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–+ servings
Monster Munch Halloween puppy chow in a large bowl with candy eyes, orange white chocolate drizzle, pretzels, and Halloween sprinkles on a dark spooky tablescape

Monster Munch Puppy Chow

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium microwave-safe bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Gallon-sized zip-top bag
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Small microwave-safe bowl
  • Spoon or piping bag

Ingredients
  

Puppy Chow Base

  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted

Halloween Mix-Ins & Drizzle

  • 2 cups mini pretzel twists
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips for the orange drizzle
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps thin the white chocolate for drizzling
  • 4-6 drops orange gel food coloring gel coloring gives the most vivid color
  • 1/2 cup candy eyes assorted sizes
  • 3 tablespoons Halloween sprinkles black, orange, and purple mix

Instructions
 

Make the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Coating

  • Measure the Rice Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl and set aside.
  • In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until completely smooth and melted. This usually takes about 60 to 90 seconds total. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Coat the Cereal

  • Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold and stir until every piece of cereal is evenly coated. Work quickly but carefully so the cereal does not break apart too much.
  • Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top gallon bag. Add the sifted powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until every piece is thoroughly coated in a thick, snowy layer of powdered sugar.

Cool and Add Mix-Ins

  • Spread the coated puppy chow out in an even layer on a large parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool and set at room temperature for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Once cooled, transfer the puppy chow to a large serving bowl or keep it spread on the baking sheet. Add the mini pretzel twists and gently toss to distribute evenly throughout the mix.

Make the Orange Drizzle and Decorate

  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Add the orange gel food coloring, a few drops at a time, stirring until you reach a bright, vivid Halloween orange.
  • Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the orange white chocolate over the top of the puppy chow mix in zigzag ribbons across the entire surface.
  • Immediately while the orange drizzle is still wet, scatter the candy eyes generously over the top so they set into the drizzle. Add the Halloween sprinkles across the surface.
  • Allow the orange drizzle to set completely, about 10 minutes at room temperature or 5 minutes in the refrigerator. Once set, break apart any large clusters and serve in a big bowl or divide into treat bags.

Notes

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Do not refrigerate as this causes the coating to become sticky from condensation. Freezer-friendly: freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month and bring to room temperature before serving. Make it nut-free: swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter — it works perfectly. For extra drama, add a second black drizzle using black gel food coloring in white chocolate alongside the orange.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 13gSodium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22g
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