Ingredients

• 8 cups crispy rice cereal (Chex-style cereal)
• ½ cup Nutella
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup roasted salted peanuts, roughly chopped
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (optional, for extra salty flavor)

Optional Add-Ins

• Mini chocolate chips
• Peanut butter chips
• Pretzel pieces
• Mini marshmallows
• Toffee bits

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Large zip-top bag or airtight container
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal

Place the crispy rice cereal into a large mixing bowl.

Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the Nutella, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter.

Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal.

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold until every piece is evenly coated.

Be careful not to crush the cereal while mixing.

Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or airtight container.

Add the powdered sugar.

Seal the bag and shake gently until every piece is completely coated.

Step 5: Add the Peanuts

Spread the coated puppy chow onto the prepared baking sheet.

Sprinkle the chopped roasted salted peanuts over the mixture.

If desired, lightly sprinkle with sea salt for an extra sweet-and-salty finish.

Allow the puppy chow to cool for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Once completely cooled, gently toss everything together.

Transfer to a serving bowl or divide into treat bags for gifting.

Tips

• Use fresh, crispy cereal for the best crunch.
• Stir the chocolate mixture until completely smooth before coating the cereal.
• Fold gently to prevent the cereal from breaking.
• Let the puppy chow cool completely before storing.
• Use roasted salted peanuts for maximum flavor.
• Store in an airtight container to keep the cereal crisp.

Variations

Double Chocolate Puppy Chow

Add cocoa powder to the powdered sugar coating for an extra chocolate boost.

Peanut Butter Lovers Puppy Chow

Increase the peanut butter to ¾ cup for a richer peanut flavor.

Nutella Pretzel Mix

Mix in broken pretzel pieces for extra crunch.

Holiday Puppy Chow

Add festive sprinkles or colored candy-coated chocolates for seasonal celebrations.

Caramel Crunch Puppy Chow

Mix in caramel bits or chopped toffee pieces after cooling.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Refrigerator: Store for up to 2 weeks for added freshness.

Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Salted Peanut Nutella Puppy Chow is perfect for:

• Holiday dessert tables
• Movie nights
• Birthday parties
• Game day snacks
• Road trips
• Lunchbox treats
• Homemade edible gifts
• Bake sales
• Dessert charcuterie boards
• Afternoon snacking

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 25g

Conclusion

Salted Peanut Nutella Puppy Chow is a crunchy, chocolatey snack that’s loaded with creamy Nutella, peanut butter, and roasted salted peanuts for the perfect sweet-and-salty bite. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this no-bake treat is ideal for holidays, parties, gifting, or everyday snacking. One handful is never enough, making it a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.