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–+ servings

Puppy Chow Bars

5 from 4 votes
Puppy Chow Bar on its Side
These puppy chow bars fall somewhere between puppy chow and a rice crispy treat. Whether you're team muddy buddies or team puppy chow, this recipe is a crowd favorite everyone will love! This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Author: Lindsey Jenkins
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Serving Size 16 bars

Ingredients
 

  • 4 cups crispy brown rice cereal
  • 3/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 Tablespoons dairy-free butter or substitute
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar optional
  • Pinch of salt only if your peanut butter isn’t salted

Instructions

  • Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Add the cereal to a large bowl and set aside.
  • Melt the chocolate using one of the methods mentioned above. Once melted, add in the peanut butter, butter, vanilla (and salt if using). Stir until well combined.
  • Add the chocolate mixture to the bowl of cereal and mix until the cereal is well coated.
  • Press the puppy chow mixture into the parchment-lined pan forming an even layer and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
  • Put the pan in the fridge to firm up before serving (about 1 hour).
  • Cut into squares and store in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Take out a few minutes before serving to soften.

Notes

SUBSTITUTIONS:
No peanut butter? - sub almond or cashew butter.
Nut-free? - use sunflower seed butter. Because sunflower seeds are less sweet than peanuts, you'll likely want to add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey which you'll add in at the same time as the sun butter.
No brown rice cereal? - use another plain gluten-free cereal. Even if it's in the shape of 'O's, they'll still taste great. Just make sure to buy plain cereal (not flavored). Rice Krispie cereal will work, but it's not gluten-free if that matters to you.
No chocolate chips? - use a 60% cacao chocolate bar instead.
No dairy-free butter? - You can either use refined coconut oil (for no coconut taste) or use real butter if you consume dairy.
No vanilla extract? - Just leave it out.
No powdered sugar? - It won't have that puppy chow look, but you can leave it out. It'll still taste delicious.