St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow
St. Patrick’s Day is known for its vibrant celebrations, and what better way to join in the fun than with a deliciously festive treat? Enter St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow, also affectionately known as Muddy Buddies! This no-bake snack mixes crisp Rice Chex with creamy peanut butter and delicious almond bark, all dressed up in glorious green and sparkling gold. Not only is it playful and fun, but it also offers a satisfying crunch that you can’t resist. It’s the perfect snack to share with friends, family, or even to treat yourself while sporting your best shamrock attire!
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this delightful mix at a St. Patrick’s Day gathering a few years back. The colors immediately caught my eye, and as I tasted the perfectly balanced sweetness with that hint of peanut butter, I knew I had to recreate it at home. More than just satisfying your sweet tooth, this St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow doubles as a charming centerpiece, sure to steal the show at any festive occasion. Everyone will be asking for the recipe once they get their hands on this crunchy, chocolaty snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time and minimal cooking, this treat comes together effortlessly.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter, almond bark, and sweet powdered sugar makes for a satisfying snack.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful green and gold color scheme adds a joyful touch to any celebration.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, family movie nights, or even as a delightful breakfast treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using certified gluten-free Chex.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- White almond bark (24 ounces): Essential for that creamy coating that ties everything together. Dividing the almond bark into 18 ounces for the green coating and 6 ounces for the gold helps achieve this two-tone effect.
- Rice Chex cereal (11 cups): The base of this recipe. The crunchy texture adds the perfect bite. Feel free to swap with corn or wheat Chex, but keep in mind the flavor may change!
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps bind the cereal pieces together. If you prefer a different nut butter, feel free to use almond or cashew butter.
- Green food coloring (5-10 drops): A splash of color that transforms your Puppy Chow into a festive treat. Gel food coloring can be used for a more vibrant hue.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Dusts the mixture and adds sweetness, creating that signature delightful finish.
- Gold sanding sugar (1/4 cup): Gives a sparkling appeal that makes your treat look like a treasure waiting to be discovered!
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow
Prepare Pans: Line two large half-sheet pans with parchment paper or wax paper and set them aside. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Prepare Green Cereal: Place 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl. It’s better to have a bowl with some space since this mix will get a little messy!
Melt Green Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 18 ounces of chopped almond bark and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
Color the Coating: Stir in your green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach your desired “clover” green shade. Don’t hold back; let your creativity shine through the vibrant colors!
Coat Green Pieces: Pour the green mixture over the 8 cups of cereal. Gently fold the cereal until every piece is covered, ensuring no lone pieces are left behind.
Add Sugar: Sprinkle the powdered sugar into the bowl with the green cereal and gently fold for about 3-5 minutes. You want the cereal to be well coated while allowing some of the vibrant green to shine through. Spread the mixture onto the first prepared sheet pan.
Prepare Gold Cereal: In a separate mixing bowl, add 3 cups of Rice Chex cereal. This will create a lovely contrast in both color and taste!
Melt Gold Coating: In the microwave, melt the remaining 6 ounces of almond bark until it becomes smooth and velvety, just like the first mixture.
Coat Gold Pieces: Pour the melted almond bark over the 3 cups of Rice Chex cereal and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Add Gold Sparkle: Before the coating sets, sprinkle the gold sanding sugar over the wet white cereal. Toss gently to ensure that every piece is coated with that festive sparkle!
Cool and Mix: Allow both sheets to cool and set for about 30-60 minutes on the counter (or refrigerate for 15 minutes if you’re in a hurry). Once set, break apart any clumps and mix the green and gold pieces together in a large serving bowl for a beautiful fusing of colors!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container, where they’ll maintain their freshness for about a week. For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to two weeks. You can also freeze your Puppy Chow for up to three months—just place it in a freezer-safe bag. To refresh the texture after freezing, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before diving in!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- When melting your almond bark, be cautious not to overheat it, as chocolate can seize.
- For an even easier cleanup, consider using disposable gloves when mixing to avoid sticky fingers.
- If you find the colored coating too thick, a teaspoon of oil can help smooth out the consistency.
- You can vary the colors based on your theme—adding red for Valentine’s Day or blue for a summer BBQ can be a fun twist!
- Make-ahead options are great for busy days—mix and store it in advance for spontaneous snacking!
Bright, fun, and incredibly addictive, St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow not only satisfies those sweet cravings but also creates joyful moments with friends and family. The charm of this snack lies in its endless possibilities: experiment with your own favorite add-ins or swap out colors for different occasions. Plus, each crunchy bite offers a delightful crunch that keeps you reaching for just one more. There’s no wrong time to enjoy this delicious treat, so gather your ingredients, grab a bowl, and let the celebration begin!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different cereals in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex gives the classic texture, you can substitute any of your favorite cereals like Corn Chex or even gluten-free options. Just keep in mind that flavors may slightly vary depending on the cereal you choose.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
To make a dairy-free version, use dairy-free white chocolate chips instead of almond bark. For vegan options, opt for a plant-based nut butter, ensuring all ingredients are dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
How can I make my Puppy Chow more festive?
You can add festive sprinkles or themed candies alongside your green and gold decorations! Dark or white chocolate drizzles also make it visually appealing and add another layer of flavor.
Can I store St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow for later use?
Definitely! Once cooled, store your Puppy Chow in an airtight container. It can last up to a week at room temperature, two weeks in the fridge, or even three months in the freezer for later munching.
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📖 Recipe Card
St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 11 servings
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Mixing and Melting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow is an irresistible mix of green and gold chex coated in chocolate and peanut butter. The easy preparation makes it a delightful treat for your celebrations, guaranteed to impress everyone!
Ingredients
- white almond bark – 24 ounces (divided 18oz and 6oz)
- rice chex cereal – 11 cups (divided 8 cups and 3 cups)
- creamy peanut butter – 1/2 cup
- green food coloring – 5-10 drops or gel equivalent
- powdered sugar – 1 cup
- gold sanding sugar – 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Prepare Pans: Line two large half-sheet pans with parchment paper or wax paper and set them aside.
- Prepare Green Cereal: Place 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl.
- Melt Green Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 18 ounces of chopped almond bark and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 60 seconds, stir, and continue in 30-second bursts until smooth.
- Color the Coating: Stir in green food coloring until the mixture reaches your desired “clover” green shade.
- Coat Green Pieces: Pour the green mixture over the 8 cups of cereal. Fold gently until every piece is covered.
- Add Sugar: Add the powdered sugar to the bowl and fold for 3-5 minutes until the green shows through and the pieces are dry and separated. Spread on the first sheet pan.
- Prepare Gold Cereal: Place 3 cups of Rice Chex in a separate mixing bowl.
- Melt Gold Coating: Melt the remaining 6 ounces of almond bark in the microwave until smooth.
- Coat Gold Pieces: Pour the melted bark over the cereal and stir until coated. Spread onto the second sheet pan.
- Add Gold Sparkle: Immediately sprinkle the gold sanding sugar over the wet white cereal, tossing gently to cover all sides.
- Cool and Mix: Let both pans sit for 30-60 minutes (or refrigerate for 15 minutes) until set. Break apart any clumps and combine the green and gold pieces in a large serving bowl.
Notes
Make sure to use parchment or wax paper to avoid sticking.
For a more intense color, adjust the amount of green food coloring to your liking.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/11 of recipe
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
