Contents
The First Bite
I remember my first taste of Nutella puppy chow. A friend brought it to our book club. The rich chocolate smell filled the room instantly. I took one crunchy, sweet bite and was hooked. Ever wondered how to turn a simple snack into pure magic?My Kitchen Mishap
My first try making this was messy. I used a bowl that was way too small. Cereal and powdered sugar flew everywhere! My dog looked like he had gotten into the snow. I learned to always use the biggest bowl I own. Cooking reminds us that a little mess often leads to great joy.Why It Tastes So Good
This snack mix hits all the right notes. You get the deep Nutella flavor with a crunchy texture. The powdered sugar adds a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish. The mini chocolate chips are a fun, extra surprise. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Let me know below!A Sweet History
This treat started in the American Midwest. It became a party favorite in the 1950s. People loved its simple, no-bake method. *Did you know it’s also called muddy buddies or monkey munch?* What do you call it where you’re from? Share your name for this classic snack!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Semisweet chocolate | 1 cup | |
| Nutella | 1 cup | |
| Unsalted butter | 8 tablespoons | |
| Water | 1/4 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Coarse kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Chex cereal | 8 cups | |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | |
| Mini chocolate chips | 1/4 cup |
Making Your Puppy Chow
Step 1 Grab a medium saucepan. Put it on the stove over medium heat. Add the chocolate, Nutella, and butter. Pour in the water, vanilla, and salt. Stir everything until it is smooth and shiny. Step 2 Get a very large mixing bowl. Pour your Chex cereal into it. Drizzle the warm chocolate sauce over the cereal. Toss it gently to coat every piece. (Hard‑learned tip: A big bowl prevents a huge mess). Step 3 Put half the powdered sugar in a big bag. Add half of your sticky cereal mix. Seal the bag tightly and shake it well. The sugar will coat the cereal completely. Step 4 Spread that first batch on a baking sheet. Now do the other half with a clean bag. Let all the puppy chow sit for one hour. This helps the coating set perfectly. What is the best way to mix the cereal without breaking it? Share below! Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Yield: 12 servings Category: Snack, DessertFun Flavor Twists
This treat is so easy to change. You can make it your own. Try one of these fun ideas for your next batch. Peanut Butter Cup Use peanut butter instead of Nutella. Mix in chopped peanut butter cups at the end. Mint Chocolate Add a half teaspoon of peppermint extract. Use mint chocolate chips for the final mix-in. Birthday Cake Use white chocolate chips. Mix in colorful sprinkles with the powdered sugar. Which twist are you most excited to try? Vote in the comments!Serving Your Snack Mix
This snack is perfect for any gathering. Put it in a big bowl for everyone to share. You can also fill small paper bags for party favors. It makes a great gift for friends and neighbors. For drinks, try a cold glass of milk. It cuts the sweetness just right. A nice cup of coffee is also a great match. For a fun party drink, a chocolate stout beer works well. Which would you choose tonight, milk or coffee?
Storing Your Snack Mix
Keep your snack mix in a sealed container. It stays fresh on the counter for about a week. I keep mine in a cookie jar. It never lasts that long anyway! My grandkids always find it first.
You can freeze it for a month for later. Thaw it at room temperature before eating. This keeps the texture just right. Making a big batch is a smart move. It is perfect for last-minute guests.
Quick Fixes for Common Problems
Is your chocolate coating too thick? Add a tiny bit more water next time. This helps it pour smoothly over the cereal. Why does this matter? A thin coat means less broken cereal.
Is the powdered sugar not sticking? Your coating might have cooled too much. Work faster or gently warm the mix. Clumpy sugar? Just sift it before shaking. This gives you a perfect, even dusting every time.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Just use a gluten-free cereal. Corn Chex is a great choice. It works exactly the same way.
Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely. Make it up to three days before your party. Store it in that airtight container.
Any butter swaps? Margarine works if that is all you have. But real butter tastes best here. It adds a rich flavor.
Can I double the recipe? You sure can. Use your biggest bowl for mixing. You might need to coat in three batches.
What other mix-ins work? Try peanuts or pretzel pieces. What would you add to yours? Let me know your favorite combo!
A Sweet Send-Off
I hope this mix becomes a family favorite. It is a simple joy to share. Did you try this recipe? Share your snack mix photos with me. Tag @SavoryDiscovery on Pinterest so I can see! Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
Nutella Puppy Chow Snack Mix
Description
This Nutella Puppy Chow kicks the classic snack up a notch with its rich hazelnut chocolate flavor — it’s guaranteed to be a hit at parties!
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1 cup semisweet chocolate, 1 cup nutella, 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Place the 8 cups chex cereal into a large mixing bowl (larger than you think you need) and pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently toss to coat. Do not stir- the pieces will break.
- Put half of the 2 cups powdered sugar into an airtight plastic bag along with half of the tacky cereal. Shake to fully coat.
- Sift out onto a rimmed baking sheet to set. Repeat with the other half of the powdered sugar mixture and cereal mix.
- Allow the snack mix to set for at least 1 hour before transfering to a plastic container. gently mix with the 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.