Description
These No-Bake Puppy Chow Bars are a quick, easy, and delicious treat combining crunchy Rice Chex cereal with a rich, creamy peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow coating, finished with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Perfect for a snack or dessert without any oven time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 7 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (258g)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (57g)
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (31g)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Measure Cereal: Pour 7 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside while you prepare the coating.
- Melt Coating Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine ¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until everything is fully melted, smooth, and well combined. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Combine Cereal & Coating: Pour the warm melted mixture evenly over the Rice Chex cereal in the large bowl. Gently fold and toss with a spatula to ensure every piece of cereal is thoroughly coated in the chocolate and peanut butter mixture.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a large resealable plastic bag. Add ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar to the bag, seal tightly, then shake vigorously for several minutes until the cereal is evenly dusted with the sugar, giving it a lightly powdered finish.
- Press & Chill: Pour the sugar-coated cereal from the bag into the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spatula or clean hands, firmly and evenly press the mixture down to compact it into an even layer. Cover lightly and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, until the mixture is completely firm.
- Cut & Serve: Once firm, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the bars out of the pan onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into your preferred bar sizes, such as 1×2 inch rectangles. Serve immediately and enjoy your no-bake treat!
Notes
- For easier cutting, warm the knife slightly with hot water and dry it before slicing to prevent sticking.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh for up to one week.
- You can substitute peanut butter with any other nut or seed butter as per dietary preferences or allergies.
- Adding a pinch of salt to the melted mixture can enhance the flavor balance if desired.
- Ensure to stir constantly when melting the mixture to avoid burning the marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no bake bars, puppy chow bars, peanut butter bars, no bake dessert, chocolate peanut butter bars, marshmallow treat, Chex mix bars, easy dessert
