Description
Pistachio Puppy Chow is a sweet, salty, and crunchy snack that puts a grown-up twist on a nostalgic treat with the rich flavor of pistachio pudding and smooth white chocolate. Ready in just 15 minutes, this no-bake recipe is perfect for holidays, movie nights, or gifting, combining buttery sweetness and a fun green color with the satisfying crisp of Rice Chex cereal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Measure Cereal: Add 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Melt Butter: Place 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals until completely melted.
- Melt White Chocolate: Add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter. Microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between intervals until smooth and fully melted.
- Mix in Pudding and Vanilla: Stir in the entire 3.4 oz box of instant pistachio pudding mix and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is well blended.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the pistachio-coated mixture over the Rice Chex cereal, then gently fold with a spatula until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Toss with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal to a large gallon-size zip-top bag, add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake thoroughly until the cereal is evenly covered with powdered sugar.
- Add Pistachios: Open the bag, sprinkle in 1/4 cup crushed pistachios if using, then give one last gentle shake or stir to combine.
- Serve and Store: Pour the finished Pistachio Puppy Chow into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- Do not overheat the white chocolate; melt slowly to prevent seizing.
- Allow the coating to cool slightly before adding powdered sugar to maintain the classic powdered coating.
- Stick to one box of pudding mix to avoid grainy texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week; freezing is also possible for up to 1 month.
- Use gluten-free Chex and pudding mix if a gluten-free version is desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pistachio Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix, Holiday Snack, No Bake Dessert, Sweet and Salty Snack, Pistachio Dessert, White Chocolate Snack
