Muddy Buddies, often called Puppy Chow, are the kind of sweet snack that disappears almost as fast as you can make it. With a satisfying crunch, a rich chocolate and peanut butter coating, and a dusting of powdered sugar, this easy treat has been a favorite for decades. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, and anytime you crave something sweet, salty, and fun to munch on.
This simple recipe comes together quickly using Chex cereal, melted chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and a handful of pantry staples. You don’t need special equipment, fancy techniques, or hours in the kitchen. In fact, you can make a batch of delicious Muddy Buddies in less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this easy Muddy Buddies recipe. It’s quick, simple, and made with basic ingredients you likely already have at home. Whether you call it Puppy Chow, Chex Muddy Buddies, or Monkey Munch, this sweet snack mix hits every craving for something crunchy, chocolatey, and just sweet enough.
One of the biggest reasons people love making Muddy Buddies is how fast it comes together. You can go from gathering ingredients to munching on this delicious snack in under half an hour. Using Chex cereal as the base, the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture pours over the cereal easily, coating each piece perfectly before being tossed in powdered sugar for that classic, irresistible finish.
This recipe is also incredibly flexible. You can customize it by using different types of chocolate like dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. Add-ins like pretzels, mini marshmallows, or candy pieces can take your Muddy Buddies to the next level if you want to mix things up.
Another bonus is how well it stores. Muddy Buddies stay fresh for days when kept in an airtight container at room temperature, making it a great snack to prepare ahead for parties, holidays, or busy weeks when you need a grab-and-go treat. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that’s fun to make with kids since there’s no baking involved.
From the first crunchy bite to the last dusting of powdered sugar on your fingers, you’ll see why people keep coming back for more. Whether you’re new to making Chex Muddy Buddies or have loved Puppy Chow for years, this version is sure to become your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients
Making Muddy Buddies at home is all about using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for a sweet and crunchy snack everyone loves. Here’s everything you need to make a batch of this classic treat:
- 9 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix of both works best)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Ingredient Notes:
- Chex Cereal: Rice Chex is the most traditional choice for muddy buddies, but Corn Chex or even Chocolate Chex adds a fun twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate melts smoothly and gives a rich flavor. You can swap it with dark chocolate or milk chocolate depending on your taste.
- Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter to achieve the smoothest, most even chocolate coating on your cereal. If you like a nutty texture, chunky peanut butter can work too.
- Powdered Sugar: This ingredient creates the classic sweet, powder-dusted finish that Muddy Buddies are known for.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the chocolate and peanut butter flavors without overpowering them.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps the chocolate and peanut butter melt into a silky, pourable sauce.
You won’t need anything fancy beyond a large bowl, a microwavable bowl, and a resealable food-storage bag to shake everything together.
Instructions
Making Muddy Buddies is quick, easy, and fun. Follow these simple steps to get perfectly coated, sweet, and crunchy Chex Muddy Buddies every time:
1. Prepare the Cereal
- Pour 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large bowl. Set it aside while you prepare the chocolate mixture.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter
- In a microwavable bowl, combine 1 cup of chocolate chips, ½ cup of creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup of unsalted butter.
- Microwave uncovered on high for 1 minute. Stir the mixture.
- Microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed, until the chocolate chips and butter are melted and smooth.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to complete the chocolate mixture.
3. Coat the Cereal
- Gently pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal in your large mixing bowl.
- Use a rubber spatula to gently stir and coat the cereal until every piece is evenly covered. Be careful not to crush the cereal as you stir.
4. Add the Powdered Sugar
- Transfer the coated cereal into a resealable food-storage plastic bag or a large container with a lid.
- Measure out 1½ cups of powdered sugar and add it into the bag with the chocolate-coated cereal.
- Seal the bag firmly and give it a good shake to make sure every piece is covered in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. The cereal should look fully covered and no chocolate should be visible.
5. Cool and Store
- Spread the coated cereal out onto a sheet of waxed paper to cool and dry for about 15 minutes.
- Once dry, transfer your Muddy Buddies to an airtight container for storage.
With just a few simple steps, you’ve created a delicious Chex cereal snack mix that’s ready for any event or craving. Quick to make, easy to store, and even easier to eat, these sweet treats are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Pro Tips and Variations
Getting the best batch of Muddy Buddies is easy when you know a few smart tricks. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and make your sweet snack even better.
Pro Tips for Perfect Muddy Buddies
- Use fresh cereal: Stale cereal won’t give you that satisfying crunch. Always start with a fresh box of Chex cereal for the best texture.
- Melt the chocolate slowly: Microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in short intervals. Stir well between each session to keep the chocolate mixture smooth and prevent burning.
- Coat the cereal gently: Use a rubber spatula to stir the cereal into the chocolate mixture carefully. Rough mixing can break the cereal into crumbs.
- Shake to coat thoroughly: After adding powdered sugar, make sure the bag is sealed tight. Shake it vigorously so every piece of cereal is evenly coated for that classic powdery look.
- Cool before storing: Let the coated cereal cool completely on waxed paper before putting it in an airtight container. This prevents clumping and keeps your muddy buddies crisp.
Fun Variations to Try
- White Chocolate Muddy Buddies: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor variation.
- Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, slightly less sweet version that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
- Pretzel Mix: Add small pretzel twists to the cereal before coating it for a fun sweet-and-salty crunch.
- Cake Mix Muddy Buddies: Toss the coated cereal in a mix of powdered sugar and dry cake mix (like yellow cake or funfetti) for a birthday cake flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter if you need a nut-free version.
- Holiday Twist: Make “Reindeer Chow” by adding red and green candies, or colored sprinkles during Christmas season.
Serving Suggestions
Muddy Buddies are the kind of treat that fits almost any occasion. Whether you are planning a party, looking for an easy dessert, or just want a sweet snack to munch on, this recipe has you covered.
Best Ways to Enjoy Muddy Buddies
- Party Snack Mix: Serve a big bowl of Muddy Buddies at birthday parties, game nights, or holiday gatherings. It pairs well with salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn for a complete party spread.
- Movie Night Favorite: Fill small bowls or snack bags with Muddy Buddies for a crunchy, sweet treat that’s perfect for movie marathons.
- Lunchbox Treat: Pack a handful of Muddy Buddies into a lunchbox or snack container for a fun surprise. It’s a simple way to add a little extra joy to any day.
- Holiday Gifting: Fill cellophane bags or small jars with homemade Muddy Buddies. Tie them with a ribbon and add a label for an easy, thoughtful holiday gift.
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Keep a container of Muddy Buddies in the pantry for a quick, satisfying snack when you need a sweet and crunchy break.
Storage Tips
- Use an airtight container: Always store your Muddy Buddies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- Room temperature is best: They stay crisp and delicious for about 5 to 7 days at room temperature.
- Avoid humidity: High humidity can make the powdered sugar coating sticky. Keep your container in a cool, dry spot for best results.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing sweet snack, this Muddy Buddies recipe is the answer. With just a few simple ingredients like Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, you can create a delicious treat that everyone will devour. It’s perfect for parties, holidays, lunchboxes, or whenever you need a fast, fun snack.
What makes Muddy Buddies so special is how versatile they are. You can stick with the classic version or try different variations like white chocolate, dark chocolate, or pretzel mix-ins to match your mood or the season. Best of all, the process is simple enough for anyone to follow, even if you’re new to making sweet treats at home.
Remember to store your Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and crunchy for days. No matter if you call it Muddy Buddies, Puppy Chow, or Monkey Munch, this Chex cereal snack is always a favorite.
Once you make a batch, it’s hard to stop at just one handful. Get ready to share — or not. This quick and easy recipe is one you’ll want to make time and time again, whether for gatherings or a sweet treat at home.
Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
9 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix of both works best)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups powdered sugar
Ingredient Notes:
- Chex Cereal: Rice Chex is the most traditional choice for muddy buddies but Corn Chex or even Chocolate Chex adds a fun twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate melts smoothly and gives a rich flavor. You can swap it with dark chocolate or milk chocolate depending on your taste.
- Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter to achieve the smoothest most even chocolate coating on your cereal. If you like a nutty texture, chunky peanut butter can work too.
- Powdered Sugar: This ingredient creates the classic sweet powder-dusted finish that Muddy Buddies are known for.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the chocolate and peanut butter flavors without overpowering them.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps the chocolate and peanut butter melt into a silky pourable sauce.
Instructions
Prepare the Cereal
- Pour 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large bowl. Set it aside while you prepare the chocolate mixture.
Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter
- In a microwavable bowl, combine 1 cup of chocolate chips, ½ cup of creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup of unsalted butter.
- Microwave uncovered on high for 1 minute. Stir the mixture.
- Microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed, until the chocolate chips and butter are melted and smooth.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to complete the chocolate mixture.
Coat the Cereal
- Gently pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal in your large mixing bowl.
- Use a rubber spatula to gently stir and coat the cereal until every piece is evenly covered. Be careful not to crush the cereal as you stir.
Add the Powdered Sugar
- Transfer the coated cereal into a resealable food-storage plastic bag or a large container with a lid.
- Measure out 1½ cups of powdered sugar and add it into the bag with the chocolate-coated cereal.
- Seal the bag firmly and give it a good shake to make sure every piece is covered in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. The cereal should look fully covered and no chocolate should be visible.
Cool and Store
- Spread the coated cereal out onto a sheet of waxed paper to cool and dry for about 15 minutes.
- Once dry, transfer your Muddy Buddies to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 3g
FAQs
What is a muddy buddy?
Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, are a sweet snack mix made by coating Chex cereal in a melted mixture of chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then tossing it in powdered sugar. The result is a crunchy, chocolatey treat that’s loved by both kids and adults. It’s often served at parties, holidays, and as an easy homemade snack.
How to make Muddy Buddies in the UK?
If you’re making Muddy Buddies in the UK, you might not find Chex cereal easily. You can substitute with a similar corn or rice-based cereal, like Rice Krispies or even Shreddies without the frosting. For the coating, use standard chocolate chips, smooth peanut butter, and icing sugar (which is the UK equivalent of powdered sugar). The method stays the same: melt the chocolate and peanut butter, coat the cereal, and toss it in icing sugar until well coated.
Why do people call Muddy Buddies puppy chow?
The name Puppy Chow came about because the coated cereal pieces resemble dog food in appearance, though they are entirely for humans. In different regions, this sweet snack mix is known by various names like Muddy Buddies, Monkey Munch, or Reindeer Chow. No matter what it’s called, it’s always a delicious, crunchy treat.
Are Muddy Buddies for dogs?
No, Muddy Buddies are not safe for dogs. They contain chocolate and peanut butter, both of which can be harmful to dogs. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and many peanut butter brands contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is dangerous for pets. Muddy Buddies are made only for people to enjoy.
How long do muddy buddies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Muddy Buddies stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the powdered sugar from becoming sticky. For best taste and crunch, eat them within the first few days.
How many Chex cereals are there?
There are several varieties of Chex cereal available, including Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, Honey Nut Chex, Chocolate Chex, Cinnamon Chex, and a few others. For traditional Muddy Buddies, Rice Chex or Corn Chex are the most commonly used because they have a neutral flavor that pairs well with chocolate and peanut butter.
