Fall is here, and that means it’s time to spice things up in the kitchen. This pumpkin spice puppy chow takes the classic muddy buddies treat and gives it a cozy autumn twist. The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger mixed with sweet pumpkin flavor creates the perfect seasonal snack. It’s ridiculously easy to make and even easier to demolish.
Fair warning: you might want to hide the bowl from yourself because this stuff is dangerously addictive. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick fall fix, this recipe delivers all the pumpkin spice vibes without any of the fuss.
Believe it or not, I didn’t have my first taste of Puppy Chow (aka Muddy Buddies) until just a few years ago when my husband made them for a movie night. So when the idea came to me that I should try Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow, I knew I had to get the flavors JUST right.
And if you are in the mood for more pumpkin treats, try my Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins or White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies!
The ingredients you’ll need.
This easy snack only requires six ingredients: powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, corn Chex cereal, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and creamy peanut butter.
A note about the Chex cereal: Corn Chex works best for this recipe because it’s stronger than Rice Chex. Rice Chex can be brittle and break easier, so you’ll be left with a lot of small pieces. Ask me how I know!Â
Do I need any special equipment?
One of the things I love about this recipe is that you only need three bowls (two medium and one large) and one gallon-size Ziplock bag to make this.
How do I make Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow?
Place the Corn Chex in a large bowl, preferably with tall sides. Put the cereal to the side.
Whisk the powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice together in a medium bowl, and set it aside.
In a separate, microwave-safe medium bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter.
Heat the bowl in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each one until the mixture is smooth and somewhat thin. You don’t want it too thick or it will clump up instead of coating the cereal.
Pour the chocolate over the cereal.
Carefully fold the Chex and chocolate together until all of the pieces have been coated.
Spoon the mixture into a gallon-size plastic bag, and dump the powdered sugar mixture in with it. Shake the bag until all of the pieces are covered.
Pour into a large, shallow bowl or dish, and let it cool to room temperature so the chocolate sets. Sprinkle with a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top, if desired.
Enjoy!
Can I use white or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
I tested this with both white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate, but I didn’t test with milk chocolate.
The white chocolate flavor wasn’t strong enough when the peanut butter was added, and you have to be very careful not to let it burn when microwaving it. Semi-sweet chocolate is much more forgiving, and it gets thinner easier.
Am I able to use Rice or Cinnamon Chex instead of Corn Chex?
You can, but when I tested it with Rice Chex, they crumbled much easier than Corn Chex did. You’ll have to be very careful if you choose to use them.
How do I store Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow?
Store it in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days. If it lasts that long!
What are some good add-ins I can try?
The sky is the limit! Almonds, chocolate candies like M&Ms, candy corn, and sprinkles. A great thing about this treat is how festive and colorful it can be with extra add-ins.
My chocolate and peanut butter mixture is too thick. What can I do to fix it?
Adding 2 teaspoons of shortening or coconut oil may help thin out the chocolate mixture so it’s thinner and pourable.
Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow
Equipment
- 2 Medium bowls
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Gallon-size Ziplock bag
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoones pumpkin pie spice
- 1 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cups Corn Chex cereal
Instructions
- Place the Corn Chex in a large bowl, preferably with tall sides. Put the cereal to the side.
- Whisk the powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice together in a medium bowl, and set it aside.
- In a separate, microwave-safe medium bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter.Heat the bowl in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each one until the mixture is smooth and somewhat thin. You don’t want it too thick or it will clump up instead of coating the cereal.
- Pour the chocolate over the cereal.Carefully fold the Chex and chocolate together until all of the pieces have been coated.
- Spoon the mixture into a gallon-size plastic bag, and dump the powdered sugar mixture in with it. Shake the bag until all of the pieces are covered.
- Pour into a large, shallow bowl or dish, and let it cool to room temperature so the chocolate sets. Sprinkle with a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- If you have trouble getting a pourable chocolate mixture, try melting in 2 teaspoons of shortening or coconut oil.
- Make sure you have a good grip on the ziplock top of the bag while you are shaking the puppy chow. You don’t want the cereal flying out.
- The Pumpkin Spice flavor will be light. Feel free to add extra to taste!
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