Name: Brownie Batter Puppy Chow
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12.8 oz) box Chocolate Chex® cereal; ½ cup light brown sugar; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup cocoa powder; 8 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; ⅔ cup chocolate sprinkles (optional); ¼ cup powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe

Warning: once you make this Brownie Batter Puppy Chow, it might become your go-to snack for every party, movie night, or midnight craving. It’s that good. Imagine crispy Chex cereal coated in rich melted chocolate, then tossed in a blend of brownie mix, cocoa, and powdered sugar until every piece is covered in fudgy goodness. It’s the ultimate no-bake chocolate snack — crunchy, sweet, and totally addictive.

Whether you call it Brownie Puppy Chow, Brownie Chex Mix, or Chocolate Muddy Buddies, this treat tastes like brownie batter you can actually eat by the handful. And the best part? It comes together in just 15 minutes with pantry staples. One batch makes plenty, but trust me — you’ll wish you made double.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy: Just 15 minutes and no baking required.
Brownie flavor in every bite: Rich cocoa, chocolate, and sugar coating for the ultimate indulgence.
Perfect for sharing: Great for parties, holidays, or edible gifts in mason jars.
Kid-friendly fun: Shake, toss, and snack — a perfect recipe to make with little helpers!
Customizable: Add sprinkles, pretzels, or peanut butter cups to make it your own.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yields: 8 cups

Ingredients

1 (12.8 oz) box Chocolate Chex® cereal
½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup Dutch-processed or unsweetened cocoa powder
8 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
⅔ cup chocolate sprinkles (optional)
¼ cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cereal Pour the Chocolate Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside. If you can’t find chocolate Chex, regular Rice Chex works perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Coating In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. This creates that rich, brownie-like flavor coating that makes this recipe unforgettable.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Place chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and silky. Be careful not to overheat — smooth chocolate makes the best coating!
Step 4: Combine & Shake Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal and stir gently until evenly coated. Add the sprinkles (if using) and toss again. Transfer to a large zip-top bag or container with a lid. Add the sugar-cocoa mixture and shake until all pieces are covered.
Step 5: Finish with Powdered Sugar Add powdered sugar and shake one last time to seal in that classic muddy buddy texture. Spread onto parchment or foil to cool completely.

Chef Emma’s Pro Tips

Use Dutch-processed cocoa: It gives the puppy chow a smoother, more “brownie batter” flavor.
Don’t overheat chocolate: Stop as soon as it’s melted and glossy.
Cool completely: Warm puppy chow will clump — patience pays off!
For holiday flair: Add red & green sprinkles or mini M&M’s for festive color.

Storage

Store your Brownie Batter Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed bag or container — it stays fresh and crisp for days.

Flavor Variations

Mocha Crunch: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the cocoa mixture.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix 2 Tbsp melted peanut butter into the chocolate before coating.
Mint Brownie: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a cool twist.
Cookies & Cream: Toss in crushed Oreos after coating for an extra indulgent mix.

Nutrition (Per 1 Cup Serving)

Calories: 333
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Sugar: 44g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 11mg

Final Thoughts

If you love chocolate, crunch, and brownie batter flavor, this Brownie Batter Puppy Chow is about to be your new addiction. Every handful is rich, sweet, and perfectly coated. It’s everything you love about a brownie — without the oven. Save this recipe to your snack board and make it whenever you need something easy, chocolatey, and impossible to resist.