If you’re looking for a sweet treat for a Halloween party or are just a fan of all things pumpkin spice, you’re going to love this pumpkin spice puppy chow recipe. Crunchy, sweet, and full of seasonal flavor, this festive twist on traditional puppy chow may become one of your new fall favorites! And no, it is NOT for dogs!
Ingredients
These easy ingredients come together in a matter of minutes to make the perfect snack for fall.
- Rice Chex Cereal – This cereal is the base of the puppy chow. Be gentle when mixing it with the chocolate so that it doesn’t bread.
- White Chocolate Chips or Melting Chocolate – Either of these can be used to make the coating.
- Butter – Butter helps to give the chocolate coating the perfect consistency and helps the chocolate mixture adhere to the cereal.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon gives the puppy chow a warm flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Split the spice up ahead of time so that it is ready to add when you need it. Grab a bottle at the store or use our pumpkin pie spice recipe.
- Ground Nutmeg – This spice adds more warm flavor with a little bit of nuttiness and subtle citrus flavor.
- Ground Cloves – Cloves give the puppy chow even more sweetness and warmth.
- Powdered Sugar – This fine sugar gives the snack its signature sweet and dusty coating.
- Mellowcreme Pumpkins, Candy Corn or Reese’s Pieces – Either of these will add fall flair to the snack! I’m partial to the pumpkins or candy corn, but I know a lot of folks who would disagree with me on that one!
Variations
You can switch up this simple puppy chow with pumpkin spice with a few different swaps or add-ins.
- Candies – Try using candy corn, M&Ms or toffee bits in place of the other candies.
- Dried Fruit – Toss in some dried cranberries, cherries or raisins.
- Chocolate – Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips. Or, for a colorful twist try using orange candy melts.
- Marshmallows – Add mini marshmallows for a fun textural contrast. Getting the mini dehydrated ones keeps the crunch.
- Sprinkles – Spread sprinkles over top for a pop of color or to make the snack seasonal.
- Salt – Sprinkle on some sea salt for a sweet and salty snack.
- Cereal – Substitute another variety of Chex — Corn Chex is a great gluten-free alternative or use Cinnamon Chex for even more warm flavor. Or use another cereal altogether, like Crispix or Cheerios.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow
This fall-flavored snack is incredibly easy to make!
- Melt butter and chocolate. Add the white chocolate chips and butter to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring after each, until the white chocolate mixture is silky smooth. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer.
- Season the melted chocolate. Stir in cinnamon, a portion of the pumpkin pie spice, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Coat the cereal. Pour the cereal into a large bowl and pour the spiced white chocolate over top. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to combine the mixture, taking care not to break up the cereal pieces.
- Combine and Shake. Place the rest of the pumpkin pie spice and sugar in a large resealable bag with the white chocolate-coated cereal mixture. After sealing, shake to cover the cereal with the sugar coating.
- Finish and serve. Spread the coated cereal out evenly on a baking sheet and top with Pumpkin Mellowcremes, Reese’s Pieces, or other candies before serving.
Storage and Freezing
Puppy chow can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry space for up to one week.
How to Store Puppy Chow
To keep puppy chow longer, store it in the fridge in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to 2 weeks.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow?
You can freeze puppy chow for up to 3 months but its texture may not remain the same after thawing. It does taste great eaten cold!
Common Questions about Puppy Chow
Puppy chow did originate in the Midwest though it can now be found elsewhere, too.
Yes, these are the same snack. It’s also known as monkey munch, reindeer chow, and muddy munch.
Puppy chow can become soggy if it’s stored before it has cooled. Let the cereal cool to room temperature before transferring it to a container.
More Sweet Snacks
If you’re looking for more easy snacks to satisfy your sweet tooth, we have you covered with these simple recipes!
Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal you could also use Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice , divided
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup Mellowcreme Pumpkins or Reese’s Pieces
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and butter until it is smooth and stir. I like to heat the microwave in 20-30 second intervals to ensure the chocolate doesn't overheat.
- Stir in the cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of the pumpkin pie spice, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until combined.
- Place the Chex cereal to a large bowl, pour the spiced melted chocolate over top and gently fold together to coat with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon without breaking too many pieces of the cereal.
- Combine the powdered sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in a large ziplock bag and shake to combine.
- With a large spoon, spoon the chocolate coated cereal into the bag and seal. Shake until the cereal pieces are evenly coated in powdered sugar mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Pour the cereal onto the sheet in a single layer to set. Sprinkle the Pumpkin Mellowcremes or other pumpkin candies on top (optional).
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Nutrition
