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Home » Recipes

Published: Oct 23, 2024 by Natalie Booras · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

Halloween Puppy Chow

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If you're looking for a fun and festive treat to add to your Halloween party, look no further than Halloween Puppy Chow! 

A large, black serving bowl filled with Halloween Muddy Buddy mix.

This easy recipe puts a spooky twist on the classic puppy chow (or muddy buddies) with crunchy Chex cereal coated in a delicious chocolate peanut butter mix, powdered sugar, and plenty of colorful Halloween candies. It's the perfect treat for your next Halloween party or a fun snack to enjoy with your family during spooky season.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: This Halloween Muddy Buddies recipe is super simple and comes together in just a few steps. Plus, it makes a huge batch, perfect for a crowd or for storing leftovers. Plus, it's a NO BAKE recipe!
  • Festive and Fun: With Halloween M&M's, Reese's Pieces, candy corn, and even spooky Halloween sprinkles, this sweet cereal mix will look great on any Halloween snack table.
  • Customizable: Whether you're a fan of peanut butter cups, pretzels, or candy eyeballs, you can mix and match your favorite Halloween candies to make this recipe your own!
  • Crowd Favorite: Who can resist the combination of sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy Chex? It's a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears fast.
A small white bucket with a ghost face on the front filled with Halloween Puppy Chow.

Substitutions

  • Sun Butter - Not a fan of peanut butter or have an allergy? You can easily substitute it with sunflower butter for a nut-free version that still has that creamy texture and flavor. I don't recommend using natural peanut butter for this recipe.
  • Corn Chex Cereal - While I use Rice Chex here, Corn Chex or even a mix of both are great options to use. Just make sure you use about 8 cups of cereal.
  • M&M's and Reese's Pieces - If you don't have Halloween M&M's or Reese's Pieces, feel free to use any leftover Halloween candy or seasonal candies you have on hand.
  • Candy Pumpkins - Not everyone loves candy corn, so feel free to omit or swap it for candy pumpkins or extra chocolate pieces!

Variations

  • White Chocolate Twist - For a different flavor, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to make white chocolate Halloween Puppy Chow.
  • Spooky Add-Ins - Add candy eyeballs or pretzel pieces for a spooky snack that's perfect for Halloween parties. Candy eyeballs give it a fun, ghoulish twist!
  • Reindeer Chow for the Holidays - Love this recipe? You can make my holiday version for "Reindeer Chow," by swapping the Halloween candies for festive red and green M&M's and Christmas sprinkles.
  • Smaller Portions - Package the Halloween snack mix in small baggies to hand out as individual portions at your party.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make the Halloween Puppy Chow include powdered sugar, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, mini Reese's peanut butter cups, Rice Chex cereal, creamy peanut butter, candy corn, pretzel twists and Halloween m&m's.

*For specific ingredient amounts, please scroll down to the printable recipe card.

Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal. Set aside.

Step 2. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup of creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute; Stir and microwave for another 30 seconds until the chocolate mixture is smooth.

Step 3. Mix with Chex: Add the Chex cereal to the melted chocolate mixture, stirring gently to coat the cereal evenly. I add it a little at a time to help make the mixing more manageable.

A large mixing bowl with the peanut butter, chocolate and butter melted and combined.
A large mixing bowl with chocolate covered Chex cereal.

Step 4. Add Powdered Sugar: Pour the chex into a large ziploc bag, and add the powdered sugar. Then, seal the bag and shake until all the cereal is covered in powdered sugar.

The Chex cereal covered with a peanut butter chocolate mix in a large ziploc bag.
The Chex cereal covered with a peanut butter chocolate mix and powdered sugar in a large ziploc bag.

Step 5. Add the Halloween Treats: Spread the coated cereal mix onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool. Once at room temperature, mix in the Halloween M&M's, mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, candy corn, pretzel twists, and Halloween sprinkles.

A large rimmed sheet pan filled with Halloween Puppy Chow.

Step 6. Serve: Enjoy this festive Halloween treat with your family, or package it into individual baggies for a fun Halloween party snack!

Storage and Freezing Instructions

  • Storage: Store your Halloween Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Keep it away from heat and moisture for best results to prevent the chocolate from melting or the cereal from going stale.
  • Freezing: You can freeze leftover Halloween Puppy Chow! Just pack it into plastic freezer bags or airtight containers and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Natalie's Pro Tip

Add a handful of Halloween sprinkles and candy eyeballs on top right before serving for an extra festive treat. It adds the perfect spooky twist to the classic puppy chow recipe and looks great for Halloween parties!

To serve this at a party, you can put a little serving of the snack mix in clear cocktail cups or in Halloween baking liners. A local store that sells party supplies is a great place to look for these items. But, if you want to go the "no-fuss" route, it even looks festive in a big bowl. 

A single serving of halloween snack mix in a paper baking cup.

Notes and FAQ

Can I use other types of Chex cereal?

Yes! Corn Chex or even a mix of rice and corn Chex works just as well.

Do I have to use candy corn?

Not at all! Feel free to swap it out for candy pumpkins or leave it out if you prefer. This recipe is all about using your favorite seasonal candies!

Can I use crunchy or natural peanut butter? 

I don't recommend it for this recipe. It will effect the overall texture of the mix.

How much cereal is too much cereal?

Stick to around 8 cups of cereal to make sure the chocolate peanut butter mix coats everything evenly. Using too much cereal can result in dry, under-coated pieces.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great recipe to make ahead! It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container, making it a perfect Halloween treat to prepare in advance for parties.

A orange metal bucket with a pumpkin face painted on it filled with Halloween Puppy Chow mix.

Halloween Puppy Chow

This Halloween Puppy Chow is a fun and festive twist on the classic muddy buddies recipe, perfect for spooky season! Made with crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a rich chocolate peanut butter mix and tossed with powdered sugar. This easy-to-make snack mix is perfect for Halloween parties or enjoying with the family. Serve it up for a spooky treat that’s sure to be a hit!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 14
Calories 587 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • gallon Ziploc bag
  • Rimmed baking sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 10- ounce bag Halloween m&m's
  • 1 cup mini Reese's peanut butter cups
  • 2 cups pretzel twists
  • 1 cup candy corn
  • 2 Tablespoons Halloween sprinkles optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal. Set aside.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute; Stir and microwave for another 30 seconds until the chocolate mixture is smooth.
  • Add the Chex cereal to the melted chocolate mixture, stirring gently to coat the cereal evenly. I add it a little at a time to help make the mixing more manageable.
  • Pour the Chex into a large Ziploc bag, and add the powdered sugar. Then, seal the bag and shake until all the cereal is covered in powdered sugar.
  • Spread the coated cereal mix onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool. Once at room temperature, mix in the Halloween M&M's, mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, candy corn, pretzel twists, and Halloween sprinkles.
  • Enjoy this festive Halloween treat with your family, or package it into individual baggies for a fun Halloween party snack!

Notes

Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store your Halloween Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Keep it away from heat and moisture for best results to prevent the chocolate from melting or the cereal from going stale.
You can freeze leftover Halloween Puppy Chow! Just pack it into plastic freezer bags or airtight containers and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 587kcalCarbohydrates: 84gProtein: 8gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 362mgPotassium: 261mgFiber: 4gSugar: 59gVitamin A: 452IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 114mgIron: 7mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Natalie Booras
Natalie Booras

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Comments

  1. Charlotte says

    October 24, 2024 at 11:53 pm

    5 stars
    We will definitely be making this for our upcoming Halloween party! It will be the perfect snack for the kids and adults to enjoy! Thanks for the great recipe and tutorial!

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

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Hi, I'm Natalie!
I'm a home cook, food photographer and blogger, wife, and mom of twins who believes great meals don’t have to be complicated. On Salads, Soups & Sweets, I share easy, family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients.

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