Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow
Whether you call this puppy chow or muddy buddy, I’ve taken this childhood classic and made it truly basic with some pumpkin spice. No actual pumpkin here, just pumpkin spice infused chocolate coated cereal, and it’s a perfect fall treat.
This is an exclusive, members-only recipe. Join now for more recipes like this, plus an ad-free experience – launching 2025.
Why you’ll love this pumpkin spice puppy chow
The simple addition of pumpkin spice takes this basic treat to a fall favorite, and it’s a hit in our house. It’s also the perfect dairy-free chocolate treat for kids who can’t indulge in traditional Halloween candy.
If you like this recipe, you have to try these halloween popcorn balls, and this chai spice cake and these halloween spider cupcakes.
Searching for more fall recipes? Taylor Swift’s chai sugar cookies / healthy buffalo chicken dip / quick and easy beer chili / pear arugula salad
Ingredients:
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
- Rice chex
- White chocolate chips – Just like regular chocolate chips make sure to opt for a dairy free or plant based chip. Always check the label to ensure they’re truly dairy-free and don’t contain any sneaky ingredients. Dairy-free white chocolate chips can sometimes be a bit finicky and might not melt as smoothly as regular white chocolate due to the lack of milk solids. To avoid burning, melt them slowly over low heat, either in a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently.
- Pumpkin pie spice – This spice mix typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Some blends might also add allspice or even a hint of cardamom. Use your favorite blend or you can easily make your own mix of spices.
- Dairy free butter – Use your favorite dairy free butter alternative or plant based butter. Adding butter will help bind the melted chocolate and pumpkin spices.
Melissa’s recipe tips:
- Be careful with your chocolate. The chocolate will seize if you heat it too long. You want to make sure there are still lumps in the chocolate when you stop heating and slowly stir it until they melt.
- Use a grocery bag. While you can use a ziplock bag to shake the puppy chow, I think the moisture stays in the bag and melts the powdered sugar. A big paper grocery bag is the best way to make sure your powdered sugar stays dry and white.
Ingredients
- 11 cups rice chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dairy free butter
- 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate. Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter and dairy free butter in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring between each until chocolate is almost melted (you still want some lumps). Continue to stir until smooth. If more time in the microwave is needed, reduce intervals to 15 seconds to prevent chocolate from seizing.
- Stir 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate.
- Coat the cereal. Add rice chex to a large mixing bowl and stir in the melted chocolate. Gently stir with a rubber spatula until coated.
- Transfer mixture to a large paper bag. Add 2 cups powdered sugar, remaining pumpkin pie spice and sprinkles. Seal the bag and shake to coat.
- Add remaining powdered sugar a shake again (this is when the puppy chow will start to look white).
- Chill the puppy chow. Spread the puppy chow on a parchment or wax paper lined baking sheet and allow the chocolate to cool.
Nutrition
Before leaving a comment or rating, ask yourself: