Name: Dubai‑(ish) Chocolate Puppy Chow
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: PT-487534H53M51S
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tbsp (25 g) unrefined coconut oil; ¼ cup (56 g) pistachio butter (add a big pinch salt if unsalted); ½ cup (85 g) bittersweet or dark chocolate chips; ½ tsp almond extract; 4 cups (120 g) Rice Chex cereal; 1½ cups (168 g) roasted salted pistachios; ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar; ½ cup (60 g) unsweetened almond protein powder (e.g. Bob’s Red Mill)

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Short Description

This is a decadent, no‑bake twist on classic puppy chow—infused with the flavor of viral “Dubai chocolate” using pistachio butter, dark chocolate, almond extract, and a protein‑sugar coating. It’s crunchy, salty‑sweet, nutty, and even better when frozen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Inspired by Molly Yeh’s Dubai‑ish Puppy Chow, it mimics the texture and flavor of viral Dubai chocolate bars—rich chocolate, pistachios, and crunch—with Rice Chex standing in for kataifi strands.
The inclusion of unsweetened almond protein powder (Bob’s Red Mill) in place of some powdered sugar balances sweetness and adds protein, making the snack more satisfying and less cloying.
No oven required—ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for casual snacking, batch gifting, or freezing for later enjoyment.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tbsp (25 g) unrefined coconut oil
¼ cup (56 g) pistachio butter (add a big pinch salt if unsalted)
½ cup (85 g) bittersweet or dark chocolate chips
½ tsp almond extract
4 cups (120 g) Rice Chex cereal
1½ cups (168 g) roasted salted pistachios
½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
½ cup (60 g) unsweetened almond protein powder (e.g. Bob’s Red Mill)

Directions

In a large microwave‑safe bowl, combine coconut oil, pistachio butter, and chocolate chips. If your pistachio butter is unsalted, stir in a generous pinch of salt.
Microwave in 30‑second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in almond extract.
Gently fold in the Rice Chex cereal and roasted pistachios until well coated.
Stir in the powdered sugar and almond protein powder—start with ½ cup each—tossing to coat evenly. Taste: if you prefer sweeter or more powdery, add up to ½ cup more powdered sugar.
For best texture and flavor, transfer the mixture to the freezer. Frozen puppy chow tastes phenomenal and stays crisp.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Yields about 6–8 cups, enough for 6–8 servings depending on portion size.
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Total time (including melting and mixing): ~15–20 minutes

Variations

More sweetness/powdery coating: Increase to 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar if desired.
Protein powder options: Swap almond protein powder for another unsweetened plant or whey protein, though texture may vary. Avoid almond flour—it’s oily and won’t coat properly.
Different nuts or cereals: Try cashews or almonds, or swap Rice Chex for Gluten-Free version.
Spiced twist: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for Middle Eastern flair.

Storage/Reheating

Freeze in an airtight container: Keeps for up to 2 months.
Room temperature option: Though best frozen, you can store at room temp in an airtight container for a few days—but expect it to soften.
No reheating needed—serve straight from freezer or fridge.

FAQs

What kind of cereal works best?

Rice Chex cereal provides light crunch and best mimics the texture of kataifi. Substitutes like Corn Chex or gluten-free versions may work too.

Can I use almond flour instead of protein powder?

No—almond flour contains oils and doesn’t coat like protein powder. Protein powder provides structure, flavor, and helps reduce sweetness.

What if I don’t have pistachio butter?

You can substitute with peanut or almond butter, though it won’t replicate the signature Dubai-inspired pistachio flavor.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes—ensure your chocolate chips, protein powder, and pistachio butter are all dairy-free and plant-based.

Is it gluten-free?

Only if you use certified gluten-free Rice Chex cereal. Other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How sweet is this dessert?

Balanced sweetness with a hint of bitterness from pistachios and dark chocolate. If you prefer sweeter, increase the powdered sugar amount.

Can I use sugar-free powdered sugar?

Yes—just note texture may differ, but sweetness and coating will remain.

Why is freezing recommended?

This snack gets crispier when frozen and tastes more satisfying. Many fans say the frozen version is best.

Does the almond extract really make a difference?

Yes—just a splash (½ tsp) amplifies the pistachio flavor beautifully. Don’t skip it.

How long does it keep once thawed?

If thawed to room temp, enjoy within a day before it softens. Leftover thawed pieces can be refrozen, though texture may slightly change.

Conclusion

Dubai‑ish Chocolate Puppy Chow is the easiest way to capture the viral Dubai chocolate experience at home—in just 15 minutes. With pistachio butter, dark chocolate, almond extract, and a protein-sugar coating, this snack delivers crunch, nutty richness, and just the right amount of sweetness. Bonus: it’s freezer‑friendly, customizable, and endlessly snackable. Dive in and enjoy!