Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies
This classic no-bake Puppy Chow (a.k.a. Muddy Buddies) coats crispy Chex cereal in a silky chocolate-peanut butter mixture and powdered sugar for a crunchy, sweet, and addictive snack mix that’s perfect for parties, holidays, and movie nights.
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal rice, corn, or a mix (e.g., 5 cups rice Chex, 4 cups corn Chex)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips about 9 oz; substitute milk or dark chocolate if desired
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter use regular, shelf-stable peanut butter (not natural, unless very well stirred)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter about 1/2 stick; salted butter also works
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt adjust to taste
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar start with 2 1/2 cups; add up to 1/2 cup more for a thicker coating
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups M&M’s or chocolate candies optional add-in for color and extra chocolate
- 1 cup mini pretzels optional, for extra crunch and saltiness
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows optional
- 1/2 cup crushed peanuts or other nuts optional; only if no nut allergies
- seasonal sprinkles optional, for decoration
Instructions
- Pour 9 cups of Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl, leaving enough room for gentle stirring. Set out one large or two medium zip-top bags for coating the cereal with powdered sugar later.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy (about 1–1 1/2 minutes total). Alternatively, melt gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly so it doesn’t scorch.
- While the chocolate mixture is still warm, stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt until evenly combined. Taste a small dab (carefully, it’s hot) and adjust the salt if you’d like a slightly more salted chocolate flavor.
- Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold and turn the cereal from the bottom up until every piece is evenly coated. Take your time and avoid crushing the cereal by stirring too aggressively.
- Transfer the coated cereal to the large zip-top bag (or divide between two bags). Add 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar to the bag, seal well, and shake vigorously, turning the bag in all directions so the sugar coats every piece. Check coverage; if you prefer a heavier, whiter coating, add up to 1/2 cup more powdered sugar and shake again.
- Spread the coated cereal mixture onto a large baking sheet or parchment-lined counter in an even layer. Let cool for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate layer has firmed up and the powdered sugar coating adheres well. This helps the cereal stay crisp instead of turning slightly chewy.
- Once the puppy chow is completely cool and dry to the touch, gently toss it with any desired mix-ins: M&M’s or candies, mini pretzels, mini marshmallows, nuts, and/or sprinkles. Fold gently in a bowl or mix with clean hands right on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the finished puppy chow muddy buddies to an airtight container or serving bowl. Serve immediately, or store at room temperature until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Storage: Store puppy chow in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for 4–5 days (up to about a week if your kitchen is cool and dry). For warm environments, you can refrigerate it; let sit at room temperature 10–15 minutes before serving so the chocolate isn’t too firm. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
Tips: Melt the chocolate mixture gently in short bursts to avoid scorching or seizing. Stir the cereal gently to keep it from breaking so you preserve the crunch. Use fresh cereal and sift powdered sugar if it’s clumpy for an even coating. Start with the lower amount of powdered sugar and add more as needed. On very hot days, you can briefly chill the mixture (in a closed container) to help the chocolate set more quickly.
Variations: Try half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate chips for extra creamy flavor, or white chocolate for a cookies-and-cream twist with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies added after cooling. Make it peanut-free by substituting sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter and verifying that your cereal and chocolate are nut-free.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal
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