Hey there, food-loving friend! Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe. This isn’t just about throwing some ingredients together; it’s about whipping up pure joy in a dish that’ll make your taste buds sing. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Imagine those cozy nights, or those bustling get-togethers – this dish fits right in, bringing warmth, flavor, and a whole lot of happy vibes to the table. Seriously, prepare to fall in love.

Why You’ll Love Muddy Buddies

Name: Muddy Buddies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486646H29M49S
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 cups Chex cereal (Rice, Corn, or Chocolate Chex, or a combination); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste); 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile

Muddy Buddies are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect as a movie night snack, a party treat, a lunchbox surprise, or a thoughtful homemade gift. You can easily adapt the flavors and mix-ins to suit any occasion or preference.

Budget-Friendly

Made with just a few common pantry staples like cereal, chocolate, and peanut butter, this recipe is incredibly economical. It’s a fantastic way to create a large batch of delicious snack mix without spending a lot.

Quick and Easy

No complicated steps or endless hours in the kitchen here! This recipe is designed for ease. Most of the work involves melting ingredients in the microwave and shaking a bag, making it a super fun and fast treat.

Customizable

Feel free to unleash your inner chef! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Want to add a little something extra? Go for it! You can swap chocolates, add spices, or include various mix-ins.

Crowd-Plating

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of crunchy cereal, rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet powdered sugar, making it a universal favorite that’s truly addictive!

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this irresistible snack it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Chex Cereal

The crispy, light base for our Muddy Buddies. Rice Chex or Corn Chex are ideal because their square shape and airy texture hold onto the chocolate-peanut butter coating beautifully without becoming soggy.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

The classic chocolate choice that provides a rich, balanced sweetness. When melted with peanut butter, it creates a luscious, smooth coating for the cereal.

Creamy Peanut Butter

This provides the essential creamy texture and nutty flavor that defines Muddy Buddies. Use a smooth, traditional creamy peanut butter for the best results, as natural peanut butters can sometimes be too oily or stiff.

Unsalted Butter

A small amount of butter adds richness to the chocolate and peanut butter mixture, helping it melt smoothly and adhere perfectly to the cereal.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth to the mix.

Powdered Sugar

The final, magical coating! Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it gives Muddy Buddies their iconic “muddy” appearance, prevents stickiness, and adds a delightful layer of sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Prepare Your Equipment

Measure your Chex cereal into a very large bowl. You’ll need plenty of space to toss it later. Also, grab a large resealable plastic bag (a gallon-sized bag works well, or even two if making a large batch) for coating. This sets the stage for success.

Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave on High for 1 minute. Stir the mixture, then microwave for another 30 seconds if needed, stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat it! This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Stir in Vanilla

Remove the melted chocolate mixture from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. This ensures the vanilla flavor is vibrant.

Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Chex cereal in the large bowl. Using a rubber spatula or large spoon, gently but thoroughly stir the cereal until every piece is evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Prepare your resealable plastic bag by adding about half of the powdered sugar to it. This will make it easier to coat the cereal. Proper preparation not only prevents sticking but also makes cleaning up a breeze later on.

Assemble the Dish

Carefully spoon the chocolate-coated cereal into the plastic bag with the powdered sugar. Add the remaining powdered sugar over the top of the cereal. Seal the bag securely, ensuring there’s plenty of air inside. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Coat to Perfection

Shake the bag gently but vigorously for 2-3 minutes, turning and flipping it until all the cereal pieces are completely coated with the powdered sugar. If you find the cereal still a bit sticky, you can add a tiny bit more powdered sugar and shake again. Be sure to follow the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking or drying out the dish.

Finishing Touches

Spread the coated Muddy Buddies out onto a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper to cool and set for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere and prevents sticking. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled and set, transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: Approximately 18 (about 1/2 cup per serving)

Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories, depending on specific ingredients and quantities used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes (plus 15-20 minutes cooling time)

How to Serve Muddy Buddies

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience: Muddy Buddies are a fantastic standalone snack for parties, movie nights, or road trips! You can also mix them with M&Ms, pretzels, or mini marshmallows for added texture and flavor. They make a great edible gift when packaged in decorative bags or jars.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe: for easy cleanup, spray your mixing bowl and spatula with non-stick cooking spray before coating the cereal. If you want more clusters, don’t spread the cereal out too much when cooling. For variations, try using white chocolate, butterscotch chips, or even adding a pinch of cinnamon to the chocolate mixture. For a seasonal twist, consider adding crushed candy canes for a peppermint version during the holidays.

FAQ’s

What’s the difference between Muddy Buddies and Puppy Chow?
Can I use other types of cereal?
Can I use natural peanut butter?
How long do Muddy Buddies stay fresh?
Can I freeze Muddy Buddies?
Why did my Muddy Buddies turn out sticky?
Can I make a larger batch?
What are some fun variations for Muddy Buddies?
Do I have to use a plastic bag for coating?
How do I prevent the chocolate from burning in the microwave?

CONCLUSION

And there you have it, my friend! A recipe that’s more than just food it’s an experience, a cozy moment, a reason to gather and celebrate. I’m so excited for you to try this one and make it your own. Get cooking, and get ready for some serious deliciousness!

Muddy Buddies

Author: Madison
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 minutes (microwave time)
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
Yield: 9–10 cups (about 18–24 servings) 1x
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: No-Bake, Microwave
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Muddy Buddies, also widely known as Puppy Chow, is a popular no-bake snack mix made from crispy Chex cereal coated in a luscious mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then generously tossed in powdered sugar. It’s a quick, easy, and addictive treat, often appearing at parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

9 cups Chex cereal (Rice, Corn, or Chocolate Chex, or a combination)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)

Instructions

Measure the Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl and set aside.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir the mixture. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Do not overheat.
Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture until well combined.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until the cereal is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
Pour the coated cereal into a large 2-gallon resealable plastic bag (or divide between two 1-gallon bags).
Add the powdered sugar to the bag(s). Seal the bag(s) tightly, ensuring there is air inside for shaking.
Shake vigorously until the cereal pieces are completely coated with powdered sugar. This may take a few minutes.
Spread the Muddy Buddies out on waxed paper or parchment paper to cool and set completely.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Notes

For extra flavor and texture, you can add 1/2 cup of M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) after coating with powdered sugar, before cooling.
To make clean-up easier, spray your mixing bowl and spatula with non-stick cooking spray before combining the cereal and chocolate mixture.
If your ganache is too thick, you can add another tablespoon of butter or a tiny splash of milk or cream to thin it out slightly before pouring over the cereal.
For perfectly coated clusters, allow the chocolate-coated cereal to rest for 5-10 minutes before adding to the powdered sugar bag. It should look sticky rather than wet.
Muddy Buddies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months and are delicious eaten straight from the freezer.
Experiment with different flavor combinations by swapping out chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips, or using Nutella instead of peanut butter.