Every now and then, a recipe comes along that transforms an ordinary snack into an unforgettable treat. Enter Nutella Puppy Chow—my go-to indulgence that never fails to satisfy my sweet tooth. I first tried this delightful mix during a cozy movie night with friends, and the moment that crunchy, chocolatey goodness hit my taste buds, I knew I had discovered something special.
Imagine a perfect blend of creamy Nutella and crunchy cereal, dusted with powdered sugar. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your snacking game, perfect for casual get-togethers or simply treating yourself after a long day. What I love most about Nutella Puppy Chow is how effortlessly it comes together—ready in just about 20 minutes! So whether you’re entertaining guests or looking to whip up something quick at home, this recipe delivers on flavor and nostalgia. Let’s dive into the sweet, fluffy world of Nutella Puppy Chow!
Why is Nutella Puppy Chow so irresistible?
Simplicity at its finest: With only six ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for any home cook. Decadent flavor: The rich Nutella and semi-sweet chocolate create a luscious, creamy coating that clings deliciously to the cereal. Perfect for sharing: This snack is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for parties or movie nights with friends. Versatile treat: You can customize it with your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or sprinkles, for added fun. Time-saving: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the ideal solution for those late-night cravings or unexpected guests. Enjoy this delightful treat as a sweet escape from the ordinary!
Nutella Puppy Chow Ingredients
• Get ready to indulge in this delightful blend!
For the Cereal Base
- Rice squares cereal – adds a satisfying crunch and texture.
- Corn squares cereal – provides a sweet, complementary flavor.
For the Coating
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips – creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Nutella hazelnut spread – brings a creamy, decadent chocolate hazelnut flavor that makes Nutella Puppy Chow irresistible.
For the Sweet Dusting
- Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) – gives a sweet, fluffy coating that ties the snack together beautifully.
How to Make Nutella Puppy Chow
-
Combine rice squares and corn squares cereal in a large container. This forms the crunchy base for your Nutella Puppy Chow. Give them a gentle mix to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
-
Melt the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and Nutella hazelnut spread together until smooth. Use a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler on the stovetop to create a velvety mixture that blends beautifully.
-
Pour the melted Nutella chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a spatula to stir gently or cover the container and shake it vigorously until every piece is coated in that delicious chocolatey goodness.
-
Cool the mixture for about 10 minutes. If you’d like to speed things up, pop it in the refrigerator for just 5 minutes! The mixture should feel warm but not solid.
-
Add half of the powdered sugar and cover the container again. Shake to coat the cereal mixture evenly. Let it cool for another 10 minutes, or 5 if in the fridge, to set just a little bit more.
-
Finish by adding the remaining powdered sugar and give it one last shake! At the end, you’ll have perfectly coated Nutella Puppy Chow, all ready to enjoy with friends or for a sweet snack.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an added treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Nutella Puppy Chow?
Indulge your senses with delightful pairings that elevate your Nutella Puppy Chow into a memorable spread for any occasion.
-
Fresh Strawberries: The juicy sweetness of strawberries contrasts perfectly with the rich chocolaty flavor, adding a refreshing touch to every bite.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a silky smoothness that beautifully complements the crunchy, sweet snack.
-
Coffee: A warm cup balances the sweetness of Nutella Puppy Chow, making it a perfect afternoon treat, especially for those cozy moments.
-
Nutty Trail Mix: Adding a crunchy, salty trail mix will bring in diverse textures and flavors that enhance the overall snacking experience.
-
Banana Slices: The gentle sweetness and soft texture of banana slices harmonize well, highlighting the Nutella without overpowering it.
-
Sparkling Water: A bubbly beverage lightens the palate and is refreshing alongside the rich delights of Nutella Puppy Chow, perfect for gatherings.
-
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These add a salty crunch that offers a delightful contrast to the sweet taste of the Puppy Chow, making your snack table irresistible.
-
Mini Cheesecakes: Rich, creamy cheesecakes serve as an elegant touch, their smoothness pairing wonderfully with the nutty cocoa goodness.
-
Cookies and Cream Milkshake: This indulgent drink not only satisfies cravings but also mirrors the chocolatey vibe of Nutella Puppy Chow, creating a fun dessert experience.
Make Ahead Options
Nutella Puppy Chow is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy days! You can prepare the cereal base (rice squares and corn squares) and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This way, you have a crunchy base ready to go whenever the craving strikes. You can also melt the chocolate and Nutella mixture in advance—simply cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to finish the Nutella Puppy Chow, just reheat the mixture gently until it’s pourable again and follow the last steps to coat with powdered sugar. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a delicious treat at your fingertips without any last-minute fuss!
Expert Tips for Nutella Puppy Chow
-
Melt Carefully: Avoid burning the chocolate by melting it in short intervals, stirring frequently. This ensures a smooth, luscious coating for your Nutella Puppy Chow.
-
Cool Wisely: Let the mixture cool after combining the ingredients. If it’s too warm when you add powdered sugar, it will clump instead of coating evenly.
-
Shake Well: Ensure all cereal pieces are evenly coated by shaking the container vigorously; it’s a fun step that gets everyone involved!
-
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Add your favorite nuts, mini marshmallows, or sprinkles to personalize your Nutella Puppy Chow. Just make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly to maintain balance.
-
Store Properly: Keep your Nutella Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps it fresh and crunchy!
How to Store and Freeze Nutella Puppy Chow
Room Temperature: Store your Nutella Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain its delightful crunch.
Fridge: While not necessary, you can keep Nutella Puppy Chow in the refrigerator for extended freshness. Just ensure it’s sealed well, as it may absorb other odors, lasting for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Nutella Puppy Chow in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat Nutella Puppy Chow! Enjoy it straight from the container for a quick, sweet snack any time.
Nutella Puppy Chow Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful dessert to fit your taste!
-
Nut-Free: Substitute Nutella with sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter for a nut-free alternative that still packs a punch.
-
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips alongside coconut cream blended into the Nutella for a rich, dairy-free treat!
-
Flavor Boost: Incorporate a dash of sea salt or espresso powder into the melted chocolate mixture to enhance the flavors and add a sophisticated twist.
-
Texture Twist: For extra crunch, fold in some chopped pretzels or peanuts just before coating with powdered sugar, creating a delightful mix of sweet and salty.
-
Add Some Fruit: Toss in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries after coating for a chewy burst of flavor and a pop of color.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top once cooled to elevate this treat’s visual appeal and taste!
-
Coconut Lover: Mix in some sweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair that complements the Nutella beautifully, providing both flavor and texture.
-
Spicy Kick: For those who dare, add a sprinkle of cayenne or chili powder to the chocolate mixture for a surprising heat that will wake up your taste buds!
Nutella Puppy Chow Recipe FAQs
What type of cereal should I use for the best texture?
Absolutely! For the best texture in your Nutella Puppy Chow, I recommend using rice squares and corn squares cereal. The rice squares provide a delightful crunch, while the corn squares add a sweet flavor that complements the Nutella wonderfully. If you prefer, you can experiment with other cereals like Chex or Puffins, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary.
How long can I store Nutella Puppy Chow?
You can store your Nutella Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep it fresh and crunchy for a longer time, consider placing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to seal it well to prevent it from absorbing any other odors.
Can I freeze Nutella Puppy Chow, and if so, how?
Yes! You can freeze Nutella Puppy Chow for up to 3 months. To do this, simply place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it at room temperature for a couple of hours. Enjoying it straight from the container as a quick treat is a joy!
What if my Nutella Puppy Chow clumps together?
Don’t worry! If you notice clumps forming while mixing in the powdered sugar, it’s likely because the mixture was too warm. To fix this, allow the mixture to cool for a bit longer before shaking in the powdered sugar. Also, giving it a vigorous shake can help break up any clumps. Remember, you want it to be just warm enough to coat the cereal without clumping—practice makes perfect!
Is Nutella Puppy Chow safe for kids and pets?
Nutella Puppy Chow is a delightful treat for kids, but it’s essential to keep it away from pets, especially dogs. While Nutella itself contains ingredients that are not toxic to dogs, excessive sugar isn’t healthy for them. If you know any friends or family with allergies, be mindful of the ingredients here, especially the nuts. Consider making a nut-free version using just the cereals and chocolate coating for safe snacking!
Nutella Puppy Chow Bliss: A Sweet Snack You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine rice squares and corn squares cereal in a large container. This forms the crunchy base for your Nutella Puppy Chow. Give them a gentle mix to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
- Melt the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and Nutella hazelnut spread together until smooth using short bursts in a microwave or a double boiler.
- Pour the melted Nutella chocolate mixture over the cereal. Stir gently or cover the container and shake it vigorously until every piece is coated.
- Cool the mixture for about 10 minutes, or place it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
- Add half of the powdered sugar and cover the container again. Shake to coat the cereal mixture evenly. Cool for another 10 minutes.
- Finish by adding the remaining powdered sugar and give it one last shake! Enjoy your Nutella Puppy Chow.