Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a beloved snack that combines crunchy cereal, rich chocolate, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet, irresistible treat. If you or someone you love follows a gluten-free diet, you might think you have to miss out on this classic snack.
But fear not! This gluten free puppy chow recipe is here to satisfy your sweet tooth without the gluten.
It’s simple to make, uses accessible ingredients, and can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you’re preparing a quick snack for movie night, packing treats for children, or looking for an easy dessert for a party, this recipe is a perfect choice. The best part?
It’s both crunchy and chocolaty with a melt-in-your-mouth coating that’s impossible to resist. Let’s dive into this delightful gluten-free version of puppy chow and get snacking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This gluten free puppy chow recipe is a fantastic alternative to the traditional version because it uses naturally gluten free cereal, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it without worry. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, taking just about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Plus, it requires minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the flavors by swapping out the chocolate or adding nuts and dried fruits.
It’s also perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or just as a sweet snack to keep around the house. The recipe yields a large batch, so it’s great for sharing or storing for later.
Ingredients
- 9 cups gluten free rice cereal squares (such as Chex Gluten Free Rice Cereal)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (ensure gluten free)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter for variation)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for coating)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or gluten free pretzels for added crunch
Equipment
- Large microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate and peanut butter)
- Large mixing bowl (to combine cereal and chocolate mixture)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Large resealable plastic bag (for shaking the puppy chow with powdered sugar)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or tray (optional, for spreading the puppy chow to cool)
Instructions
- Measure out the gluten free rice cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Stir in the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until all the cereal is well coated in powdered sugar.
- Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet to cool and dry for about 10 minutes. This step helps prevent clumping.
- Once cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
For the best results, use fresh powdered sugar and gluten free certified ingredients to avoid any gluten cross-contamination.
Customize your puppy chow by experimenting with different nut butters like cashew or sunflower seed butter for a unique twist. You can also substitute the semisweet chocolate with white chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
If you’re looking to add some texture and flavor, toss in gluten free pretzel pieces, chopped nuts, or even gluten free mini marshmallows after coating. For a festive touch, try adding red and green holiday sprinkles or a dash of cinnamon for warmth.
Storing tips: Keep puppy chow fresh by storing it in an airtight container. If you live in a warm climate, refrigerate to prevent melting or stickiness.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
This gluten free puppy chow makes a fantastic snack on its own, but you can also get creative with how you serve it. For parties, place it in decorative bowls or individual snack bags for easy grab-and-go options.
It pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent treat.
For a fun dessert idea, use puppy chow as a topping for gluten free ice cream or yogurt parfaits. It also works well as a crunchy element in gluten free dessert bars or cupcakes.
Kids love it in lunchboxes as a sweet surprise snack.
Conclusion
This gluten free puppy chow recipe is an easy, delicious, and versatile snack that everyone can enjoy. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick mixing process, you can create a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re new to gluten free cooking or simply want a tasty snack, this recipe is a winner. It’s customizable, quick to make, and sure to become a favorite in your household.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to make it your own. Remember to check your ingredients for gluten certification and share this fun, crunchy snack with friends and family.
For more tasty gluten free recipes, check out our Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, Easy Gluten Free Banana Bread, and Gluten Free Pancakes. Happy snacking!
📖 Recipe Card: Gluten Free Puppy Chow Recipe
Description: A delicious and crunchy snack made with gluten free cereal coated in chocolate and peanut butter. Perfect for a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT5M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups gluten free rice cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the gluten free rice cereal and gently stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag.
- Add powdered sugar to the bag, seal, and shake until cereal is fully coated.
- Spread puppy chow on a baking sheet to cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 20g
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