By After numerous rounds of testing, we've finally perfected protein puppy chow without protein powder! It's crispy, filled with clusters, and the absolute ideal sweet treat. Plus, with only 4 ingredients, kids love it and can help make it.
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Dan is a self-proclaimed puppy chow expert. I thought I was one after years of making it for a swim lesson last-day treat every summer (I taught swim lessons for 5 years). But I was wrong. Dan really is an enthusiast.
When this recipe idea came up over a year ago, we kept kicking the can down the road because we knew just how difficult it would be. With only four ingredients, it's a hard recipe to pack protein into this protein dessert without protein powder. Well, the answer was peanut butter powder. So, after seven rounds of testing, we're excited to finally share our protein puppy chow with you!
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the most important step
This recipe's #1 trick is to place your puppy chow that uses peanut butter powder into the freezer after mixing. This step is essential because it prevents sogginess and keeps the cereal extra crunchy.
just 4 ingredients (plus water)
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used if you prefer a less sweet flavor. But most peanut butter powder is roasted, so in our testing, milk chocolate was best for mellowing out that roasted flavor.
- Peanut Butter Powder: This is the key to protein puppy chow. It has a similar texture to powdered sugar, but it has double the protein of regular peanut butter and way less fat. Regular peanut butter can work, but it will reduce the protein content and alter the texture.
- Water: Used to rehydrate peanut butter powder to the right consistency. It's key that you mix the water and peanut butter before starting!! Otherwise, the Chex becomes soggy.
- Chex Cereal: Corn or rice Chex both work great and are gluten-free options.
- Powdered Sugar: Now, some recipes omit this, opting for fewer calories and such, but it is a must! It adds just the right amount of additional sweetness to create that classic puppy chow texture.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
high protein ingredient spotlight: peanut butter powder
Peanut butter powder is our protein powerhouse, boasting approximately 8 grams of protein per serving (for PBFit). It provides rich peanut flavor without added fats or oils found in traditional peanut butter, making it ideal for baking or snacking. Try it in these peanut butter protein truffles, our chocolate peanut butter rice krispies, or homemade protein Twix Bars.
here's how to make protein puppy chow
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full puppy chow recipe!
- Mix ½ cup peanut butter powder with ⅓ cup water in a small bowl.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a large bowl in the microwave.
- Combine the peanut butter and chocolate chips in the large bowl. Then, carefully add the Chex and stir gently until the cereal is fully coated.
- Coat the puppy chow with powdered sugar and peanut butter powder by shaking it all together in a large ziplock bag. Then spread onto a sheet tray to chill in the freezer.
important!!
This puppy chow is best straight from the freezer. Because of how the peanut butter powder and water react with the cereal, it starts to soften after day 3 and after being out at room temperature for very long.
quick recipe video
expert tips
- Mix gently: Stir slowly and carefully when adding the cereal to the chocolate and peanut butter mix to avoid breaking the cereal. Use a large and soft utensil to stir, like a wooden or rubber spoon.
- Embrace the clusters: To create delicious chocolatey clusters, leave some cereal pieces stuck together intentionally before freezing.
troubleshooting & testing notes
Mixing separately
Mixing peanut butter powder with water separately ensures an even coating and creamy consistency.
Microwave in rounds
It's important to microwave the chocolate chips in 30-second increments while stirring in between. This will prevent the chocolate chips from burning in the microwave.
Recipe
Protein Puppy Chow Without Protein Powder
Ingredients
- 1 cup (146g) milk chocolate chips (*see notes for using semi sweet or dark)
- ½ cup (58g) peanut butter powder
- ⅓ cup (76g) water
- 4.5 cups Chex
Coating
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (58g) peanut butter powder
Before you start!
If you make this recipe, please take a moment to leave us a review. We love to hear from you!
Instructions
- Mix ½ cup (58g) peanut butter powder with ⅓ cup (76g) water in a small bowl. It should result in a very thick peanut butter.
- Put 1 cup (146g) milk chocolate chips into a large microwave safe bowl and melt in the microwave in 30 second increments until melted. Stir in-between rounds. It takes me 4 rounds for the chocolate to melt.
- Combine the peanut butter and chocolate chips in the large bowl. Then, carefully add the 4.5 cups Chex and stir gently until the cereal is fully coated.
- Pour the coated Chex into a large ziplock bag. Then, add the ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar and ½ cup (58g) peanut butter powder. Shake the bag until the cereal is fully coated.
- IMPORTANT: Pour the puppy chow onto a sheet tray and put it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the cereal remains crispy and doesn't get soggy. Once it's at room temperature, it starts to soften quickly, so it's best kept in the freezer, NOT in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
If you like cluster puppy chow then this recipe won't let you down!
I’m living over in the UK and have been feeling nostalgic about American treats when I stumbled across your higher protein version of puppy chow!
I made it and used malt shreddies as we don’t have rice Chex here in the UK, and it was so delicious. Tastes just how I remember. Thank you for giving me a slice of home ❤️
We're so happy to help bring a bit of home!
This is for real genius. I tasted the mixture without the coating and it was heavy on the chocolate. But the combo of powdered sugar and peanut butter powder ups the peanut butter flavor while reducing the sugar. It is a great combo and doesn’t taste light, other than the texture getting soft over time. I made it with my 3 year old and she did a happy dance while eating it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Quick and easy. I used wheat Chex and dark chocolate chips. You can’t really taste the difference. It’s delicious no matter the type of Chex.
Love that!
What is the estimated serving size for the nutritional info?
about a 1/2 cup!
This was amazing!! Suprised I found such a gem of a recipe for free! Instructions were so clear and easy to understand.
That's so wonderful to hear!!
This recipe is INCREDIBLE! Been looking for ways to eat more protein without making myself miserable and this is such a great treat, even before freezing for 30 min (couldn’t help but have a taste)! So thankful for these higher protein treat recipes, thank you !
So happy to hear that! We feel the same!!
Just made it! This is such a delicious treat!
So happy to hear that!!
At first I wasn't sure before I put it in the freezer if this would be as good as regular puppy chow, but once it was frozen for 30 minutes... WOW. So good!
Isn't it good!?