Let me just begin this post by saying that apparently, no one in my family understands what “puppy chow” (human food) is.
When they walked in the kitchen and saw this delightful bag of powdered-sugary-and-sprinkled-goodness, of course they asked what it was. When I responded “Birthday Cake Puppy Chow” they gave me a quizzical look and replied, “puppy… chow?”
Yes. Puppy chow. Like what happens when powdered sugar, melted chocolate and Chex Mix get together in a bowl. Good stuff happens… good stuff named puppy chow. Or Muddy Buddies. But I like dogs and don’t like mud so obviously I’m going with the cuter name and all.
Yet, they still had to ask: “So it doesn’t really have puppy chow in it, right?”
Yeah. Because I was tiring of cupcakes and cookies and brownies and thought all these wonderful, edible goods could easily taste better with the addition of Mannie’s Beneful. My dogs like it; why wouldn’t we? I’m totally going to be on Food Network for being so interesting and haute couture for my innovative dog-food/dessert hybrid food.
So anyways. Puppy chow. Of the birthday cake variety. There’s really not much more to say about it except A) it’s crazy addictive; B) aren’t those treat bags cute? The dollar bin at Target is my stomping ground; and C) you should make these right now because whatever you’re currently doing (yes, including reading this blog) could be bettered by a huge bowl of these. I swear. It’s like, birthday cake puppy chow magic or something.
Yeah… we’re all waiting on you now.
Birthday Cake Puppy Chow *inspired by Becky’s recipe at So Very Blessed
About 6 cups regular Chex Mix cereal
1 pkg white chocolate candy melts or almond bark
About 1/4 cup yellow or funfetti cake mix
1/2 cup sprinkles
About 3 cups powdered sugar
1. Start by lining your counter or a large, flat workspace with wax paper. In a large bowl, pour the cereal and rainbow sprinkles. Meanwhile, in a resealable gallon-size baggy, place the powdered sugar.
2. Next, in a microwaveable bowl, prepare candy melts/bark according to package directions until smooth and melted. Stir in the cake mix, about a heaping Tablespoon at a time, until completely blended into the chocolate.
3. Pour the chocolate into the cereal and toss gently to coat all the cereal with the chocolate mixture completely. Pour the chocolate-coated cereal into the prepared baggy, seal the baggy, and toss to coat completely. Once coated, spread the mixture onto the wax-paper-lined counter in an even layer to cool and dry for about an hour.
4. Once set, store airtight for up to 2 days.
The cake batter flavor is perfect for me (read: ultra cake battery goodness) but if you prefer even stronger flavor, sprinkle some more cake mix into the powdered sugar mix before tossing. It’ll adhere to the chocolate and add an additional sweetness.
I hope you enjoy, dog-food-eating-lovers-of-the-world!
xo, Hayley
Tagged: cake batter, treats
*Sigh* You never cease to amaze me. Another awesome recipe! Even though it doesn’t contain dog food. From the title I was really hoping for some human/dog food hybrid I could feed my Ginger and myself.
Right?! I could save so much on dog and people food if we just all ate with no utensils, face-planted into a bowl full of kibble. Just add some sprinkles to your Purina and you’re done!!
Lol @ Ashton– if the dog food was dressed up enough, I probably would eat it, too. However, one time I decided to try a dog biscuit and it wasn’t as great as I thought but I’m presuming with maybe some powdered sugar or peanut butter, it would be better??
Um, is this a bad time to admit that my dad and I used to eat milk bones when I was a kid?
No. Because that’s precisely the brand of dog biscuit I tried one day and thought it tasted like stale bread. No biggie. But maybe if you tell me you like pupperoni or something, I may say that’s a bit odd. Lol.
Dude. I’ve got my daughter so hooked on sugar. I was just looking at her and thinking, “she’d still probably eat this even WITH dog food…” just so long as it’s covered in powdered sugar.
Mother of the year over here.
LOVE IT! I make the puppy chow alllll the time and NOT once did I ever think of adding cake mix to the group!!!!! Thank you for being so AMAZING!!
The dollar bins at Target are my nemisis. I totally end up buying all sorts of stuff I don’t need. But those bags are totally cute, and pretty much a necessity. I LOVE puppy chow and I love cake mix even more–this will be a fun kitchen project for Doodle and me. YUM!
Yes!! Doodle will love it. It has pink in it! BTW, it is SO cute that he loves pink
I think so, too! =)
We call it puppy chow too. Looks delicious!We call it puppy chow too! Looks delicious.
OMG, love puppy chow! I know you just got it and I’m sure you don’t need to re-send but I bestow upon you the Liebster Award…surprised!?! http://www.dwellonjoy.com/2012/02/dwell-on-friday-six.html
We call it cake chow! Mmmmmm yum!!
Okay I have decided we should be friends. And eat this everyday. Holy Moly.
What size package of chocolate?,
Hi Tammy! I believe it’s a 24 oz package. You can find Candiquik or melting bark in the baking aisle of the supermarket. Or buy the bags of candy melts by Wilton from Michael’s craft stores.
Making this for my daughter’s bday treat at school in the next week! I am sick of cupcakes and the putzyness of it!! I can’t wait
Cathy–that’s a way better plan than frosting a bunch of cupcakes! The kids will love this chow!!