S’mores Puppy Chow That Breaks the Internet: Campfire Flavor, Zero Campfire

You don’t need a bonfire to crush your cravings—just a bowl and five minutes. S’mores Puppy Chow is the snack that makes people ask, “Wait, how is this so good?” and then immediately ask for the recipe. It’s crunchy, chocolatey, marshmallow-y chaos in the best way possible, and it disappears faster than you can say “don’t eat it all.” Bring it to a party and it’s gone.

Make it at home and, well, you’ve been warned.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

All the s’mores flavor, zero mess: Sticky fingers are cute at a campfire—not so much at your kitchen table. This recipe gives you chocolate, graham, and marshmallow in every bite without the gooey cleanup.
Fast and foolproof: It’s a no-bake, low-stress recipe. Melt, mix, shake, done.
Perfect for last-minute treats or late-night snack attacks.
Big-batch friendly: Doubles like a champ and packs well for road trips, game nights, and post-dinner “I need something sweet” moments.
Texture heaven: Crunchy cereal + melty chocolate + soft mini marshmallows = addictive. You’ve been warned (again).
Kid- and adult-approved: Nostalgia for the grown-ups, candy magic for the kids. Everyone wins.

Ingredients

9 cups crispy rice or corn square cereal (like Chex)
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers (about 10 full sheets), plus extra for garnish
2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolate pops)
Pinch of kosher salt

Let’s Get Cooking – Instructions

Prep the mix-ins: Add cereal to a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine powdered sugar and crushed graham crackers. Set both aside.
Melt the magic: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy.
Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Coat the cereal: Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a spatula to fold gently until every piece is lightly coated. Try not to crush the cereal—this is not mashed potatoes.
Shake it up: Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag.
Add the powdered sugar–graham mixture. Seal and shake like you mean it until everything is dusted and clump-free.
Marshmallow moment: Pour the mixture back into the bowl. Fold in mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips.
Sprinkle extra graham crumbs on top if you’re feeling dramatic.
Set and snack: Spread onto a parchment-lined sheet to set for 10–15 minutes. Once the coating firms up, serve or stash for later (if you have that kind of self-control).

Keeping It Fresh

Room temp is best: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–5 days. The marshmallows stay soft and the cereal stays crisp.
Skip the fridge: Refrigeration can make the cereal stale and the chocolate weirdly hard.
Not the vibe.
Freeze for emergencies: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp. It’s your dessert first-aid kit.
Re-crisp hack: If it softens, toss with a tablespoon or two of fresh powdered sugar and graham crumbs to revive the crunch.

Nutritional Perks

Let’s be honest: this is a treat.

But there are a few wins here. The peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, which help keep you fuller than straight candy. Using semi-sweet chocolate gives you antioxidant-rich cocoa without being cloying.

And portioning into small cups or bags keeps things reasonable—because self-control isn’t always included, FYI.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overheating the chocolate: It scorches fast. Use short microwave bursts and stir often. If it’s thick, add 1–2 teaspoons neutral oil to loosen.
Skipping the salt: A tiny pinch makes the chocolate taste richer and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Don’t skip it.
Adding marshmallows too soon: Hot chocolate mixture = melted marshmallow blobs. Cute, but not ideal. Let the coated cereal cool slightly first.
Crushing the cereal: Fold gently.
Broken pieces absorb too much chocolate and turn dense instead of crispy.
Not mixing the coatings: Powdered sugar alone is fine; powdered sugar + graham crumbs is elite. It’s the s’mores flavor bridge—use it.

Mix It Up

Campfire Crunch: Add 1 cup of crushed pretzels for salty-sweet magic.
Cookies & Cream S’mores: Swap 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar for crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
Almond Joy Vibes: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut and use almond butter instead of peanut butter.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cereal and GF graham-style cookies. Flavor stays, gluten goes.
Win-win.
White Chocolate Twist: Replace half the semi-sweet chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, “toasted marshmallow” profile. Add a pinch of cinnamon, IMO.
Espresso Upgrade: Mix 1 teaspoon instant espresso into the melted chocolate for a mocha-s’mores hit. Grown-ups only.

FAQ

Why is it called Puppy Chow if dogs can’t eat it?

It’s just a nickname based on its look—not a suggestion for your pup.

This treat contains chocolate and is strictly for humans. Keep it far away from pets.

Can I make this without peanut butter?

Yes. Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

If skipping entirely, add an extra 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil to keep the coating smooth.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Make sure the cereal is fully coated but not drenched, let it set on a sheet after shaking, and store it airtight at room temperature. Avoid humidity and refrigeration, which both sabotage crunch.

What cereal works best?

Rice or corn square cereal is ideal for structure and nooks that grip the chocolate. Avoid puffed cereals—they collapse—and ultra-dense granolas, which don’t coat evenly.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can cut the powdered sugar to 1 cup and increase the graham crumbs to compensate.

The coating will be thinner, but still sweet and flavorful. Using darker chocolate (60–70%) also helps.

Is this make-ahead friendly for parties?

Absolutely. Make it 24–48 hours ahead and store sealed.

Right before serving, toss with a tablespoon of fresh graham crumbs for that just-made look.

How much does this recipe make?

Roughly 14–16 cups, depending on add-ins and how aggressively you shake. It serves a crowd—or one extremely dedicated snacker.

The Bottom Line

S’mores Puppy Chow is the fastest way to bring campfire nostalgia straight to your couch, no smoke or bug spray required. It’s crunchy, chocolatey, and wildly snackable, with just enough marshmallow and graham to keep things iconic.

Make a batch for your next hangout—or a Tuesday—and watch it vanish. Snack goals: achieved.