Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful, crunchy snack that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. This fun twist on the classic puppy chow is quick to make, visually appealing with its soft green hue, and perfect for parties, movie nights, or gifting. With creamy white chocolate and rich pistachio flavor, it’s irresistible in every bite.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (optional)

Instructions for Pistachio Puppy Chow

1. Prep the Cereal
   Place 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Melt Butter
   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in 30-second intervals until fully melted.
3. Combine White Chocolate and Condensed Milk
   Add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter. Microwave in 15–20 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
4. Add Pudding Mix and Vanilla
   Stir in the 3.4 oz pistachio pudding mix and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Coat the Cereal
   Pour the pistachio mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until every piece is coated.
6. Add Powdered Sugar
   Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake until evenly coated.
7. Optional Pistachio Topping
   Sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed pistachios into the bag and give it a final gentle shake.
8. Serve and Enjoy
   Pour into a serving bowl immediately, or store in an airtight container for later snacking.

Pro Tips

• Melt Chocolate Slowly: Avoid overheating white chocolate to prevent it from seizing.
• Cool Before Sugaring: Let the chocolate-coated cereal cool slightly so powdered sugar sticks properly.
• Cereal Choice: Rice Chex works best, but Crispix or Corn Chex are excellent alternatives.

Why This Recipe Works

• Pistachio pudding mix not only adds flavor but helps the coating adhere to cereal due to its cornstarch content.
• White chocolate melts smoothly with butter, ensuring a creamy, even coating.
• Rice Chex cereal traps the chocolate-pistachio mixture in its ridges, keeping it crunchy.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap white chocolate for almond bark or vanilla chips.
• Add mini marshmallows, freeze-dried raspberries, or M&Ms for extra color and texture.
• Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a deeper nutty flavor.
• Omit crushed pistachios for a smoother texture.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Keep coated cereal fully cooled before storing to maintain crunchiness.
• Freeze in zip-top bags for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Ideas for Pistachio Puppy Chow

• Pair with salty pretzels or popcorn for a sweet and salty snack.
• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or tea.
• Add to snack boards with fresh fruit and cheese for parties.
• Perfect for gifting in decorative jars or bags.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 29g
• Fat: 11g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other pudding flavors?
Yes! Vanilla, white chocolate, or banana pudding are delicious alternatives.

Is this gluten-free?
If using gluten-free Rice Chex and pudding mix, this recipe is gluten-free.

Can I use a different cereal?
Yes! Crispix or Corn Chex can be used instead of Rice Chex.

How long does it last?
Store up to 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature.

This Pistachio Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy, and fun snack that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for any occasion, it delivers a nostalgic yet grown-up twist with buttery pistachio flavor. Try it for your next party, movie night, or gift, and enjoy the delightful crunch in every bite.

Pistachio Puppy Chow

Olivia taling

This Pistachio Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy no-bake snack made with Rice Chex cereal, creamy white chocolate, and pistachio pudding mix for a nutty twist. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for parties, gifting, or movie nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• large mixing bowl
• microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula
• zip-top bag
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3.4 oz instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (optional)

Instructions

 

• Place Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
• Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until fully melted.
• Add white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter. Microwave in 15–20 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
• Stir in pistachio pudding mix and vanilla extract until fully combined.
• Pour the pistachio mixture over the cereal and gently fold until evenly coated.
• Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until well coated.
• Add crushed pistachios if using and gently shake again. Pour into a serving bowl and enjoy.

Notes

Melt white chocolate slowly to prevent seizing. Allow coated cereal to cool slightly before adding powdered sugar for best coverage. Store fully cooled puppy chow in an airtight container up to 1 week. Customize with crushed pistachios or other mix-ins as desired.

Keyword muddy buddies pistachio, no bake snack mix, pistachio puppy chow, white chocolate chex mix

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?