Pumpkin Spice Protein Puppy Chow
9/25/2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Make this protein-packed pumpkin spice puppy chow! A fun, seasonal twist on a classic treat that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and full of fall flavor.
Ya’ll loved my OG protein puppy chow so much, the gals and I set out to create a pumpkin version — and omg it is so dang good and a perfect start to Fall.
what makes this recipe great ⤵️
I love creating healthy dessert recipes, and this one just ousted my peanut butter protein donuts for the top spot — especially as we’re entering Fall in the midwest 🥰.
Ingredients Needed
Pumpkin pie spice: Any pumpkin pie spice will do, but here’s my opportunity to plug my homemade pumpkin pie spice. I keep a jar on hand in my spice cupboard!
Pumpkin puree: This is crucial to the pumpkin flavor of this puppy chow! I tested this recipe with ONLY pumpkin pie spice instead of pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree, and it definitely wasn’t pumpkin-forward enough in the flavor department.
Peanut butter:
Chocolate chips and butterscotch chips:
Protein powder: My go-to protein powder is Garden of Life Vanilla, but you can also use collagen protein (I’ve tested this, and it works great!). Swap the protein powder for collagen powder 1:1. My favorite collagen is Vital Proteins Vanilla or Unsweetened.
Fun Halloween toppings: You can choose your own adventure here, but I like using Halloween m&ms or Reese’s Pieces or even candy corn to make things extra festive!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Protein Puppy Chow
A Protein-Packed Feel-Good Treat
Not only is this a delicious treat that feels indulgent, but it’s also full of protein. I’m talking about 14g of protein per serving, which is such a massive improvement in the protein department from traditional puppy chow or muddy buddies recipes 🙌🏻🙌🏻. Plus, my kids gobble it up every time I make it, so that’s obviously a big win, too!
Storage Tips
After the Chex are coated in protein powder, allow the chocolate to coating to harden. Store the puppy chow in an airtight container in a cool place out of direct sunlight for up to 5-7 days
Freezer instructions: This is a great dessert to freeze for later! Allow the puppy chow to set completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
More Pumpkin Treats to Try
- Pumpkin Spice Oat Cups
- Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cups
- Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes
- High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Bagel Bites
- High-Protein Pumpkin Bars
FAQs
Is it called Muddy Buddies or puppy chow?
Should I use regular M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces M&Ms?
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Pumpkin Spice Protein Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter*
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 7 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2.5 teaspoons pumpkin spice
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder, or Vanilla Collagen Peptides or Unflavored Collagen Peptides (I love Vital Proteins!)
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup m&m’s, Halloween colors or Reese's Pieces
Instructions
- Add chocolate chips, peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture in 20-second increments, stirring after each increment, until the mixture is melted and glossy. This will take around 2 minutes.
- Add 3 cups of the Chex to the bottom of a large bowl. Pour half of the melted peanut butter and chocolate over the Chex. Fold the ingredients together until coated.
- Add the rest of the Chex and cover with the remaining melted peanut butter and chocolate. Fold until the second layer is coated. It’s okay if there are chunks of Chex stuck together.
- To coat the Chex, leave the mixture in the bowl or transfer it to a paper bag. Add the pumpkin spice and ½ cup of the protein powder to the mixture, and if it’s in a bowl, gently stir until coated with protein powder. Add the second half cup of protein powder and toss again. If using a paper bag, pour all the protein powder into the bag. Roll the top over and shake the bag until the Chex are coated.
- Add the butterscotch chips and m&m's to the Chex and mix again.
- Let the puppy chow cool before storing it in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
Tips & Notes
- I tested this recipe with both all-natural drippy peanut butter, and Jif / Skippy creamy peanut butter. The all-natural drippy peanut butter yielded a much less smooth texture. Because of this, I’d recommend Jif or a similar brand of creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #fitfoodiefinds, we’d love to see what you’re up to!
Photography by: The Wooden Skillet
