Puppy Chow Marshmallow Treats
Published on July 24, 2026
Quick Summary
Puppy Chow Marshmallow Treats combine two classic desserts into one easy no-bake treat. These chewy marshmallow bars are made with Rice Chex cereal, creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and plenty of powdered sugar for the perfect puppy chow flavor in a fun, handheld dessert.
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Pin ItIf You Love Puppy Chow, You Need to Make These No-Bake Treats
If you love puppy chow (also called muddy buddies) and classic rice krispie treats, you are going to love these Puppy Chow Marshmallow Treats! They take everything we love about the classic snack…chocolate, peanut butter, crunchy Rice Chex cereal, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar and turn it into a chewy, no-bake dessert that is perfect for sharing. I love a classic treat, especially when it brings back memories and gets a fun little twist.
The melted chocolate and peanut butter coat every piece of Rice Chex cereal, while the marshmallows add the perfect gooey texture. I love folding in extra mini marshmallows at the end so you get little pockets of sweetness in every bite. And, of course, the final sprinkle of confectioners' sugar gives them that signature puppy chow finish.
These are the kind of treats that are simple enough for kids to help make but special enough to bring to a party or gathering. Make a batch and watch them disappear!
Table of Contents
Ingredients (with Helpful Notes)
- Semisweet chocolate chips: I like using semisweet chocolate because it balances the sweetness from the marshmallows and powdered sugar.
- Creamy peanut butter: Use a classic creamy peanut butter like Skippy or Jif for the smoothest texture. Natural peanut butter can separate and may not set the same way.
- Unsalted butter: Helps create a smooth, rich chocolate peanut butter mixture.
- Mini marshmallows: You will melt most of the marshmallows into the chocolate mixture and save some to stir in at the end for extra gooey bites.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Flaky sea salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop.
- Rice Chex cereal: The classic puppy chow cereal! The squares hold onto the chocolate peanut butter coating while still adding a little crunch.
- Confectioners' sugar: Gives these treats their signature puppy chow finish. Dust generously for the best flavor.
Tips for Making Puppy Chow Marshmallow Treats
Use low heat when melting the chocolate mixture. Chocolate and peanut butter can scorch if the heat is too high, so keep the temperature low and stir often until everything is smooth.
Don't overmix the cereal. Gently fold in the Rice Chex so the pieces stay intact. You want crunchy cereal pieces throughout the treats.
Save some marshmallows for the end. Melting all of the marshmallows creates the base, but stirring in extra marshmallows after the cereal makes these treats extra gooey and fun.
Don't press the treats down too firmly. When transferring them to the pan, gently press them into an even layer. Packing them down too much will make them dense instead of soft and chewy.
Be generous with the powdered sugar. The confectioners' sugar is what gives these treats the classic puppy chow flavor and appearance. A good dusting makes them extra special.
Let them chill before cutting. Refrigerating helps the treats set so you get clean squares that hold together.
How to Store
- Because of the chocolate and peanut butter coating, these treats are best stored in the refrigerator. The chocolate mixture can get soft and melty if they sit at room temperature for too long, especially during warmer months.
- Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
Puppy Chow Marshmallow Treats
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, such as Skippy or Jif
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows, plus 1 cup, divided
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Melt the Marshmallows: Add the 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and flaky sea salt.
- Add the Cereal: Gently fold in the Rice Chex cereal until evenly coated.
- Stir in Extra Marshmallows: Fold in the remaining 1 cup mini marshmallows.
- Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and gently press into an even layer. Do not pack it down too firmly.
- Dust and Chill: Dust the top generously with confectioners' sugar. Refrigerate until set, about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Cut and Serve: Lift the treats out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use regular creamy peanut butter, not natural peanut butter, for the best texture.
- Keep the heat low when melting the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter to prevent the mixture from overheating.
- Do not skip chilling the treats. Refrigeration helps them set and makes them easier to cut.
- Store in the refrigerator so the chocolate coating stays firm and the treats don't get melty.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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Variations
- Add chocolate candies: Stir in mini chocolate chips, M&M's, or chopped peanut butter cups after adding the cereal.
- Make them extra chocolatey: Use chocolate Chex instead of Rice Chex or drizzle the finished bars with melted chocolate.
- Try a different nut butter: Swap peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor.
- Add sprinkles: Top with colorful sprinkles for birthdays, holidays, or party treats.