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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150-200 (varies based on specific ingredients and portion size)
- Sugar: 15-25g
- Sodium: 70-150mg
- Fat: 7-12g
- Saturated Fat: 3-6g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Cholesterol: 5-10mg
Keywords: Muddy Buddies, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix, No-Bake, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Snack, Party Food, Easy Dessert