Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow Recipe

Try This Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow Recipe Today

Snacking just got a whole lot more delightful with this irresistible pumpkin spice puppy chow that brings autumn’s warmth to every single bite.

Sweet and crunchy cereal pieces dance with classic fall spices, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist.

The classic puppy chow snack blend shines with a seasonal twist that everyone will adore.

Coated in a dreamy blend of powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spices, these bite-sized morsels deliver pure comfort in every handful.

Each crisp morsel carries the essence of cozy sweater weather and festive gatherings.

You’ll find yourself reaching for handful after handful of this addictive seasonal snack.

Prepare to fall in love with the most delectable autumn-inspired munchie that will quickly become your new favorite treat.

Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow Fun for Every Snack Time

  • Dive into a festive treat that captures the warm, cozy essence of autumn with every crunchy bite, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
  • Create a crowd-pleasing dessert that requires minimal cooking skills and comes together in just a few simple steps, making it accessible for all skill levels.
  • Enjoy a grab-and-go snack that's ideal for gatherings, movie nights, or unexpected cravings, with a fun mix of textures and irresistible pumpkin spice flavor.
  • Personalize the recipe by adjusting ingredients or adding your favorite mix-ins, making it a versatile treat that adapts to your taste preferences.

What Goes Into Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

Main Ingredients:
  • Chex Cereal: A classic crispy base that provides the perfect crunch for this sweet snack.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Delivers a creamy, sweet coating that binds the mixture together.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps create a smooth melting texture.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps create a silky smooth melting base for the chocolate coating.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Introduces a warm, seasonal pumpkin flavor to the snack.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Confectioners' Sugar: Creates a sweet, powdery coating that gives the puppy chow its signature look.
  • Reese's Pieces: Provides a colorful and crunchy accent to the final snack mix.

Tools for Making Spiced Puppy Chow

  • Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate, peanut butter, and butter smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cereal with melted mixture.
  • Large plastic zip bags: Used for coating cereal with powdered sugar.
  • Large baking sheet: Helps cereal set and cool evenly.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing gently.

Step-by-Step Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow Guide

Step 1: Create Creamy Chocolate Base

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and melt these delightful ingredients:
  • White chocolate chips
  • Peanut butter
  • Unsalted butter

Zap in the microwave using 20-second bursts, stirring between each round until everything transforms into a silky smooth mixture.

Step 2: Infuse Autumn Flavors

Swirl in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture looks perfectly combined and smells like fall magic.

Step 3: Coat Crunchy Cereal

Grab a large mixing bowl and pour your chex cereal inside.

Gently drizzle the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal, using a soft spatula to ensure every single piece gets a delicious coating.

Step 4: Prepare Sugar Coating Bags

Take two large plastic zip bags and generously fill them with powdered sugar.

Step 5: Shake Into Sugary Goodness

Carefully divide the chocolate-covered cereal between the two sugar-filled bags.

Seal tightly and shake with enthusiasm until each piece is completely covered in a sweet, powdery layer.

Step 6: Let It Set

Spread the sugar-coated cereal onto a spacious baking sheet.

Allow it to rest and set for one full hour, letting the coating harden perfectly.

Step 7: Add Festive Crunch

Once set, sprinkle in some Reese’s pieces for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips for Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

  • Stir the melted chocolate mixture gently to ensure even coating and prevent cereal from sticking together in large chunks.
  • Adjust powdered sugar amount based on personal preference, adding gradually for lighter or heavier coating.
  • Keep puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain crispness and flavor.
  • Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version that's safe for those with allergies.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to enhance the warm, seasonal taste of the treat.

Fun Variations for Fall Puppy Chow Fans

  • Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace chex cereal with gluten-free rice cereal or quinoa puffs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan alternative.
  • Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for those with nut allergies.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of powdered sugar and dark chocolate chips with less sugar content for a healthier treat.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow Creatively

  • Cozy Autumn Snack Party: Perfect for sharing this delightful Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow with friends and family during fall gatherings.
  • Movie Night Munchies: Enjoy this sweet treat while watching classic Halloween or autumn-themed films with loved ones.
  • Festive Gift Packaging: Package the puppy chow in cute mason jars or cellophane bags with ribbons as charming homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors, or seasonal celebrations.
  • Game Day Treat: Serve in small bowls during football watch parties or casual weekend game nights for a delicious seasonal snack that everyone will love.

Keeping Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow Fresh

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the puppy chow crisp and fresh.
  • Place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air. Freeze for 1-2 months, preserving the texture and flavor.
  • Keep in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal crunchiness.
  • When frozen, let the puppy chow sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Gently shake to refresh the powdered sugar coating.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Regular Chex cereal contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free Chex cereal and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

  • How long can I store Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cereal will stay crispy and fresh during this time.

  • Can I make this recipe without peanut butter?

You can replace peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative that maintains a similar creamy texture.

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Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful pumpkin spice puppy chow blends autumn’s warmest flavors into a crunchy snack that delights sweet tooths everywhere. Chex cereal coated with pumpkin spice and powdered sugar creates an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 9 cups corn chex cereal
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Flavor Components:

  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Candy Addition:

  • 1 cup Reeses pieces candy

Instructions

  1. Melt white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
  2. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture, whisking until thoroughly blended and smooth.
  3. Transfer chex cereal to a spacious mixing bowl, then gently pour the warm pumpkin-chocolate mixture over the cereal. Carefully fold to ensure complete and even coating.
  4. Prepare two large resealable plastic bags by filling each with powdered sugar.
  5. Distribute the chocolate-covered cereal equally between the sugar-filled bags. Seal tightly and vigorously shake to completely enrobe each piece with powdered sugar.
  6. Arrange the sugar-coated cereal in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Allow to rest and solidify at room temperature for approximately 60 minutes.
  7. Once set, gently fold in Reese’s pieces to add a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension. Serve and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Customize Texture by adjusting the amount of white chocolate and peanut butter for a crunchier or creamier coating.
  • Use gluten-free Chex cereal to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Swap Reese’s Pieces with dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version of the puppy chow.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain maximum crispiness and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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