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I’ve been making this classic Muddy Buddies recipe for years. It’s the perfect combination of a crunchy snack and sweet treat in one bowl.
Muddy Buddies, sometimes called Puppy Chow, are a fun twist on classic Chex Mix. The peanut butter goodness combined with the rich chocolate flavor and crunchy cereal is one of the best ways to satisfy a sweet tooth.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it uses only simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store. So, it’s the perfect recipe for an easy treat to make for holiday parties, game night, birthday parties or any special occasion.
If you haven’t tried it before, this Muddy Buddies recipe will quickly become a family favorite snack! Best of all, this easy recipe is naturally gluten free when you choose Corn or Rice Chex Cereal.
Ingredients
- 9 cups of Chex cereal
- 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup of creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup of salted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, divided
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Gallon plastic bag
- Serving bowl
By the Numbers: How to Make Muddy Buddies
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make delicious gluten free Muddy Buddies.
Step 1: Add Cereal to Bowl
The first thing you want to do is measure out 9 cups of Chex cereal and put it into a large mixing bowl. I typically use a combination of Corn and Rice Chex cereal since they’re both gluten free.
Step 2: Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Coating
The next thing you want to do is to add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup of creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup of salted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to a small saucepan. Heat over low, stirring frequently, until the mixture is melted and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Cereal with Chocolate Mixture
As soon as the chocolate and peanut butter mixture is combined, pour it over the Chex cereal you measured out in the bowl. Gently stir the mixture until the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar
After the cereal is evenly coated, transfer half of the mixture to your plastic bag along with ¾ cup of powdered sugar. Seal up the bag and shake it until the sugar is coating the cereal. Repeat with the second half of the cereal and powdered sugar.
Step 5: Serve Muddy Buddies
After they’re coated in powdered sugar, your muddy buddies are ready to serve!
Tips for Making Muddy Buddies
Answers to all of your questions about making this Chex Muddy Buddies recipe, including tips, variations and substitution ideas.
Recipe variations
This classic Muddy Buddies recipe is versatile. Here are some variations you can try:
- Use dark chocolate, white chocolate or milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet
- For peanut butter lovers, use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate and add Reese’s pieces
- Try different nut butters for a slightly different flavor
- Use Peanut Butter or Chocolate Chex for even more flavor
- For Christmas Muddy Buddies (aka Reindeer Chow), add holiday M&M candies and mini marshmallows
- For Halloween or Thanksgiving Muddy Buddies, add candy corn, seasonal M&M candies and/or Reese’s pieces
- For Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies, add pink and red M&M candies, red hots or conversation hearts
Storage tips
Store your Muddy Buddies that are cooled to room temperature in an airtight container or Ziplock bags until you’re ready to serve them. If you store them on the counter, they’ll last for about 4 days. In the fridge, they’ll last for about a week if you can resist the urge to eat the whole batch for that long!
You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. The best way to do this is to spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, then place it in the freezer until they’re all frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Using this method will keep them from sticking together.
More tasty snack recipes
If you need more delicious snacks to serve at a party, try some of these gluten free goodies:
Muddy Buddies Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal - rice or corn
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar - divided
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Gallon plastic bag
- Serving bowl
Instructions
- Add Chex cereal to a large bowl and set aside.
- Add chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter and vanilla to a small saucepan. Heat over low, stirring frequently, until it’s melted and well combined.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir until it’s coated evenly.
- Pour half of the mixture into a plastic bag with ¾ cup of powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake it until the cereal is evenly coated with sugar. Repeat with the remaining cereal and sugar.
- Serve your Muddy Buddies or store them for later.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
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