A festive no-bake snack that also fits beautifully into Ramadan evenings
Since many Middle Eastern kitchens are naturally drawn to pistachio in desserts, spreads, creams and pastries, we wanted to try the Puppy Chow made by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, with a pistachio twist this winter. In her Christmas episode, she notes that it is traditionally called Puppy Chow but chooses to call it Reindeer Chow for a more festive feel.
It is a super easy holiday snack
Puppy Chow is one of those recipes that looks playful and impressive but takes only a few minutes to bring together. It requires no baking, no special equipment and very little preparation. Warm chocolate and a nutty cream are mixed with cereal and finished with icing sugar. It is a cosy, practical choice when you want something sweet without spending much time in the kitchen.
What is Puppy Chow and where is it popular
Puppy Chow is an American no-bake snack mix that became popular in the Midwest and then spread across the United States. It is known for its crisp texture, snowy coating and nostalgic feel. The base is always the same: cereal coated in melted chocolate, a nutty cream such as peanut butter and a generous shake of icing sugar. It is often made around Christmas and also goes by names like Muddy Buddies or Reindeer Chow.
Why we adapted it with pistachio
The spirit of Puppy Chow is very relaxed, which makes it easy to adapt. For this version, we replaced the usual peanut butter with pistachio cream. We also made a classic peanut butter batch so that we could compare the flavours properly.
The pistachio reindeer chow has a gentle sweetness, a soft green tone and a fragrance that works well with chocolate. It feels slightly more refined than the classic mix while still keeping its playful character.
Ingredients
(US cups + EU metric)
- 6 dl / 2.5 cups wholegrain cereal (square-shaped cereal works best)
- 150 g / 1 cup milk chocolate, chopped or chips
- 40 g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup / 0.8 dl unsweetened pistachio cream
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom (optional, adds warmth)
- 1.5 to 2 cups / 3.5 to 5 dl icing sugar for coating
How to make pistachio reindeer chow
1. Prepare the cereal
Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl with enough room to toss everything properly.
2. Melt the chocolate
Warm the butter and chocolate in the microwave on low power (about 450 W) in short intervals until smooth. Or melt gently in a saucepan on low heat.
3. Stir in the pistachio cream
Remove from heat and whisk in the pistachio cream. Add the salt and cardamom if using.
4. Coat the cereal
Pour the warm pistachio chocolate mixture over the cereal and fold gently until all pieces are coated.
5. Coat with icing sugar
Add the icing sugar and toss until the cereal looks evenly dusted. Add more sugar if you want a lighter or drier finish.
6. Cool and store
Store in an airtight jar. It keeps well for several days.
A note on flavouring
Cardamom blends naturally with pistachio and chocolate without overpowering the mix.
Flavour notes: pistachio compared with peanut butter
We prepared a peanut butter version as well to compare the flavours.
- The pistachio version is softer, lightly fragrant and pairs gently with chocolate.
- The peanut butter version is saltier, richer and closer to the traditional American profile.
Both work well depending on the preference of your household.
Why this easy snack works beautifully for Ramadan
Even though Puppy Chow is known as a winter holiday treat, the pistachio version fits naturally into Ramadan evenings. It is light, easy to portion and has just enough sweetness to enjoy after iftar without feeling heavy. Packed in a small jar, it also makes a thoughtful gift for neighbours or family during the month. The pistachio and cardamom give it a flavour that feels familiar across many Middle Eastern homes.
If you are looking for more easy Ramadan treats, try our recipe for Dubai’s viral chocolate dates with less sugar. It is a simple, wholesome option for evenings when you want something light.
Presentation inspired by Meghan’s style
Meghan often speaks about the small touches that make simple things feel considered, so we followed that idea in the way we packed the final mix. Instead of serving it loosely in a bowl, we placed the Puppy Chow in a clear glass jar. The snowy coating looks clean and festive against the glass, and the gentle green tint from the pistachio comes through nicely. A simple ribbon or handwritten tag is enough to turn it into a thoughtful little gift while keeping the presentation understated and elegant.
Explore more from our Halal Health category
If you are interested in healthy living through an Islamic lens, visit our Halal Health posts. The category covers halal nutrition, lifestyle guidance, Middle Eastern recipes and the long-standing health knowledge preserved in Muslim scholarly tradition. It is a space for thoughtful, balanced living rooted in faith and good practice.
