What is puppy chow fudge?

Puppy chow fudge is a no-bake dessert inspired by the classic puppy chow snack (also called muddy buddies). It combines creamy chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar into a rich, fudgy base, often mixed with Chex cereal or Rice Krispies for crunch. Unlike traditional puppy chow, which is a loose snack mix tossed in melted chocolate and sugar, this version is pressed into a pan, chilled, and cut into squares for easy serving. It's perfect for parties, holidays, or quick treats, with a sweet-salty balance that kids and adults love. A standard batch uses 2 cups chocolate chips, 1 cup peanut butter, ½ cup butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, and 3 cups cereal, yielding about 36 pieces. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

How do you make puppy chow fudge?

Making puppy chow fudge takes about 15 minutes plus chilling time. Melt 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, and ½ cup butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. In a large bowl, mix 4 cups powdered sugar. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the sugar and stir until creamy. Fold in 3 cups Chex cereal gently to keep it crunchy. Press into a greased 9x13-inch pan lined with parchment. Chill for 2 hours until firm, then lift out and cut into 1-inch squares. For best results, use fresh cereal and room-temperature peanut butter. This recipe serves 36 and is gluten-free if using gluten-free Chex.

Can you make puppy chow fudge without peanut butter?

Yes, you can easily make puppy chow fudge without peanut butter for allergies or preference. Substitute with an equal amount of Nutella, sunflower seed butter, or Biscoff spread for similar creaminess and flavor. For a nut-free option, use 1 cup full-fat cream cheese mixed with ½ cup cocoa powder and extra powdered sugar to taste. Follow the standard recipe: melt chocolate chips and butter with your substitute, combine with 4 cups powdered sugar, add 3 cups cereal, press into pan, and chill. Taste-test the base before adding cereal to adjust sweetness. It sets just as firmly and stays crunchy for days. Always check labels for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.

How long does puppy chow fudge last and how should you store it?

Puppy chow fudge stays fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic to prevent drying out and absorbing odors. For room temperature, it lasts 3-5 days in a cool, dry spot, but refrigeration is best to maintain fudgy texture and prevent melting in warm climates. Freeze portions in a freezer bag for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge. Avoid stacking pieces directly to preserve crunch from the cereal. If it softens, chill briefly before serving. Pro tip: Label containers with dates for easy tracking during holiday baking marathons.

What's the difference between puppy chow and puppy chow fudge?

Traditional puppy chow is a snack mix made by coating Chex cereal in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, then cooling loose on parchment for munching by the handful. Puppy chow fudge transforms this into a solid, sliceable treat by mixing the same ingredients into a thick batter, pressing it into a pan, and chilling to set like fudge. The fudge version has a denser, creamier texture with less cereal (about 3 cups vs. 9 for snack mix), making it richer and easier to portion. Both take under 20 minutes active time, but fudge stores longer and travels better. Try adding M&Ms to either for extra fun.

Irresistible Puppy Chow Fudge Recipe in 15 Minutes

Name: Puppy Chow Fudge
Prep time: 2 h 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 2 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – melts into a rich base that coats everything smoothly and sets firmly when chilled; – 1 cup creamy peanut butter – delivers nutty creaminess, binds the mixture, and adds protein for staying power; – ½ cup butter – provides silky texture and helps the chocolate melt evenly without seizing; – 4 cups powdered sugar – sweetens intensely while thickening the fudge to hold the cereal pieces; – 3 cups Chex cereal – adds signature crunch; use Rice Krispies for variety or gluten-free Chex for dietary needs

Description

🐶 Capture the addictive crunch and chocolate-peanut butter bliss of puppy chow in rich, creamy fudge form—no baking needed.
🍫 Perfect for parties or snacking, this easy treat sets up in the fridge for fudgy perfection every time.

Ingredients

– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – melts into a rich base that coats everything smoothly and sets firmly when chilled

– 1 cup creamy peanut butter – delivers nutty creaminess, binds the mixture, and adds protein for staying power

– ½ cup butter – provides silky texture and helps the chocolate melt evenly without seizing

– 4 cups powdered sugar – sweetens intensely while thickening the fudge to hold the cereal pieces

– 3 cups Chex cereal – adds signature crunch; use Rice Krispies for variety or gluten-free Chex for dietary needs

Instructions

1-First Step: Read through the puppy chow fudge recipe and assemble all ingredients. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for handles. Grease lightly with butter or spray. Measure out 3 cups Chex cereal into a large bowl and set aside. Chop butter into pieces for even melting. This mise en place keeps things smooth, especially for beginners or working professionals.

2-Second Step: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, and ½ cup butter. Microwave on high in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each. Stop when fully smooth, about 1.5 to 2 minutes total. This gentle heat prevents scorching, ensuring a glossy chex mix fudge base. For stovetop, use a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly.

3-Third Step: Sift 4 cups powdered sugar into a separate extra-large bowl to remove lumps. Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the sugar. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until creamy and uniform, about 2 minutes. The heat from the melt dissolves the sugar, creating a thick fudge recipe batter. Taste a tiny bit; adjust with a pinch more sugar if needed for low-calorie versions.

4-Fourth Step: Gently fold in 3 cups Chex cereal using a spatula. Turn the bowl as you mix to coat evenly without crushing too many pieces. Aim for most cereal coated but some crunch visible. Overmixing softens the texture, so quick folds work best. For holiday puppy chow fudge, toss in holiday M&Ms now.

5-Fifth Step: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use wet hands or another parchment sheet to press firmly and evenly to about ½-inch thick. Smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Cold temps set the easy no bake puppy chow fudge quickly.

6-Sixth Step: Lift out using parchment handles. Cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife. Wipe blade between cuts for clean edges. Serve at room temp for best flavor.

7-Final Step: Store as detailed later. Yields 36 pieces, ideal for sharing. Each step adapts easily for dietary needs, making this quick puppy chow fudge dessert family-friendly.

Notes

💡 Slightly crush the cereal so it adds crunch without overpowering the creamy fudge.
❄️ Use parchment paper for easy removal—fudge can stick to pans easily.
🍫 Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week; freezes well too.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill: 2 hours
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: puppy chow fudge, muddy buddies fudge, chocolate peanut butter fudge, no bake fudge