S’mores Puppy Chow is the snack mix I make every single time summer rolls around and nobody wants to deal with a campfire.
It takes the classic chocolate and peanut butter puppy chow everyone already loves and folds in Golden Grahams, mini marshmallows, and chunks of milk chocolate so every handful tastes like a s’more.
You do not need an oven, a fire pit, or even fifteen minutes of your afternoon. Just a microwave, a big bowl, and a gallon size bag.
My kids ask for this one by name now, and it disappears within a day whenever I bring it to a potluck.
Once you see how easy it comes together, it might just become your new go to snack for road trips, movie nights, and lazy weekends too.
If you love easy no bake treats like this one, you will also want to try my Smores Cookies Recipe, which brings all of that same campfire flavor into a soft baked cookie.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 18 servings (about 9 cups) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This S’mores Puppy Chow
This snack mix checks every box when you need something fast, crowd pleasing, and completely fuss free.
It comes together in one bowl and one bag, with zero baking involved.
The flavor is exactly what you want from a s’more: toasty graham, gooey marshmallow, and rich chocolate in every single bite.
It also travels beautifully, which makes it perfect for camping trips, lunchboxes, and car rides. You can make a big batch ahead of time and it holds up well for days.
- No oven required, just a microwave and a few minutes of stirring
- Tastes like a real s’more without needing a campfire
- Great for parties, potlucks, and after school snacking
- Easy to double for a crowd
- Kid friendly recipe that little hands can help assemble
For another cozy chocolate treat that skips the oven entirely, check out my Smores Brownie Pie Recipe.
Ingredients
Everything in this recipe is easy to find at any regular grocery store, and most of it is probably already in your pantry.
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Golden Grahams cereal, divided
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows, divided
- 2 sheets graham crackers, broken into small pieces
- 2 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each), broken into chunks
Another favorite: Snack Mix Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You only need a handful of basic tools for this recipe, and there is a good chance most of them are already sitting in your kitchen.
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave safe bowl
- Gallon size food storage bags
- Parchment paper
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Read Also: Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few products I personally reach for whenever I make this recipe, based on years of trial and error in my own kitchen.
1. Golden Grahams Cereal
Golden Grahams is what gives this puppy chow its true graham cracker flavor, and I always keep a couple boxes on hand for recipes like this one.
The honey toasted taste holds up well even after it gets coated in the chocolate mixture.
2. Ghirardelli Semisweet Chocolate Chips
A higher quality chocolate chip melts smoother and coats the cereal more evenly than budget options.
I find this makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and texture once everything sets.
3. Gallon Size Resealable Storage Bags
Sturdy, leak proof bags make the powdered sugar coating step so much easier and far less messy.
I always keep a box of these specifically for puppy chow and other no bake snack mixes.
4. Glass Mixing Bowl Set
A nesting set of glass bowls is genuinely one of my most used kitchen items, and it makes melting the chocolate mixture in the microwave simple since glass heats evenly.
It also makes portioning the cereal into batches much easier.
I learned how much a good chocolate base matters while working on my Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe, and the same principle applies here.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make S’mores Puppy Chow
Follow these steps closely and you will have a perfect batch of s’mores puppy chow in under thirty minutes, including chill time.
1. Prepare Your Workspace
- Line a large baking sheet or countertop area with parchment paper. This gives you a spot to spread the coated cereal out to cool later.
- Set out a large mixing bowl for the cereal and a separate microwave safe bowl for the chocolate mixture.
- Measure out 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal and 2 cups of the Golden Grahams cereal into the large mixing bowl. Set aside the remaining 1 cup of Golden Grahams for later.
- Measure out 1 cup of the mini marshmallows and set the remaining 1/2 cup aside for the topping.
2. Melt The Chocolate Mixture
- In the microwave safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir well.
- If the mixture is not fully smooth, return it to the microwave in 15 to 20 second bursts, stirring after each one, until it is completely melted and glossy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract once the mixture is smooth. This adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
3. Coat The Cereal
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex and Golden Grahams in the large mixing bowl.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cereal until every piece is evenly coated in chocolate. Work slowly so the cereal does not crumble.
- Fold in the 1 cup of mini marshmallows you set aside earlier, stirring just until they are lightly coated and distributed through the mixture.
4. Add The Powdered Sugar
- Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon size resealable storage bag.
- Add the powdered sugar to the bag, then seal it tightly, pressing out as much air as possible.
- Shake the bag vigorously until every piece of cereal is fully coated in a smooth, even layer of powdered sugar.
5. Cool And Finish The Mix
- Pour the coated cereal out onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Let it sit undisturbed for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has firmed up and is no longer tacky to the touch.
- Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl.
6. Add The S’mores Toppings
- Add the remaining 1 cup of Golden Grahams cereal directly into the bowl with the cooled puppy chow.
- Sprinkle in the remaining 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows.
- Scatter the broken graham cracker pieces and chocolate candy bar chunks over the top.
- Gently toss everything together with a spatula or clean hands until the toppings are evenly distributed throughout the mix.
Once your puppy chow base is finished, this same coating method works beautifully in my Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats Recipe if you want to try a fruity twist next.
Tips for The Best S’mores Puppy Chow
A few small details make a big difference in how this snack mix turns out, so keep these tips in mind as you go.
- Work quickly once the chocolate mixture is ready, since it starts to firm up the longer it sits.
- Fold the cereal gently rather than stirring hard, since Chex and Golden Grahams both break apart easily.
- Let the mixture cool completely before adding the fresh Golden Grahams and marshmallow topping, or the toppings will melt into the mix.
- Use a large enough bag so you have room to shake the cereal freely for even powdered sugar coverage.
- Double the batch if you are serving a crowd or packing individual snack bags for a trip.
Similar melting techniques come up often in warm drink recipes too, like my Smores Hot Chocolate Recipe, which uses the same chocolate and marshmallow flavor combination.
Serving Suggestions
This puppy chow is fantastic served straight from a big bowl at parties, but there are a few fun ways to dress it up.
- Scoop it into small paper cups or mason jars for easy grab and go portions at a party.
- Pack it into snack size bags for lunchboxes, road trips, or hiking day trips.
- Serve it alongside a mug of Hot Chocolate With Marshmallows for a full cozy dessert spread.
- Add a scoop on top of vanilla ice cream for a fun crunchy topping.
- Set it out in a big bowl next to other movie night snacks for a build your own treat table.
Variations of S’mores Puppy Chow
One of the best things about puppy chow is how easy it is to customize once you have the base method down.
- Swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you need a nut free version.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter, creamier coating.
- Add a handful of mini pretzels for a salty and sweet crunch.
- Mix in Teddy Grahams instead of broken graham cracker pieces for a fun textural twist.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips along with the toppings for even more chocolate in every bite.
I used a similar swap idea while developing my No Bake Cheesecake Recipe, where a simple ingredient change completely shifts the flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
This snack mix stores easily, which makes it perfect for prepping ahead of a party or trip.
- Store the puppy chow in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If your kitchen runs warm, keep it in the refrigerator instead so the chocolate coating stays firm.
- You can freeze it in an airtight, freezer safe storage container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- This recipe does not require any reheating, since it is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
For another make ahead treat that stores just as easily, take a look at my Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe.
Nutritional Facts
These values are approximate and are calculated per serving, based on a batch that yields about 18 servings.
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fiber: 1g
Nutritional values can shift depending on which chocolate chips or peanut butter brand you use, so treat these numbers as a general guide rather than an exact count.
For a deeper dive into a fudge style dessert with similar numbers, my Fantasy Fudge Recipe has a full breakdown as well.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While this is very much a treat, a few of the ingredients do offer some genuine nutritional upside.
- Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats that help take the edge off sugar cravings.
- Rice Chex is a low fat cereal base that keeps the overall mix lighter than many other candy based snacks.
- Milk and dark chocolate both contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which support heart health in moderation.
- Marshmallows are low in fat, which helps balance out the richer chocolate and peanut butter portions of the mix.
If you enjoy learning how everyday ingredients fit into treats like this, you might also like my Peanut Butter Pie Recipe, which leans on similar pantry staples.
FAQs About S’mores Puppy Chow
1. Can I make S’mores Puppy Chow ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for making ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, and it will taste just as fresh the day you serve it.
2. What can I use instead of Golden Grahams cereal?
Crushed graham crackers work well as a substitute if you cannot find Golden Grahams cereal.
You will lose a bit of the crunch, so add them gently at the very end so they do not turn to crumbs.
3. Why is my chocolate coating clumping instead of coating evenly?
This usually happens when the cereal is added to the chocolate mixture while it is too hot, or when the mixture is overheated and starts to seize.
Stick to short microwave bursts and stir often for the smoothest coating.
4. Can I make this recipe nut free?
Absolutely. Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or a similar nut free spread, and double check that your chocolate chips and cereal are processed in a nut free facility if that is a concern for you.
5. How do I keep the powdered sugar from making a mess?
A large, sturdy gallon size bag is the key. Seal it tightly, press out the air, and shake instead of stir so the sugar coats everything without escaping into your kitchen.
Once you have mastered the shaking method here, it translates directly into other no bake recipes, including my Chocolate Truffles Recipe.
S’mores Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Golden Grahams cereal, divided
- 1.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1.5 cups mini marshmallows, divided
- 2 sheets graham crackers, broken into small pieces
- 2 bars milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 oz each), broken into chunks
Method
- Line a large baking sheet or countertop area with parchment paper to give you a spot to spread the coated cereal out to cool later.
- Set out a large mixing bowl for the cereal and a separate microwave safe bowl for the chocolate mixture.
- Measure 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal and 2 cups of the Golden Grahams cereal into the large mixing bowl. Set aside the remaining 1 cup of Golden Grahams for later.
- Measure 1 cup of the mini marshmallows and set the remaining 1/2 cup aside for the topping.
- In the microwave safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir well. If not fully smooth, return to the microwave in 15 to 20 second bursts, stirring after each one, until completely melted and glossy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract once the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex and Golden Grahams in the large mixing bowl.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cereal until every piece is evenly coated in chocolate, working slowly so the cereal does not crumble.
- Fold in the 1 cup of reserved mini marshmallows, stirring just until they are lightly coated and distributed through the mixture.
- Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon size resealable storage bag.
- Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it tightly, and press out as much air as possible.
- Shake the bag vigorously until every piece of cereal is fully coated in a smooth, even layer of powdered sugar.
- Pour the coated cereal onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Let it sit undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has firmed up and is no longer tacky to the touch.
- Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of Golden Grahams cereal directly into the bowl with the cooled puppy chow.
- Sprinkle in the remaining 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows, then scatter the broken graham cracker pieces and chocolate candy bar chunks over the top.
- Gently toss everything together with a spatula or clean hands until the toppings are evenly distributed throughout the mix.
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
S’mores Puppy Chow is one of those recipes that feels like a little bit of magic every time I make it.
It takes almost no effort, yet it disappears faster than almost anything else I bring to a gathering.
Once you try the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallow, and graham in one crunchy bite, you will understand why it has become such a staple in our house.
Give this recipe a try the next time you need an easy snack for a party, a road trip, or just a quiet night at home.
I would love to hear how yours turns out, so drop a comment below or share a photo if you make it.
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