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Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow | Sweet, Crunchy & Festive Fall Treat

Puppy Chow (also called Muddy Buddies) is already a classic snack mix—crispy cereal coated in chocolate, nut butter, or sugar and shaken until irresistibly crunchy. But when fall rolls around, it’s time to give it a seasonal twist. Enter: Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow. This autumn-inspired version uses white chocolate, pumpkin pie spice, orange food coloring, and a dusting of powdered sugar to create a sweet, crunchy, and festive mix that screams fall. Sprinkled with colorful nonpareils for a playful touch, this snack mix is perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or cozy nights by the fire. It’s no-bake, fun to make, and even more fun to eat. Let’s dive into how to make this festive fall snack!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base:
  • 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
Coating:
  • 8 oz white chocolate
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • Orange food coloring gel or liquid, optional
Finish:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ⅓ cup nonpareils fall colors preferred

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Microwave-safe bowl (or double boiler)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large zip-top bag or lidded container (for shaking with sugar)
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Cereal
  1. Place Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Melt White Chocolate
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  2. Stir in pumpkin pie spice and a few drops of orange food coloring until evenly colored.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
  1. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal.
  2. Stir gently until cereal pieces are evenly coated.
Step 4: Shake with Powdered Sugar
  1. Transfer coated cereal into a large zip-top bag.
  2. Add powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake until cereal is fully coated.
Step 5: Add Festive Touches
  1. Spread Puppy Chow on parchment to cool and set.
  2. Sprinkle with nonpareils before the chocolate fully hardens.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
  1. Break apart into clusters and transfer to a bowl for serving.
  2. Store extras for later snacking.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in zip-top bags for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Not needed—simply thaw and enjoy.
🥄 Variations
Pumpkin Spice Latte Chow: Add ½ tsp instant espresso powder to the white chocolate.
Nutty Mix: Add roasted pecans or almonds for crunch.
Chocolate-Pumpkin Combo: Use half white chocolate and half milk chocolate.
Holiday Swap: Replace orange coloring with red and green for Christmas.
Candy Mix-In: Stir in candy corn, Reese’s Pieces, or M&Ms for extra fun.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but white chocolate highlights the pumpkin spice flavor better.
Do I have to add food coloring?
No, it’s optional, but it makes the mix festive and fall-colored.
Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely—just stick with cereal, chocolate, and sugar.
How do I prevent clumps?
Shake with powdered sugar while the mixture is still slightly warm.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes, they’ll love shaking the bag and sprinkling nonpareils.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
Mix ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger, and a pinch of cloves.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, just use an extra-large bowl and shake in batches.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Definitely—it keeps crunchy and fresh when frozen.
What’s the best way to gift this?
Package in mason jars or clear treat bags tied with fall-themed ribbon.
Can I add marshmallows?
Yes, mini marshmallows make a fun and chewy add-in.
🏁 Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow is everything you love about classic Puppy Chow, but with a cozy fall twist. With white chocolate, pumpkin spice, and festive orange coloring, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving snacks, or seasonal gifting, this recipe is quick, fun, and sure to impress. One handful won’t be enough—make a double batch, because this fall treat disappears fast!