This Italian Take on Puppy Chow Is for Chocolate Lovers

A grown-up take on the childhood treat.

By
Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
Laurel has over 10 years of experience developing recipes and writing about food. She is the author of 4 cookbooks, including the bestselling The Instant Pot Electric Cookbook.
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Published December 16, 2023
Laurel Randolph
Nutella puppy chow on a sheet pan

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

No matter what you call it—Muddy Buddies, puppy chow, reindeer chow, monkey munch, that delicious stuff in the bowl over there—the crunchy, sweet snack featuring Chex cereal is delicious. The classic recipe you see on the cereal box uses chocolate chips, peanut butter, and powdered sugar for a crowd-pleasing treat. 

I must confess, I’ve always found puppy chow too cloying thanks to the sweet chocolate and generous powdered sugar. So I started experimenting. Could I make a version that pleased my adult palate? The answer: Nutella.

Bowl of nutella puppy chow next to a smaller bowl with more on a counter with some pieces of puppy chow scattered around

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

An Italian Twist

Everyone loves Nutella, and for good reason. The Italian hazelnut-chocolate spread is, in a word, delicious. Combine it with a little espresso powder, dark chocolate, and a coating of cocoa, powdered sugar, and cinnamon, and you have a lightly Italian, more sophisticated take on the nostalgic snack.

An Optional Upgrade

For a little bit of toastiness, brown the butter first. Start out with just over 1/4 cup to account for any evaporation and brown the butter in the microwave. Then add the chocolate chips and espresso powder and stir. If needed, microwave in 10 to 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate has all melted. Stir in the vanilla and proceed with the recipe.

Easy Recipe Variations

I like mixing Corn Chex and Rice Chex in puppy chow for a slight change in texture from bite to bite, but you can just use one for ease. I don’t recommend using Wheat Chex.

If Nutella isn’t really your thing, you can swap back for the classic: creamy peanut butter. The flavor combo is closer to a dark chocolate peanut butter cup, richer and not as sweet as the original. 

Bowl of nutella puppy chow

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Snacky Bites

Nutella Puppy Chow

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 2 mins
Cool time 30 mins
Total Time 42 mins
Servings 10 to 12 servings
Yield 10 cups

Ingredients

  • 5 cups (175g) Rice Chex

  • 4 cups (160g) Corn Chex

  • 3/4 cup Nutella

  • 3/4 cup (122g) dark chocolate chips

  • 1/4 cup salted butter

  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

  • 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional

Method

  1. Prep the cereal:

    Add the two cereals to a large mixing bowl. You’ll want a bowl that’s roomy enough that you can easily stir the cereal.

  2. Make the chocolate mixture:

    Add the Nutella, chocolate, butter, and espresso powder to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir. Microwave in 10 to 20-second intervals, stirring each time, just until everything is melted and smooth (do not overcook or the mixture will become stiff). Add the vanilla and stir.

  3. Mix:

    Immediately drizzle the chocolate mixture over the Chex. It’s okay if it seems stiff. Toss gently, using a big spoon or rubber spatula, until the Chex are well-coated. This may take a few minutes, but keep tossing and the mixture will coat the cereal.

  4. Coat in powdered sugar:

    Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and cinnamon to another extra-large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Alternatively, you can add the ingredients to a really big zip-top bag.

    Add the Nutella-coated Chex and use a big spoon or rubber spatula to toss gently until all of the pieces of Chex are coated. I like to use my hands about halfway through to toss and break up any clusters. If using a zip-top bag, add all of the coated Chex, seal, and shake well to coat.

  5. Let cool and store:

    Spread the puppy chow out on a large, rimmed baking sheet to let cool and dry for about 30 minutes. If it still feels stickier than you’d like, transfer it to the fridge.

    Store leftover cooled puppy chow in an airtight container. It will keep for a few days at room temperature and in the fridge for a week or more.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
284 Calories
12g Fat
40g Carbs
4g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10 to 12
Amount per serving
Calories 284
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 9g 43%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 194mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 40g 15%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 22g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 3mg 17%
Calcium 78mg 6%
Iron 7mg 36%
Potassium 226mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.