This Nutella Puppy Chow Chex Mix kicks the classic snack up a notch with its rich hazelnut chocolate flavor. It’s guaranteed to disappear faster than any other snack mix at parties — you just might want to make a double batch!
What You’ll Need
This nutella puppy chow recipe combines simple pantry staples to create an out-of-this-world delicious snack. The combination of chocolate and hazelnut with crunchy goodness makes this an unforgettable treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe. A full list of ingredients with measurements is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Semisweet Chocolate – Use chips or chunks — these will be part of the rich chocolate base that will coat the cereal.
- Nutella – This is the star ingredient that takes this puppy chow to the next level with its signature hazelnut flavor and creamy texture.
- Unsalted Butter – Butter makes the coating silky smooth.
- Water – Just a bit of water helps to thin the chocolate mixture to achieve the perfect consistency for coating the cereal evenly.
- Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract ties all of the other flavors together.
- Coarse Kosher Salt – Salt helps to balance the sweetness and brings out the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
- Chex Cereal – This classic cereal’s honeycomb structure captures the chocolate coating in every nook and cranny.
- Powdered Sugar – Confectioner’s sugar creates the signature snowy coating — it also prevents pieces from sticking together.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – Add an extra punch of chocolate and even more texture to the finished puppy chow by sprinkling in some chocolate chips.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Turning this handful of ingredients into an irresistible snack is super simple. The key is gentle handling to keep the cereal pieces intact and an even coating so that every bite is covered!
- Create the chocolate mixture. Add the semisweet chocolate, Nutella, butter, water, vanilla extract, and salt to a saucepan. Allow it to melt while stirring.
- Coat the cereal. Pour the Chex cereal into a large bowl before topping with the melted chocolate. Then, carefully combine to coat the cereal pieces.
- Add the powdered coating. Pour some of the powdered sugar into a resealable plastic bag. Then, add half of the chocolate-covered cereal and shake until each piece is fully coated with a white sugary layer.
- Let it set. Pour the sugar-coated cereal onto a rimmed baking sheet to set, then repeat the process with the remaining cereal and powdered sugar.
- Finish the mix. After allowing the snack mix to set for at least an hour, transfer it to a container with the mini chocolate chips.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻🍳
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- Salt – The pinch of coarse kosher salt in this recipe is absolutely crucial — it balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate-hazelnut flavors. Plus, who doesn’t love a salty/sweet combo, right?
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- Seasoning – The vanilla extract adds a cozy, warm flavor to the mix.
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- Sauces – The melted chocolate-Nutella mixture creates a velvety sauce that coats each piece of cereal perfectly.
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- Swaps – For a different spin, try using white chocolate instead of semisweet, or replace half the Nutella with peanut butter for a Reese’s-inspired variation. You can also swap in different cereals like Crispix or even a mix of Chex varieties for different textures.
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- Senses – The aroma of chocolate and hazelnut will have everyone racing to the kitchen! Then, once the chocolate has set and it’s time to dig in, you’ll experience the perfect contrast of textures — the slight crunch of the cereal, the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate coating, and the powdery sweetness that dissolves on your tongue.
Storage and Freezing
This Nutella puppy chow is such a hit — it rarely needs storing! But if you do have leftovers, it stays fresh and delicious if you store it properly.
How to Store
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week – refrigeration isn’t necessary and might make the coating too hard.
Can I Freeze Nutella Puppy Chow?
You can freeze this puppy chow in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Your Questions Answered
If you don’t have powdered sugar handy, you can omit it. If you want a different texture, you can use decorator’s sugar or sprinkles.
While Nutella gives this recipe its signature flavor, you can replace it with peanut butter or cookie butter for treats that are just as tasty!
Use gentle folding motions rather than stirring, and work in batches if needed to make sure you evenly coat the cereal without damaging it.
More Sweet and Crunchy Snacks
We have snackable treats for all occasions! Check out these other fun recipes that are perfect for parties or for taking on the go.
Nutella Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate
- 1 cup nutella
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 8 cups chex cereal
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1 cup semisweet chocolate, 1 cup nutella, 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Place the 8 cups chex cereal into a large mixing bowl (larger than you think you need) and pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently toss to coat. Do not stir- the pieces will break.
- Put half of the 2 cups powdered sugarinto an airtight plastic bag along with half of the tacky cereal. Shake to fully coat.
- Sift out onto a rimmed baking sheet to set. Repeat with the other half of the powdered sugar mixture and cereal mix.
- Allow the snack mix to set for at least 1 hour before transfering to a plastic container. gently mix with the 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
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