The First Bite That Hooked Me
I still remember my first taste of Nutella Puppy Chow. A friend brought it to a potluck, and the room went quiet. Crunchy, sweet, and just salty enough—it vanished in minutes. Ever wondered how you could turn Chex Mix into something unforgettable? Now I make it for every party. Trust me, it’s the dish guests always ask about.My Messy (But Delicious) First Try
My first batch was a sticky disaster. I stirred too hard and turned half the cereal into crumbs. But here’s the thing: imperfect food still brings joy. My kids didn’t care—they licked the bowl clean. Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about sharing love, one messy handful at a time.Why This Snack Works
– The mix of salty and sweet hits every craving. – Powdered sugar adds a melt-in-your-mouth feel. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the Nutella depth or the chocolate chip crunch? Try it and decide. I bet you’ll taste something new each time.A Bite-Sized History
This snack started in the U.S. Midwest, a twist on classic Puppy Chow. It’s a party staple now, loved for its no-bake ease. *Did you know Chex Mix was invented in the 1930s?* Nutella gave it a modern upgrade. Pass the bowl—it’s history you can eat. Got a favorite twist on this recipe? Share it below!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Semisweet chocolate | 1 cup | |
| Nutella | 1 cup | |
| Unsalted butter | 8 tablespoons | |
| Water | 1/4 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Coarse kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Chex cereal | 8 cups | |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | |
| Mini chocolate chips | 1/4 cup |
How to Make Nutella Puppy Chow Chex Mix
Step 1 Melt chocolate, Nutella, butter, water, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. Stir until smooth. Keep heat medium to avoid burning. The mix should look glossy. (Hard-learned tip: Use a rubber spatula for easy scraping.)
Step 2 Pour the mix over Chex cereal in a big bowl. Toss gently to coat. Don’t stir hard—it crushes the cereal. A folding motion works best.
Step 3 Shake half the cereal with half the powdered sugar in a bag. Coat evenly. Spread on a tray to set. Repeat with the rest. What’s your go-to snack for parties? Share below!
Step 4 Let the mix dry for an hour. Add mini chocolate chips last. Store in a sealed container. It stays fresh for days.
Cook Time: N/A Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Yield: 12 servings Category: Snacks, Dessert
3 Fun Twists on Nutella Puppy Chow
Peanut Butter Swap Replace Nutella with creamy peanut butter. Add crushed pretzels for salty crunch. Kids love this version.
Spicy Kick Mix in cayenne pepper with the chocolate. Top with chili flakes. Perfect for grown-up taste buds.
Holiday Cheer Use white chocolate instead. Toss in red and green sprinkles. Festive for Christmas parties. Which twist would you try first? Vote in the comments!
Serving Ideas for Your Puppy Chow
Serve in small cups for easy grabbing. Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries. Great for picnics. Drink pairings: Cold milk (non-alcoholic) or coffee liqueur (adults only). Both balance the sweetness. Which would you choose tonight?
Storage Tips for Your Sweet Snack Mix
Keep this mix fresh in an airtight container for up to a week. No fridge needed—it stays crisp at room temp. Freezing works too; just thaw before serving. *Fun fact*: I once forgot a batch in my pantry for two weeks—still tasty! Need to reheat? Skip it. This snack is best enjoyed cool. Double the recipe for parties—it disappears fast. Why this matters: Proper storage keeps the crunch perfect. Ever tried freezing yours? Tell me how it went!Fix Common Puppy Chow Problems
Too sticky? Add a bit more powdered sugar and shake again. Cereal pieces breaking? Toss gently—no vigorous stirring. Chocolate not coating evenly? Warm the mixture slightly longer. Why this matters: Small tweaks make a big difference. My grandkids once made a crumbly mess—we saved it with extra sugar. Share your rescue tricks below!Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free Chex and check all labels.
Q: How far ahead can I prep this?
A: Make it 3 days early—store airtight.
Q: Any nut butter swaps for Nutella?
A: Try peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Use a smaller bowl for mixing.
Q: Why let it set for an hour?
A: It helps the coating stick better. Less mess!
Wrapping Up
This mix is a crowd-pleaser—simple, sweet, and fun. Perfect for game nights or lunchbox treats. *Fun fact*: My neighbor’s dog once stole a whole bowl—safe for humans only!Tag @SpoonSway on Pinterest with your creations!
Happy cooking! —Sarah Cooper
Nutella Puppy Chow Chex Mix Party Hit
Description
Experience the delightful blend of chocolate, Nutella, and Chex cereal in this irresistible party snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1 cup semisweet chocolate, 1 cup Nutella, 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Place the 8 cups Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl (larger than you think you need) and pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently toss to coat. Do not stir—the pieces will break.
- Put half of the 2 cups powdered sugar into an airtight plastic bag along with half of the tacky cereal. Shake to fully coat.
- Sift out onto a rimmed baking sheet to set. Repeat with the other half of the powdered sugar mixture and cereal mix.
- Allow the snack mix to set for at least 1 hour before transferring to a plastic container. Gently mix with the 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutella, Chex Mix, Puppy Chow, Party Snack, Chocolate