This vegan puppy chow recipe (also known as vegan muddy buddies) uses six simple ingredients: vegan chocolate chips, peanut butter, vanilla extract, salt, rice Chex cereal, and powdered sugar. This homemade puppy chow is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Our recipe is slightly varied from the traditional puppy chow recipe and muddy buddies recipe, but all for good reasons! We think the ratio of ingredients in this recipe makes for the perfect sweet and salty balance. It is also dairy-free and vegan for those who need those options. However, you won't need any unique ingredients to make this recipe and you won't need vegan butter or coconut oil. It is a perfect snack and delicious dessert that has become a family favorite over here.
Ingredient Notes
- Dairy-free/vegan chocolate chips - we like to use semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe, but you can choose your favorite type and brand of chocolate chip! Dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips would also work well. Some of our favorite vegan options are the Enjoy Life brand or the chocolate chips from Trader Joe's. If you don't need a vegan or dairy-free option, feel free to use your favorite chocolate chips!
- Natural creamy peanut butter - we have used peanut butter in this recipe to stay true to the classic version of puppy chow. We love a good peanut butter and chocolate combination! However, if you are allergic to peanuts or prefer a different kind of nut butter, you could try cashew butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- Vanilla extract and salt - the vanilla and salt elevates the flavor of this recipe and keeps it from tasting overly sweet.
- Rice Chex cereal - you will need plain rice Chex cereal for this recipe.
- Powdered sugar - you will need powdered sugar to create a powdered sugar coating on the puppy chow. We prefer to use one cup of powdered sugar, but if you like your puppy chow a little sweeter, you can add up to two cups.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small microwave safe bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatulas
Step by Step Directions
For the full recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Step 1: Place the peanut butter and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Begin by melting the chocolate and the peanut butter together.
Step 3: Add the rice Chex to a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the rice Chex and mix until the rice Chex is evenly coated. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
Step 4: Next, cover the rice Chex in powdered sugar and mix well.
Tips & Variations
- If you have a peanut allergy or dislike peanut butter, you can try using a different type of nut butter such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- You can change the sweetness level of this vegan puppy chow by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar you use.
FAQ
We recommend storing this homemade puppy chow at room temperature in an airtight container or large ziplock bag.
Yes, this recipe meets all of the above. However, ensure that you select ingredients that meet your specific dietary needs.
If you like this recipe, check out…
- Homemade S'mores Mix
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispies
- Monster Protein Bites
- Raspberry Chocolate Bark
If you make this Vegan Puppy Chow, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished product—it makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!
Vegan Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips (we like the Enjoy Life brand. If you don't need vegan chocolate chips, use your favorite chocolate chips instead!)
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 cups rice Chex
- 1-2 cups powdered sugar (amount depending on preference)
Instructions
- Begin by melting the chocolate and the peanut butter together. For the microwave: add the chocolate chips and peanut butter to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 20-second increments, stirring in between each interval until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the bowl from the microwave and add the vanilla and salt. For the stove: add the chocolate chips and peanut butter to a pan. Continue to stir frequently over low heat until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla and salt and stir until combined.
- Add the rice Chex to a large bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over the rice Chex and mix until the rice Chex is evenly coated. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Next, cover the rice chex in powdered sugar. You can add the powdered sugar directly to the bowl and toss them in the powdered sugar, or add the Chex mixture and powdered sugar to a large Ziploc bag and shake them until the powdered sugar is evenly distributed. Start with 1 cup of powdered sugar and then add more as desired.
Notes
- If you have a peanut allergy or dislike peanut butter, you can try using a different type of nut butter such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- You can change the sweetness level of this vegan puppy chow by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar you use.
- We often provide tips and suggestions for how a recipe can be created to be dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan. It is your responsibility to select and use products as well as work in an environment that will meet those criteria. We are not responsible for any reaction or adverse event that may result from making our recipes.
The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Vegan Puppy Chow."
The nutrition content provided for each recipe is an estimate created through the My Fitness Pal database. Please be aware that the nutritional content of each recipe may vary based on the products you use, the precision of your measurements, and the source you use to obtain nutrition data. While we try to provide accurate information, we give no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the nutritional information provided.
Emily B
This takes me right back to my childhood in the best way. SO yummy. A must try!
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Agreed! We love a PB chocolate combo!!