Nutella Puppy Chow

Last week I was craving puppy chow but didn’t have any peanut butter, go figure. It always seems like I am missing a crucial ingredient when I’m craving something.

So, I scrounged around in my pantry and found Nutella! It’s a lot like peanut butter so I knew it would work. But, what I didn’t know is what it would taste like.

Let me tell you, the level of cocoa flavor is off the charts! Honestly, it would be a great option for people who don’t like peanut butter because it still has that same great nostalgic flavor. And don’t worry about it being too sweet either, I added some corn squares cereal to levels out the sweetness (they are more savory in flavor than rice squares cereal).

If you love Nutella like I do, then you will definitely enjoy this Nutella Puppy Chow recipe! You may also want to try my Nutella Filled Cupcakes, one layer Chocolate Nutella Cake, or my super creamy Nutella Buttercream Frosting.

Nutella Puppy Chow Ingredients

4 easy ingredients is all it takes! You might even have all of them in your pantry right now. Keep reading for crucial notes and substitutions for each ingredient.

• Squares Cereal (Chex): This recipe uses a combination of rice squares and corn squares, it adds variety in texture and flavor. The corn squares also bring the sweet level down a notch because they are more savory in flavor.
• Nutella: Feel free to use brand name or use off-brand hazelnut spread. Confession, I almost always use the Aldi brand. It’s super delicious and a third of the price.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: I recommend grabbing a bag of mini chips because they melt down a lot quicker. You can always use standard sized chips if that’s all you have.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners sugar, this gives a light, powdery, sweetness. Don’t mistake it for other types of sugar.

You’ll also need a large lidded container and a heat-safe bowl or double boiler.

How to Make Nutella Puppy Chow

This is a quick overview of the steps so you can see how easy it is to make. The recipe card below will have complete details.

1. ADD THE SQUARES CEREAL, rice and corn, to your large container and set aside.

2. MELT TOGETHER the Nutella and semi-sweet chocolate chips until the two are fully incorporated. Pour it over the squares cereal, lightly stir to coat it, and allow the mixture to cool 10 minutes.

3. ADD THE POWDERED SUGAR, half of it, and shake vigorously. Allow it to cool for 10 more minutes before shaking in the remaining powdered sugar.

Storing Information

Always keep your Nutella Puppy Chow in something airtight or it will become stale. It can be a large plastic container like I used, or some like to use sealable gallon bags.

Either way, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Yes you heard me right, you can freeze your puppy chow!

Elizabeth’s Tips for the BEST Nutella Puppy Chow

This recipe is simple, but there are 2 things you need to know.

1. THE CEREAL MATTERS. This recipe uses a blend of rice squares and corn squares cereal for good reasons. Rice squares are more mild in flavor and the norm for puppy chow. But, the corn squares are crunchier and have an essential savory flavor that balances the chocolate and Nutella. Don’t skip adding both!

2. FOR CLUMPS AND GLOBS OF PUPPY CHOW, PAY ATTENTION TO MY METHOD. Once you add the chocolate Nutella mixture and stir that together, we let it cool. This is what creates the clumps. By stirring too much or immediately adding powdered sugar, it can break up these super delicious globs of puppy chow.

More Fun, No Bake Snacks You Might Enjoy

If you’re feeling snacky and craving something sweet, I have just the thing. These recipes below require no baking, are done in under 30 minutes, and great for soothing your sweet tooth.

• Coconut Rice Krispie Treats
• Churro Popcorn
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Dip
• Strawberry Crunch Topping
• Cake Batter Dip
• Banana Cream Pie Dip
• Browse even more snacks here.

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