- 1/3 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces or white chocolate chips (optional for color and texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Harvest Puppy Chow recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and mixing. Plus, let it sit for 10 minutes after you’ve combined everything, so the coating sets perfectly. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
Start by combining the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until it’s smooth and melted. This step is crucial—just be patient and stir well!
2. Combine with Cereal:
Add the vanilla extract to the melted mixture and stir until it’s fully combined. Then, pour the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the melted chocolate-peanut butter mix over the cereal and gently stir to coat all the pieces evenly. Take your time with this to avoid breaking the cereal.
3. Coat with Powdered Sugar:
Grab a large zip-top plastic bag or a paper bag, and mix the powdered sugar with the ground cinnamon inside. Toss in the coated cereal from the mixing bowl. Seal the bag tightly and shake gently, so every piece is coated with that sweet powdery goodness.
4. Add the Fun Mix-Ins:
Transfer the sugar-coated cereal back to a large bowl. Add in the mini pretzels, candy corn, and any optional candy-coated chocolate pieces or white chocolate chips. Gently fold everything together, making sure the fun mix-ins are spread out evenly.
5. Set and Enjoy:
Let your Harvest Puppy Chow mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating set and makes for less mess when you dig in! Once it’s ready, serve it up in a bowl or store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This treat is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy!
Can I Use Another Type of Cereal?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor or texture, you can substitute Rice Chex with Corn Chex or even Wheat Chex. Just keep the total measurement the same!
How Long Can I Store Harvest Puppy Chow?
Store your Harvest Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you’ve mixed in candy, it’s best enjoyed within one week for optimal freshness!
Can I Make This Recipe Peanut-Free?
Yes! Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a nut-free spread to keep it delicious and safe for those with nut allergies.
What Other Mix-Ins Can I Add?
The options are endless! Feel free to add things like mini marshmallows, dried fruit, chopped nuts, or even different types of chocolate for extra texture and flavor. Just keep the total volume similar to maintain balance.