• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Purely Kaylie

  • About
    • About Kaylie
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Recipe eBook
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Sweets » Vegan Puppy Chow

    Vegan Puppy Chow

    Published: Sep 10, 2020 · Modified: Oct 31, 2020 by Kaylie Grace · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read the affiliate disclosure here. 

    Vegan puppy chow is one of the easiest and most delicious desserts! Also known as muddy buddies, this treat is made with 5 ingredients including Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. This is a healthier twist on the original recipe, making it dairy-free, gluten-free, and oil-free. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for gifts, parties, and potlucks!

    two bowls of vegan puppy chow surrounded by a bowl of chocolate chips and peanut butter

    In case you’re not already familiar with “puppy chow,” I will happily introduce you to my favorite Midwestern treat! As someone who grew up in Minnesota, I definitely enjoyed one too many bowls of puppy chow over the years. It was a family favorite in my household – and for good reason. Puppy chow often made its way to holiday celebrations, dance recitals, sports games, and neighborhood block parties. Why? Well, it’s a foolproof treat that everyone enjoys!

    This chocolatey, peanut buttery, perfectly-sweet mix was sent from the heavens above. Ok, I may be a tad dramatic… but it’s oh so delicious and incredibly addictive. If you haven’t tried it before, you’ll be amazed at how tasty the 5 ingredients are once they’re all combined. The crunchy Chex cereal is coated in a melty chocolate-peanut-butter blend, then tossed with lots of powdered sugar. Trust me, the giant batch will be gone sooner than you anticipated.

    This vegan puppy chow is:

    • No-bake, gluten-free, dairy-free, and oil-free
    • Crispy, crunchy, rich, chocolatey, and a tad peanut-buttery
    • A quick and easy dessert // ready in just 10 minutes
    • Requires 5 simple ingredients
    • Great for gifting, parties, potlucks, and game day
    • Easily transportable (keeps well in jars and bags)
    • Kid-approved, non-vegan approved, and a real crowd-pleaser!
    vegan muddy buddies in a white bowl

    Why is it called puppy chow?

    You may be wondering where this recipe got its name. No, it’s not for puppies. (Seriously, please do not feed this to your furry friend!) This treat is for humans only.

    Puppy chow received its amusing title from its appearance and consistency. Let’s be honest, it could be mistaken for dog food if you weren’t paying close attention. In addition to “puppy chow,” this dessert is often referred to as muddy buddies, muddy munch, or even monkey munch. (Alright, I have never heard a single person call it monkey munch, but Google said it’s true so let’s go with it!)

    What is vegan puppy chow made of?

    • Chex cereal: Chex cereal is typically made from rice or corn. I highly recommend using the rice variety. You can also use Crispix cereal, but I think it’s far better with Chex. Chex has a bigger pocket for that melty chocolate to get inside.
    • Chocolate chips: Use your favorite vegan chocolate chips. They can be dairy-free milk, semisweet, or dark. You’ll be melting the chocolate, so feel free to use mini chips, regular chips, or chocolate chunks.
    • Peanut butter: Again, use your favorite creamy peanut butter. I highly suggest sticking with peanut butter, but you can swap it for another nut butter instead.
    • Vegan butter: Vegan butter sticks or margarine (from a tub) can be used for this dessert.
    • Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioner’s sugar, gives the puppy chow its unique white coating and sweet flavor.
    a marble board topped with bowls of chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract

    How to make vegan muddy buddies

    For the full ingredients list and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card below.

    First, add the Chex cereal to a very large bowl. Seriously, grab the biggest bowl you can find! Also, add the powdered sugar to 2 large ziplock bags or 1 large brown paper bag.

    Next, add the vegan chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, vegan butter, and vanilla extract to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until melted. Be care not to burn the chocolate. Chocolate burns quite easily so keep a close eye on it. Alternatively, you can simply melt these ingredients together in a saucepan on the stove.

    • chocolate chips, vegan butter, and peanut butter inside a glass mixing bowl
    • a hand mixing melted chocolate in a large glass bowl

    Then, pour that melty chocolate all over the Chex cereal. Gently mix to evenly coat the cereal. After, transfer the chocolate-covered Chex to the ziplock bags/brown paper bag. Shake to evenly coat all of the cereal with powdered sugar.

    • melted chocolate being poured over a bowl of chex cereal
    • chocolate covered chex cereal in a large glass bowl

    Woohoo! Your puppy chow is now complete. Transfer it to a bowl and dig in.

    two bowls of vegan puppy chow surrounded by chocolate chips

    How to make peanut-free puppy chow

    The original recipe contains peanut butter, which makes for a real tasty treat! However, if you follow a peanut-free diet, you can substitute sunflower seed butter instead. If you are able to consume other types of nuts, almond butter or cashew butter will also work.

    How to make it gluten-free

    This recipe is naturally gluten-free already. There are several varieties of Chex cereal, so just make sure yours is the gluten-free kind. I recommend using rice Chex, but you can also use corn Chex.

    How do I store puppy chow?

    Keep this vegan puppy chow/muddy buddies stored inside a sealed ziplock bag or container in the refrigerator. They will keep for a couple weeks. (Well, if your family can make it last that long!)

    two white bowls filled with vegan muddy buddies

    More easy vegan no bake desserts

    • Edible Vegan Cookie Dough
    • Vegan Scotcheroos (Special K Bars)
    • Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
    • Vegan Snickers Bars
    • No Bake Brownie Bites
    • Crispy White Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
    • No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    • No Bake Turtle Brownies (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    • Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cups
    • No Bake Cookie Dough Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    • Homemade Take 5 Candy Bars (Vegan & Healthy!)

    If you try this Vegan Puppy Chow, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    two bowls of vegan puppy chow surrounded by a bowl of chocolate chips and powdered sugar

    Vegan Puppy Chow

    • Author: Kaylie Grace
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 20 servings 1x
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: No bake
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Vegan puppy chow is a super easy and incredibly addictive dessert! The crispy Chex cereal is covered with melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter, then coated with powdered sugar. This is a healthier twist on the classic recipe, making it dairy-free, gluten-free, and oil-free. It’s made with 5 ingredients and ready in 10 minutes. Bring it to parties, potlucks, game day, or enjoy it at home for movie night. Everyone loves this Midwestern dessert!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 12-oz box rice Chex cereal (~11 cups)
    • 1 + ½ cups vegan chocolate chips
    • ¾ cup peanut butter
    • ¼ cup vegan butter
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract, optional
    • Pinch of salt, if butters are unsalted
    • 2 + ½ cups powdered sugar

    Instructions

    1. Add Chex cereal to a very large bowl (such as a serving bowl).
    2. Divide powdered sugar amongst 2 large ziplock bags or 1 large brown paper bag.
    3. Add chocolate chips, peanut butter, vegan butter, and vanilla to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until melted. Do not burn the chocolate.
    4. Pour the melted chocolate over the Chex cereal. Gently stir to evenly coat all of the cereal. Transfer the chocolate-coated Chex to the ziplock bags/brown paper bag. Shake to evenly coat all of the cereal with powdered sugar.
    5. Transfer puppy chow to a bowl and enjoy! Keep stored in the refrigerator.

    Notes

    • I prefer enjoying this puppy chow after it has chilled in the refrigerator. After preparing it, I always test a few bites (can’t help it!) and then refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This isn’t required, but I think it tastes best chilled.
    • If you don’t want to use the microwave, you can melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, vegan butter, and vanilla together in a saucepan on the stove.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 265
    • Sugar: 22g
    • Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Carbohydrates: 38g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 4g

    Keywords: vegan puppy chow, vegan muddy buddies

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @purelykaylie on Instagram and hashtag it #purelykaylie

    This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and love!

    More Healthy vegan dessert recipes

    • Sugar Cookie Truffles
    • Edible Sugar Cookie Dough (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
    • Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
    • Protein Truffles

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Hello, I’m Kaylie!

    Welcome to the Purely Kaylie kitchen! I share plant-based recipes with simple, healthy ingredients. Whether you’re vegan or not, take a look around. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy! About Kaylie →

    Let’s Be Friends!

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Popular Recipes

    a pile of vegan chocolate chip cookies

    Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

    vegan sugar cookies on white parchment paper with a bite taken out of the center cookie

    Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft & Chewy!)

    a white bowl filled with chocolate oatmeal and topped with banana, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and cacao nibs

    Chocolate Oatmeal

    a dozen vegan double chocolate chip cookies laying on white parchment paper

    Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

    an overhead photo of an oatmeal smoothie with peanut butter

    Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie

    vegan moroccan stew inside two bowls beside fresh cilantro, green lentils, cinnamon, and sliced sweet potato

    Vegan Moroccan Stew

    Dessert Recipes

    a bowl of Christmas sugar cookie truffles with a bite taken out of one

    Sugar Cookie Truffles

    scoops of vegan edible sugar cookie dough stacked in a white bowl

    Edible Sugar Cookie Dough (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

    a stack of two vegan pecan pie bars with shortbread crust and sticky pecan topping

    Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

    chocolate protein truffles in a white bowl

    Protein Truffles

    a stack of vegan homemade payday candy bars

    Homemade PayDay Bars

    a sliced loaf of vegan pumpkin bread on a wire cooling rack

    Vegan Pumpkin Bread

    Breakfast Recipes

    homemade chocolate coconut granola in a ceramic bowl with almond milk and a spoon

    Chocolate Coconut Granola

    an almond butter oatmeal bowl with granola and almonds on top

    Almond Butter Oatmeal

    vegan peppermint mocha donuts with chocolate frosting and candy canes on top

    Peppermint Mocha Donuts

    vegan vanilla overnight oats with yogurt and chia seeds inside a jar

    Vanilla Overnight Oats

    vegan apple cinnamon overnight oats in a jar with chia seeds and yogurt

    Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

    a jar of vegan cookie dough overnight oats with chocolate chips

    Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

    Copyright© 2023 · purelykaylie.com · Privacy Policy · Terms · Disclaimer