This fun treat mixes chocolate brownie goodness with crunchy cereal. It’s coated with sweet powdered sugar and is super easy to make!
It’s like dessert and snack time rolled into one! I can’t help but snack on it while pretending I’m not. Who can resist that chocolaty goodness? 😋
Making this is a breeze! Just mix, coat, and enjoy. I love putting it in cute bags for sharing, but let’s be real—I often keep it all to myself! 🤭
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Chex Cereal: This cereal gives the base its crunchy texture and chocolate flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a similar chocolate puffed cereal.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These add richness to the puppy chow. If you prefer darker chocolate, go for bittersweet chips, or use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well.
Cocoa Powder: This deepens the chocolate flavor. You can include Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste or even use carob powder for a different flavor profile.
Powdered Sugar: It’s essential for coating and sweetening. You can replace it with coconut sugar or ground erythritol for a lower-sugar version. Just note that the texture and sweetness might differ a bit.
How Do I Coat the Cereal Properly?
Coating the cereal evenly is crucial for the right taste and texture. Here’s how to do it well:
- Make sure your chocolate mixture is smooth and well combined before pouring it over the cereal.
- Gently fold the cereal with a spatula instead of stirring vigorously to prevent breakage.
- When transferring to the plastic bag, tap the bag gently to settle the cereal before adding powdered sugar.
- Seal the bag tightly but leave a small air pocket to allow space while shaking. This ensures even coverage.
And don’t worry if some pieces break a little; it will still taste delicious! Enjoy your sweet treat! 🌟
How to Make Brownie Batter Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 cups chocolate Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Optional: Pretzels for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 20 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll want to let it cool for a little while before diving in. Total time, including cooling, is about 30 minutes. Perfect for a sweet craving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cereal:
Start by placing the chocolate Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to set it aside for now as we prepare the chocolate mixture!
2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and the stick of unsalted butter. Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals. Stir well between each interval until everything is melted and smooth.
3. Mix in Cocoa and Vanilla:
Once melted, stir in the cocoa powder and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
4. Coat the Cereal:
Pour your chocolate mixture over the chocolate Chex cereal in the bowl. Gently stir with a spatula to coat all the cereal pieces evenly, being careful not to break them.
5. Shake it Up:
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are coated in sugary goodness.
6. Cool and Set:
Spread the puppy chow out on a sheet of parchment paper to cool and set for a few minutes. This helps to get rid of any excess sugary coating.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve it in a bowl! If you want to get fancy, garnish with some pretzels for a nice salty crunch along with the sweet! Feel free to enjoy it right away or store it for later.
8. Storage:
Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature. But let’s be honest: leftovers are pretty rare with this tasty treat!
Enjoy this chocolaty, crunchy snack that captures all the delightful flavors of brownie batter! 🥳
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal?
Absolutely! While chocolate Chex cereal is the star of this recipe, you can use any similar chocolate puffed cereal. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 4-5 days, although I doubt they will last that long!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Make sure to use certified gluten-free chocolate Chex or a different gluten-free puffed cereal. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so just check labels to be sure!
Is There a Substitute for Powdered Sugar?
You can replace powdered sugar with coconut sugar or ground erythritol for a lower-calorie option. Just note that the texture may be a bit different, but it will still be delicious!