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That chocolate smell grabs you before you've even tasted this Brownie Batter Puppy Chow. This snack turns ordinary cereal into something special – a crunchy, chocolate-covered treat that feels like sneaking a taste from the brownie mixing bowl. I've tweaked this recipe during countless TV binges and snack cravings until I found just the right mix that gives you true brownie batter flavor in every handful.
Key Ingredients
- Chocolate Chex Cereal: This boosts the brownie taste. Regular Chex works too but gives a different flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: These add richness that milk chocolate just can't give you. Try Ghirardelli 60% for the best flavor.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds a hint of nuttiness and helps everything stick together. The natural kind works but might feel a bit different.
- Cocoa Powder: Go for Dutch-processed for the strongest chocolate kick. Look for the darkest color you can find.
- Brown Sugar: Those molasses hints really make it taste like brownie batter. Don't forget to pack it down when measuring.
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Step-by-Step Guide
- Chocolate Melting Technique
- Put chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a bowl safe for the microwave.
- Warm up in 30-second bursts, always stirring between.
- Stop when the chips look about 80% melted.
- Keep stirring until completely smooth.
- The bowl's warmth will finish the job without burning anything.
- Perfect Cereal Coating
- Get a big mixing bowl with plenty of space to move things around.
- Pour your warm chocolate mix over the cereal.
- Fold with a rubber spatula, bringing bottom bits to the top.
- Keep going until all pieces look evenly covered.
- Don't dawdle or the chocolate will start hardening.
- Creating Brownie Batter Magic
- Mix cocoa powder with both sugars in another bowl.
- Dust this over your chocolate-covered cereal.
- Toss everything carefully until it looks even.
- This combo is what makes it taste like real brownie batter.
- Throw in sprinkles while everything's still sticky.
- Final Powdered Touch
- Dump the mix into a paper bag or container with a lid.
- Add half the powdered sugar first.
- Shake it up good.
- Add the rest of the sugar and shake again.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before digging in.
Colorful Twists
Want to make it festive? Just swap out regular sprinkles for holiday colors – try orange and black for Halloween or red and green at Christmas time. These colors make it even harder to resist.
Keeping It Fresh
Nobody ever leaves any at my house, but sticking it in the fridge actually makes the brownie flavor pop even more and stops any melting when it's hot out.
Pro Pointers
- Cover Your Counter: Put down parchment paper so cleanup's a breeze.
- Wait Till It's Cold: Don't seal it up until it's completely cool or it'll get soggy.
- Make It Richer: Toss in some mini chocolate chips at the end.
This easy but totally satisfying treat has become what everyone expects me to bring to parties. There's something fun about turning everyday cereal into something that tastes like forbidden brownie batter – without worrying about raw eggs. Every crunchy piece gives you a little moment of pure joy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use plain Chex instead of Chocolate Chex?
- Sure, swap Chocolate Chex for 8 cups of plain Rice Chex or similar cereal if needed.
- → What’s better: Dutch processed or regular cocoa powder?
- Dutch cocoa is less bitter than regular cocoa, but both work fine here.
- → How long does this snack stay fresh?
- It’ll keep for one week in a sealed container at room temperature.
- → Do I really need chocolate sprinkles?
- Nope! They’re just for fun and extra crunch, but you can skip them.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
- Yes! Make it up to a week early and keep it sealed until serving.