Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Puppy Chow
WHAT’S FOR A SWEET SNACK?
Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Puppy Chow
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COOK TIME
5 min
TOTAL TIME
15 min
SERVINGS
10-12 servings
This Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Puppy Chow swaps the classic Chex cereal for mini Peanut Butter Ritz crackers, coated in a rich chocolate-peanut butter mixture and dusted with powdered sugar. It’s sweet, salty, and impossible to stop eating!
A friend sent me this recipe in a Facebook video (Original from AllRecipes) and I knew I had to try it immediately. Wow, am I glad I did! If you love the classic Chex mix puppy chow (or “muddy buddies,” depending on where you grew up), this cracker version takes it to a whole new level. The peanut butter is already tucked inside every bite, so you get that salty-sweet combo in one perfect crunch.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No baking required: Everything comes together on the stove or in the microwave in just a few minutes.
- Ready in 15 minutes: This is the kind of last-minute treat you can whip up before a party, movie night, or when the craving hits.
- Sweet, salty, and crunchy: The buttery Ritz cracker, creamy peanut butter filling, melted chocolate coating, and powdered sugar dusting hit every single craving at once.
- Great for sharing: This recipe makes a big batch, perfect for parties, holiday treat trays, or gifting to teachers and neighbors.
Key Ingredient Notes
- Mini Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers- These little peanut butter-filled cracker sandwiches are the star of the show and what sets this puppy chow apart from the classic cereal version.
- Chocolate Chips– Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt down into a smooth coating that clings to every cracker. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer it sweeter.
- Peanut Butter– Use a creamy, regular peanut butter here (skip the natural/separating kind) so the coating melts smooth and glossy.
- Butter– Adds richness to the coating and helps it set with a nice snap once cooled.
- Powdered Sugar– Gives the puppy chow its classic sweet, dusty coating. Shake generously to make sure every cracker gets covered.
How To Make Ritz Cracker Puppy Chow
Melt the coating: In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Melt in 30-second increments in the microwave (or stir constantly over low heat) until smooth and glossy.
Coat the crackers: Pour the mini Peanut Butter Ritz crackers into a large bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top and gently fold with a rubber spatula until every cracker is coated. Go slow here so the crackers don’t crumble.
Add the powdered sugar: Transfer the coated crackers to a large zip-top bag or a bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake gently until every cracker is fully dusted.
Cool and serve: Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, until the coating sets. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Fold gently when coating the crackers in chocolate- stirring too roughly can crack or break them.
- Let the chocolate mixture cool for a minute before pouring it over the crackers so it coats evenly instead of pooling.
- Shake the crackers in powdered sugar while the chocolate coating is still slightly warm so the sugar sticks better.
- Let the puppy chow cool completely before storing, or the powdered sugar will dissolve into the coating.
- This recipe doubles or triples easily for a crowd- just use a large enough bowl or bag to toss everything together.
Customize It
- Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips.
- Mix-ins: Add mini pretzels, mini marshmallows, or candy pieces once the puppy chow has cooled completely.
- Nut-free: Swap the peanut butter for a sunflower seed butter, and check that your crackers are a nut-free variety.
- Extra flavor: A splash of vanilla extract in the melted chocolate mixture adds a nice depth of flavor.
Storing
Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze in a resealable bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ
Can I use regular Ritz Crackers instead of the peanut butter ones?
Yes! Regular Ritz Crackers work great too!
Why is my chocolate coating clumpy instead of smooth?
This usually happens if the chocolate gets overheated. Melt low and slow, stirring often, and stop as soon as it’s smooth to avoid seizing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This keeps well at room temperature for up to a week, making it a great make-ahead treat for parties or gifting.
More Snack Mix Recipes
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Ritz PB Cracker Puppy Chow
This Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Puppy Chow is a no-bake, 15-minute treat coated in chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar. Sweet, salty, and addictive!
Ingredients
1 (8.8 ounce) box mini Peanut Butter Ritz crackers
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a small saucepan on low heat, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter and stir occasionally until smooth and melted. You can also microwave in safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted.
- Pour the mini Peanut Butter Ritz crackers into a large bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over the top and use a rubber spatula to gently fold together and cover the crackers in the chocolate mixture.
- Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the crackers a little at a time and continue to fold until everything is covered.
- Pour the crackers onto a sheet pan (cover sheet pan with parchment or foil) and spread out the cracker mixture. Sprinkle more powdered sugar over top if desired.
- Let cool until set then serve and enjoy!
Notes
Store in an airtight container
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