Some desserts just hit that perfect nostalgic sweet spot, and Chocolate PB Puppy Chow Clusters are one of them. Think of classic puppy chow, but in bite-sized, chocolatey clusters that are impossible to resist. They’re crunchy, peanut buttery, and coated in powdered sugar for the ultimate no-bake treat. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or just because you deserve something delicious, these clusters are about to become your new obsession!

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Why You’ll Love Chocolate PB Puppy Chow Clusters

This isn’t just your average sweet snack—these clusters take everything you love about puppy chow and make them even better. Here’s why you need to try them:

Crunchy & Chocolatey: The perfect combination of crispy cereal, rich chocolate, and creamy peanut butter.
No-Bake & Easy: Minimal effort required—just melt, mix, and set.
Perfectly Portable: Great for road trips, parties, or afternoon pick-me-ups.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike, making them ideal for any occasion.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Store them in an airtight container, and they stay fresh for days.

Ingredients in Chocolate PB Puppy Chow Clusters

Just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create this addictive treat:

Rice Cereal: The crispy base that gives these clusters their signature crunch.
Chocolate Chips: Melted to coat every piece in rich, chocolatey goodness.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds depth and that perfect salty-sweet balance.
Butter: Helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered Sugar: The classic finishing touch that makes puppy chow so irresistible.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warmth.
Salt: A pinch brings out all the flavors beautifully.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these clusters is as easy as 1-2-3!

Melt the Chocolate & Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.

Coat the Cereal: In a large mixing bowl, pour the melted chocolate mixture over the rice cereal. Gently stir until every piece is fully coated.

Form Clusters: Using a spoon, scoop small portions of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming clusters.

Dust with Powdered Sugar: While the clusters are still slightly tacky, sprinkle powdered sugar over them, ensuring each cluster gets a nice coating.

Let Them Set: Allow the clusters to cool and set completely at room temperature or in the fridge for faster results.

Enjoy! Once set, dig in and enjoy the perfect bite-sized chocolate-peanut butter treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8-10

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate PB Puppy Chow Clusters

These clusters are a fantastic grab-and-go treat, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:

As a Party Snack: Pile them into a bowl and watch them disappear at any gathering.
Packaged as Gifts: Fill small treat bags with clusters for a homemade gift idea.
With Ice Cream: Crumble them over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
With a Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate or caramel for extra flair.
On a Dessert Board: Pair them with fruit, pretzels, and other sweets for a fun dessert spread.

Additional Tips

Use Crunchy Peanut Butter: For added texture, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
Chill for a Quick Set: If you’re in a hurry, pop the tray in the fridge for 15 minutes.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free rice cereal.
Add a Crunchy Twist: Toss in some chopped nuts or mini pretzels for extra texture.
Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
A1: Absolutely! Almond butter works well as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor.

Q2: Can I make these dairy-free?
A2: Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute coconut oil for the butter.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

Q4: Can I freeze Chocolate PB Puppy Chow Clusters?
A4: Yes! Freeze them in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Q5: What if I don’t have a microwave?
A5: Melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter over a double boiler instead.

Q6: Can I add mix-ins?
A6: Definitely! Try adding mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, or even coconut flakes.

Q7: Do I need to stir a lot when coating the cereal?
A7: Stir gently to avoid crushing the cereal while ensuring an even coating.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes! Just use a bigger bowl and double the ingredients accordingly.

Q9: How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
A9: Make sure not to overheat the chocolate—microwave in short bursts and stir frequently.

Q10: Can I use a different type of cereal?
A10: Sure! Chex or any other crisp cereal works well in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), these Chocolate PB Puppy Chow Clusters are a must-try. They’re quick, easy, and dangerously delicious. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or just indulging in a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes. So grab your ingredients, mix up a batch, and enjoy every crunchy, chocolatey bite!

Extra Good Puppy Chow

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 15 pieces 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: no bake
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This extra-good Puppy Chow takes the classic treat to a whole new level with chunky clusters, extra chocolate, and peanut butter, all coated in a thick layer of powdered sugar. A Midwest summer favorite, perfect for snacking, parties, and gifting!

Ingredients

Scale

1 (12-oz.) box rice Chex cereal (about 10 cups)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup salted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

2 cups powdered sugar (more as needed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate Mixture
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Coat the Cereal
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal.
- Gently toss with a wooden spoon until all the cereal is coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
Add Powdered Sugar
- Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a large resealable bag.
- Add powdered sugar to the bag, seal, and shake gently to coat.
- For a chunkier texture, mix in batches and avoid over-shaking.

Cool & Store
- Spread onto parchment paper or a baking sheet to cool and set.
- Tip: Store in the freezer for the best clustering and crunch!

Notes

Make it Crunchier: Freeze for 15-30 minutes before serving.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Add-ins: Try mixing in M&Ms, pretzels, or chopped Reese’s for extra flavor!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg