Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow: The Ultimate Fall Snack

Are you ready to indulge in a deliciously addictive fall treat? Look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow! This seasonal twist on the classic puppy chow is everything you need for a cozy snack: a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and spiced flavors that scream autumn. It’s ideal for gatherings, movie nights, or even just a solo treat on a chilly fall day.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this Pumpkin Spice Snack, the ingredients you need, and a few fun variations to make this treat your own. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into this easy Puppy Chow Recipe that will become your new fall favorite.

Don’t forget to check out our other autumn-inspired recipes like our Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix and Maple Candied Nuts. These snacks will pair perfectly with your Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow and help bring even more flavor to your fall celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

When fall rolls around, we all crave that special, comforting snack that reminds us of crisp leaves, pumpkin lattes, and cozy blankets. This Pumpkin Puppy Chow perfectly encapsulates that feeling. Here are a few reasons why it’s the ultimate fall dessert:

Crunchy & Sweet: The Chex cereal gives a wonderful crunch that’s the perfect base for all the other flavors. It holds up well to the creamy peanut butter and the light dusting of powdered sugar.
Autumn-Inspired Flavors: Pumpkin spice is the star of the show here. With a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, it gives this treat the classic flavors of fall.
Simple to Make: Even if you’re new to making puppy chow, this recipe is a breeze. The process takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute snacking.
Great for Parties or Gifting: Whether you’re hosting a party or simply giving a thoughtful gift, this sweet snack recipe is both fun and delicious. Package it in cute bags or jars for a charming homemade gift.

This treat isn’t just for fall, though. The Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow is so irresistible that it could easily be enjoyed year-round!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

For the Puppy Chow:

9 cups Chex cereal (Corn Chex is the traditional choice, but you can use Rice Chex or Crispix for a slightly different texture)
1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or chunky depending on your preference)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for that creamy richness)
1 cup powdered sugar (this gives the chow its signature sweetness and dusting)
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (this gives the treat its pumpkin flavor, adding the perfect amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to enhance the sweetness)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional but adds a creamy sweetness that complements the spiced flavor)

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor and Texture:

1/4 cup orange candy melts (for a colorful pop of fall!)
Mini chocolate chips (for extra sweetness)
Candy corn (for a festive, autumn-inspired touch)
Chopped pecans or walnuts (for a bit of crunch and added texture)

Pro Tip: If you prefer a nut-free version of this recipe, swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Both alternatives provide the same creamy texture without any nut allergens.

A Note on Pumpkin Pie Spice

You can easily make your own pumpkin pie spice at home using common spices from your pantry. Here’s the ratio:

1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves

Simply mix these spices together and store them in an airtight container for future use!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow: Step-by-Step

Making this Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow is incredibly easy, and the best part is that it comes together in less than 30 minutes. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prepare the Chex Cereal

Start by measuring out 9 cups of Chex cereal. Pour it into a large bowl and set it aside. This cereal will be the crunchy base that soaks up all the pumpkin spice goodness, so make sure it’s ready to go.

Step 2: Melt the Peanut Butter, Butter, and Pumpkin Pie Spice

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.

Once melted, add 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure the spice and vanilla are fully incorporated into the mixture.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the melted peanut butter and pumpkin spice mixture over the Chex cereal. Use a spatula to gently stir, making sure that all the cereal pieces are evenly coated. Be careful not to break the pieces. The goal is to have each piece of cereal covered with the creamy, spiced peanut butter mixture.

Step 4: Add the Powdered Sugar

Now it’s time for the powdered sugar! Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a large bowl with a lid. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and seal the bag or cover the bowl. Shake the bag (or stir in the bowl) until the Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow is completely coated with the powdered sugar. This is what gives it that irresistible sweet, sugary coating.

Step 5: Optional Add-ins

For a little extra flair, melt some orange candy melts and drizzle them over the puppy chow. You can also toss in mini chocolate chips, candy corn, or chopped pecans for additional flavor and texture. Let your creativity guide you!

Step 6: Let It Cool

Once everything is coated, spread the Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow out onto a baking sheet to cool and set. It’s best enjoyed once it’s at room temperature, but if you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the fridge to speed up the process.

Storing Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

Now that you’ve made your Pumpkin Spice Snack, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh and ready to enjoy.

At Room Temperature: Store your Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This makes it perfect for keeping on hand for fall snacking or for packing into lunchboxes.
In the Freezer: You can also freeze this treat! To do so, transfer the cooled puppy chow into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It will stay good for up to three months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to eat.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

Looking for more delicious fall-inspired snacks and treats? Here are some other recipes you’ll want to try:

Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix – The perfect snack for fall! Sweet cinnamon and apples combined with crunchy Chex cereal.
Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Bars – Indulge in these creamy, caramel-filled bars topped with crunchy pecans. A great dessert for any fall gathering.
Maple Candied Nuts – A simple and sweet recipe that pairs perfectly with your pumpkin spice treats.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal for Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow?

Yes, you can substitute Corn Chex with other cereals like Rice Chex or even Crispix. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How long does Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe without peanut butter?

Yes! If you’re looking for a nut-free version, you can swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Both alternatives work well in this recipe.

Can I add other mix-ins to my Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, candy corn, mini marshmallows, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite treats!

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow is a must-try this fall. With its perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and spiced pumpkin goodness, it’s bound to become a staple in your fall snacking routine. Whether you’re hosting a fall party, having a cozy movie night, or gifting it to friends, this treat will never disappoint.

So, what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of this delicious Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow and enjoy all the flavors of fall in one irresistible snack.