Ingredients
• Base: 4 cups whole-grain crispy rice cereal or Chex (gluten-free if needed)
• Pumpkin Spice Coating: ¼ cup natural creamy peanut butter or almond butter, ¼ cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling), 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or sugar-free sweetener, 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt for creaminess, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves), 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch sea salt
• Cinnamon-Sugar Dusting: 2-3 tbsp powdered sugar-free sweetener or coconut sugar + 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Optional Mix-Ins: 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips, 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut, or 1 tbsp chia seeds for extra texture
Instructions
• Line a large mixing bowl with parchment paper for easy tossing and minimal cleanup.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Microwave 20-30 seconds until warm and smooth, stirring halfway.
• Remove from microwave; whisk in Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the coating is silky, creamy, and well blended.
• Place cereal in a large mixing bowl; pour the warm pumpkin spice mixture over and gently toss with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated—work quickly before it sets!
• Spread coated cereal on parchment paper; let rest 10 minutes to firm up slightly for perfect clumping and that signature puppy chow texture.
• In a small bag or container, mix powdered sweetener and cinnamon for the dusting. Add cereal in batches and shake gently to coat evenly without crushing the pieces.
• Optional: Stir in dark chocolate chips, coconut, or chia seeds after dusting for extra flavor and crunch.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—or enjoy immediately for that irresistible, cozy crunch!
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Microwave 20-30 seconds until warm and smooth, stirring halfway.
• Remove from microwave; whisk in Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the coating is silky, creamy, and well blended.
• Place cereal in a large mixing bowl; pour the warm pumpkin spice mixture over and gently toss with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated—work quickly before it sets!
• Spread coated cereal on parchment paper; let rest 10 minutes to firm up slightly for perfect clumping and that signature puppy chow texture.
• In a small bag or container, mix powdered sweetener and cinnamon for the dusting. Add cereal in batches and shake gently to coat evenly without crushing the pieces.
• Optional: Stir in dark chocolate chips, coconut, or chia seeds after dusting for extra flavor and crunch.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—or enjoy immediately for that irresistible, cozy crunch!
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 10 mins, Cook Time : 1 min, Total Time : 11 mins (+ setting), Servings : 8, Calories : 115, Net Carbs: 14g, Fats: 5g, Protein: 4g
Prep Time : 10 mins, Cook Time : 1 min, Total Time : 11 mins (+ setting), Servings : 8, Calories : 115, Net Carbs: 14g, Fats: 5g, Protein: 4g
✨ PRO TIPS FOR PERFECT PUMPKIN SPICE PUPPY CHOW:
• Use pure pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling, for clean flavor and texture control without added sugars or thickeners.
• Work quickly when coating: The pumpkin mixture sets as it cools, so have your cereal ready and toss immediately for even coverage.
• Don’t skip the Greek yogurt: It adds protein, creaminess, and helps the coating adhere perfectly to each cereal piece.
• Customize your sweetness: Use coconut sugar for a natural option, or sugar-free powdered sweetener for a lower-carb version.
• Make it nut-free: Swap peanut/almond butter for sunflower seed butter—same creamy texture, school-safe flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free Chex or crispy rice cereal + ensure all add-ins are GF.
• Vegan swap: Use maple syrup, coconut oil-based butter alternative, and plant-based yogurt for a completely dairy-free version.
• Storage tip: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for best crunch; refrigerate only if your kitchen is very warm.
• Party perfect: Package in small cellophane bags with ribbon for adorable, wholesome fall party favors or teacher gifts!
• Use pure pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling, for clean flavor and texture control without added sugars or thickeners.
• Work quickly when coating: The pumpkin mixture sets as it cools, so have your cereal ready and toss immediately for even coverage.
• Don’t skip the Greek yogurt: It adds protein, creaminess, and helps the coating adhere perfectly to each cereal piece.
• Customize your sweetness: Use coconut sugar for a natural option, or sugar-free powdered sweetener for a lower-carb version.
• Make it nut-free: Swap peanut/almond butter for sunflower seed butter—same creamy texture, school-safe flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free Chex or crispy rice cereal + ensure all add-ins are GF.
• Vegan swap: Use maple syrup, coconut oil-based butter alternative, and plant-based yogurt for a completely dairy-free version.
• Storage tip: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for best crunch; refrigerate only if your kitchen is very warm.
• Party perfect: Package in small cellophane bags with ribbon for adorable, wholesome fall party favors or teacher gifts!