Protein Puppy Chow
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This protein puppy chow is a healthy twist on the classic muddy buddies snack! Made with natural peanut butter, a boost of protein powder, and crunchy cereal, it's a quick, gluten-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and adds extra protein.
Quick Look: Protein Puppy Chow
- 🕒 Total Time: 15 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 12
- 📊 Calories: 169 per serving
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For more snack and healthier dessert ideas, be sure to check out my Lower Calorie Protein Balls and my Pumpkin Protein Balls!
Why You'll Love This Protein Puppy Chow Recipe
- Easy Dessert Option - This is the perfect recipe if you need just a little something sweet.
- No Bake Snack/Treat - This requires no baking and is so quick and easy to make.
- Healthier Balance - When compared to regular puppy chow, this recipe uses natural peanut butter, less powdered sugar, and adds protein powder to make it more nutritionally balanced.
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Select Ingredients
- Chex rice cereal - I prefer Chex in this recipe, but feel free to swap out with a similar cereal if desired. All Chex cereals are gluten free except for the wheat Chex.
- Natural peanut butter - this thins out well when heated
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips - you can use alternate options here like milk chocolate or vegan chocolate.
- Protein powder - I typically use vanilla flavored but you can use chocolate, peanut butter, or unflavored as well.
- Powdered sugar - I use regular powdered sugar but you could swap this out for a lower sugar option like Swerve.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Tips & Variations
➡️ Let the final product cool before storing - Make sure the liquid layer has cooled completely before storing, otherwise the cereal can become soggy.
➡️ Refrigerate & Store - I keep this recipe in the refrigerator because I think it tastes great cold. You can store this in an airtight container for about 1 week.
➡️ Packaging - You can place individual servings in small containers to take a healthy snack or treat on the go!
How To Make Protein Puppy Chow
Step 1: Melt the chocolate and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl according to instructions below. Add to chex cereal and stir until coated.
Step 2: Pour the mixture onto a flat tray and spread out into a single layer and let cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: One cooled, add to a large ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar and protein powder and shake up well.
Step 4: Let sit for a few minutes and then serve or place in an airtight container.
You can use any protein powder you like! Vanilla or chocolate whey or plant-based powders work well. Just make sure it mixes smoothly and complements the chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
You can! Try using a blend of protein powder, or powdered peanut butter (PB2) to coat instead of sugar for a lower-sugar option. You can also check out products like Swerve if you want less sugar.
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate it for a longer shelf life. But it probably won't last that long before you eat it all!
Check out my Wholesome Meals Made Easy meal planning app for easy, healthy dinner recipes your whole crew will actually love. It's like having a dietitian in your back pocket - quick, balanced, and family-approved!
Other Healthier Snack & Desserts
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Protein Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 3 cup Chex rice cereal
- ½ cup Natural peanut butter
- ½ cup Semi sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup Powdered sugar
- ½ cup Protein powder can use vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, or unflavored
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the Chex cereal and set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, add the natural peanut butter and chocolate chips and heat for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave, stir, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds and stir. Continue this until totally melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the dry Chex cereal. Mix well, being careful not crush the cereal.
- Pour the mixture onto a flat tray and spread out into a single layer and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- One cooled, add to a large ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar and protein powder and shake up well.
- Enjoy!
My family's favorite treat that we can feel a little better about! We've been making this and tripling the batch and it's gone in no time! So tasty!!
nice!
I love soup and this is going to be one of my favorite 👍👍
This is delicious I wanted to give it a 5/5 but I couldn’t get the last star to click😆
The best sweet treat!