Name: St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
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

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St. Patrick’s Day is such a joyful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than with a sweet treat that combines festivity and fun? If you’re looking for something that’s not only delicious but also simple to whip up, the sweet, crunchy delight of St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow is here to steal the show! This no-bake snack mixes the munchiness of Chex cereal with the creamy sweetness of peanut butter and a touch of festive flair. It’s all about creating that perfect balance of chocolatey decadence and snackable crunch, making it a perfect choice for parties or that mid-afternoon snack craving.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

When I first made this delightful snack, my kitchen was filled with that irresistible mix of melted chocolate and peanut butter—a heavenly scent that promised a tasty treat. The vibrant green and sparkling gold sugars turned a classic Puppy Chow into a St. Patrick’s Day sensation! Plus, it’s a great project to involve the kids. As you mix, fold, and sprinkle, you’ll create a treat that looks almost as good as it tastes. So, get ready to roll up those sleeves because making this Puppy Chow is quick and will definitely impress your snack crew!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is a breeze!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy peanut butter and sweet almond bark create a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green and dazzling gold make this treat a showstopper at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game days, or cozy movie nights—this is an all-occasion snack!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free Chex cereal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

White almond bark – 24 ounces (divided 18oz and 6oz): This creamy coating adds a delicious sweetness and helps bind the cereal together. Almond bark holds up well at room temperature, making your treat easy to transport. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan chocolate melting wafers.
Rice Chex cereal – 11 cups (divided 8 cups and 3 cups): The perfect base for Puppy Chow, Rice Chex offers a satisfying crunch. Feel free to substitute with Corn Chex if you prefer that flavor.
Creamy peanut butter – 1/2 cup: Adds richness and creaminess that makes each bite irresistible. If you want a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead.
Green food coloring – 5-10 drops or gel equivalent: Essential for achieving that festive clover green. You can adjust the amount based on how vibrant you’d like your mix to be.
Powdered sugar – 1 cup: This sweet coating gives Puppy Chow its signature sweetness while helping to prevent clumping. It’s important to use powdered sugar, not granulated.
Gold sanding sugar – 1/4 cup: The finishing touch that adds sparkle and a bit of extra sweetness. Look for edible glitter for a fun twist, too!

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 to catch the deliciousness that will soon unfold.

Prepare Green Cereal: Place 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl, making sure it’s easy to mix later without spilling.

Melt Green Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 18 ounces of white almond bark and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir. Continue melting in 30-second bursts until it’s perfectly smooth and combined.

Color the Coating: Stir in your green food coloring, starting with a few drops and mixing until you achieve a lovely clover shade. This is where the magic happens!

Coat Green Pieces: Pour the luscious green mixture over the 8 cups of cereal. Gently fold the cereal until every piece is beautifully coated.

Add Sugar: Next, sprinkle in 1 cup of powdered sugar and fold for about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to coat the cereal evenly until it glistens with green and no clumps remain. Spread this mix onto the first sheet pan for cooling.

Prepare Gold Cereal: In a separate mixing bowl, place the remaining 3 cups of Rice Chex. It’s time to create your golden delight!

Melt Gold Coating: Using the microwave, melt the remaining 6 ounces of almond bark until smooth and perfect for drenching your Chex.

Coat Gold Pieces: Pour the melted bark over the 3 cups of cereal and stir until every piece is enveloped in that glossy, sweet goodness.

Add Gold Sparkle: Immediately sprinkle 1/4 cup of gold sanding sugar over the wet cereal and toss gently. This adds so much festivity and makes each piece catch the light beautifully.

Cool and Mix: Let both pans sit for 30-60 minutes or refrigerate for about 15 minutes until set. Break apart any clumps and mix the green and gold pieces in a large serving bowl.

Storing & Reheating

Store your St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow at room temperature in an airtight container, where it will stay fresh for up to one week. If you’d like to refrigerate it, aim for a maximum of 2 weeks in a sealed container. For those looking to keep it longer, you can freeze your Puppy Chow in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just remember that while freezing might alter the texture slightly, a quick toss can refresh it before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When melting almond bark, be careful not to overheat it; it can seize up and become grainy. Stir regularly to ensure a perfect melt.
Use fresh, dry bowls and utensils to keep moisture out; even a little water can ruin your melted chocolate consistency.
Mix the powdered sugar in small increments to make sure every Chex piece gets that sweet coating.
For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the coated cereal before it sets; this will enhance the sweetness beautifully!
If you’re planning to make this ahead of time, store the green and gold pieces separately until you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow is not just a treat; it’s an edible celebration of creativity and flavor. With vibrant colors and scrumptious textures, it’s bound to be a favorite at any gathering. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or keeping it all to yourself (we won’t judge!), this snack will undoubtedly bring joy to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Go ahead, make a batch or two, and enjoy this delightful seasonal treat!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this Puppy Chow ahead of time?

Absolutely! St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just give it a quick mix before serving to ensure everything is well blended and crunchy.

Is there a substitution for almond bark?

Yes! If you prefer, you can use chocolate melts or even a dark chocolate drizzle. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan melting chocolates.

How do I prevent clumping?

To avoid clumping, ensure that each piece of cereal is thoroughly coated in the melted mixture before adding powdered sugar. Tossing it gently but thoroughly helps keep pieces separate.

Can I customize the colors?

Definitely! If you’re hosting a themed party, feel free to adjust the food coloring to fit your celebration. Bright pinks, blues, or any festive colors will make your Puppy Chow unique to the occasion.

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St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 11 servings
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Microwave
Cuisine: American

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Description

This delightful St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow features a tasty blend of Rice Chex, creamy peanut butter, and vibrant green coloring, making it an adorable snack for any festive celebration. Easy to prepare and irresistibly flavorful, it’s a must-try treat for festive gatherings!

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

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Instructions

Line two large half-sheet pans with parchment or wax paper and set aside.
Pour 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 18 ounces of almond bark and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Heat for 60 seconds, stir, and continue to heat in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Mix in green food coloring until reaching your desired clover green shade.
Pour the green mixture over the Rice Chex and fold gently until all pieces are coated.
Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and gently fold for 3-5 minutes until the pieces appear dry and are separated. Spread onto one of the prepared sheet pans.
In another bowl, pour 3 cups of Rice Chex cereal.
Melt the remaining 6 ounces of almond bark in the microwave until smooth, then pour it over the 3 cups of Rice Chex, stirring until coated. Spread onto the second sheet pan.
Immediately sprinkle the gold sanding sugar over the coated cereal, tossing gently to cover all sides.
Allow both pans to set for 30-60 minutes (or refrigerate for 15 minutes) until hardened. Break apart any clumps and mix the green and gold pieces in a large serving bowl.

Notes

Ensure to mix the colors thoroughly for an even coating.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Adjust the amount of green food coloring based on preference for color intensity.