Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

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If you love pumpkin spice season as much as I do, you’re going to want to make this Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow. It takes the classic puppy chow we all know and love and gives it an easy fall twist with pumpkin pie spice and colorful Reese’s Pieces.

Crispy Rice Chex cereal gets coated in a creamy mixture of white chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then tossed with powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Add some orange, yellow, and brown Reese’s Pieces at the end, and you have the perfect little fall snack.

This is one of those recipes that is great to make for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or just because you want something sweet sitting on the kitchen counter.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

• It’s incredibly easy to make. There are only a few simple steps.
• It’s perfect for fall. Pumpkin pie spice gives classic puppy chow a cozy seasonal flavor.
• It’s great for parties. Put it in a big bowl or divide it into individual treat bags.
• Kids love it. Especially when they get to help shake the powdered sugar onto the cereal!
• It’s easy to make ahead. Store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve it.

Ingredients

• Rice Chex cereal
• White chocolate chips
• Creamy peanut butter
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Powdered sugar
• Reese’s Pieces

How to make Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

Pour the Rice Chex cereal into a very large bowl and set aside.

Add the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter to a medium saucepan.

Place the pan over low heat and stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth.

Don’t rush this step. White chocolate can scorch if the heat is too high, so low and slow is the way to go.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice.

Pour the melted mixture over the cereal.

Gently fold with a large spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.

Try not to crush the cereal.

Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or large container with a lid.

Add the powdered sugar and shake gently until all the pieces are covered.

Spread the puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool for about 20 minutes.

Stir in the Reese’s Pieces candy.

Once completely cool, transfer to an airtight container.

It will keep at room temperature for about a week—although I doubt it will last that long!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow without a microwave?

Yes! This recipe is made completely without a microwave. Melt the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

What cereal is best for Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow?

I recommend Rice Chex cereal because the square pieces hold the chocolate mixture and powdered sugar really well. You can also use Corn Chex or a combination of the two.

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead fall treat. Prepare it up to a few days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

How long does Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow should stay fresh for about a week.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow?

Yes. Place it in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Why is my puppy chow sticky?

The puppy chow may be sticky if the chocolate mixture hasn’t completely set or if it doesn’t have enough powdered sugar. Spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool completely before storing.

Can I use regular M&M’s instead of Reese’s Pieces?

Of course! Reese’s Pieces add extra peanut butter flavor, but regular M&M’s would work too. For a festive fall look, use orange, yellow, and brown candies.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! You could add mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, fall sprinkles, or pretzels. Just be sure to add any mix-ins after the puppy chow has cooled.

Is Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow the same as Muddy Buddies?

They’re essentially the same type of treat. Puppy chow and Muddy Buddies are both made with cereal coated in a sweet chocolate or peanut butter mixture and powdered sugar. The name varies depending on where you live.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

You can substitute the peanut butter with a nut-free sunflower seed butter or another suitable peanut-free spread. Keep in mind that Reese’s Pieces contain peanut ingredients, so you’ll also need to replace those with a peanut-free candy.

More Easy Snack Recipes

If you love easy snacks that are perfect for parties, movie nights, or just having something yummy to grab when you’re hungry, here are a few more Recipes Made With Love favorites to try:

Fall Snack Mix

Looking for another snack that’s perfect for autumn? My Fall Snack Mix is crunchy, sweet, and salty, and comes together in just minutes. It’s a fun addition to fall gatherings or a cozy movie night.

Cheerios Snack Mix

If you love a good snack mix, you’ll want to try my Cheerios Snack Mix. It’s a combination of cereal, popcorn, crackers, and other crunchy ingredients with a buttery seasoning. It’s great for parties, road trips, or keeping on hand for snacking.

Rice Krispie Bars

For another easy, family-friendly treat, try my Rice Krispie Bars. They’re a classic no-bake favorite made with crispy cereal, marshmallows, and butter—and they’re always a hit with kids and adults.