There are two kinds of people in the world. People who say they don’t like sweet snacks. And people who finish a bowl of this dark chocolate almond butter puppy chow and ask what’s in it like it was an accident.
This is puppy chow grown up just enough to feel intentional. Dark chocolate instead of milk. Almond butter instead of peanut butter. Cocoa-forward, lightly sweet, and deeply snackable. The kind of thing you make “for later” and then keep circling back to until the bowl is mysteriously empty.
It’s nostalgic, but not juvenile. Pantry-friendly, but smug about it. Exactly the kind of snack that belongs on a coffee table next to a candle you lit for no reason.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Barely sweet, deeply chocolatey
Dark chocolate and cocoa powder keep this from tipping into sugar overload. - Pantry snack, dinner party confidence
It looks casual, tastes considered, and disappears fast. - No-bake, low-effort, high reward
Fifteen minutes, one bowl, zero oven. - Flexible and forgiving
Easy to tweak sweeter, darker, or more bitter depending on your mood. - Adult snack energy
This pairs better with coffee or red wine than a juice box.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
If you want this less sweet, bump the cocoa powder up to one-third cup and shave a bit off the powdered sugar. It leans closer to a chocolate-covered espresso bean vibe.
For extra depth, add a pinch of espresso powder to the sugar mixture. Not enough to scream coffee. Just enough to whisper it.
Almond butter gives this a toasty, slightly bitter edge, but it also works beautifully with cashew butter or sunflower seed butter if you need it nut-free. The structure stays the same. The personality shifts slightly.
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and it keeps well for several days, assuming you have any self-control.
How to Serve It
Set it out in a shallow bowl. Let a little cocoa dust land on the table. Add olives or salted nuts nearby so it feels intentional instead of chaotic.
This is a great “something sweet” to follow a casual dinner or to park next to the couch when everyone’s pretending they’re done eating.
FAQ
Is puppy chow the same as muddy buddies?
Yes. Different name, same beloved chaos. This version just wears darker colors and listens to better music.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free dark chocolate and swap the butter for a neutral plant-based alternative. The texture stays glossy and rich.
Does this need to be refrigerated?
No. Room temperature is ideal. Refrigeration can make the coating dull and overly firm.
Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Puppy Chow
Ingredients
Main
- 6 cups rice square cereal
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips 70–75% cacao
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder Dutch-process preferred
Instructions
- Add the cereal to a large heatproof bowl and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate chips, almond butter, and butter together, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and flaky sea salt.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold until evenly coated, taking care not to crush the cereal.
- In a large zip-top bag or bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Add the coated cereal, seal or cover, and shake gently until fully dusted.
- Spread the puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool completely before serving.