Irresistible Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) Recipe

Whenever I put out a bowl of this crunchy treat, it disappears before I even get a chance to grab a handful myself. There is something undeniably nostalgic about the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar coating every piece.

My version of Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) stays true to the classic method while ensuring every single bite is coated evenly. You only need a few pantry staples to whip up this crowd-pleasing snack in under twenty minutes.

Why This Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) Is a Total Crowd Pleaser

This recipe requires absolutely no baking, which makes it the ideal last-minute addition to any party spread or movie night. I love how the double coating of powdered sugar keeps the chocolate from melting on your fingers while you snack.

You can easily customize this Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) by swapping out nut butters or adding extra mix-ins like pretzels. It also stores incredibly well, meaning you can make a big batch ahead of time for snacking all week long.

The texture contrast between the crisp cereal interior and the creamy, sweet exterior is satisfyingly addictive. Cleanup is minimal since everything comes together in just one microwave-safe bowl and a large shaking bag.

If you love peanut butter treats, you definitely need to try my Savory Peanut Butter Bars Recipe next, or check out the Irresistible Chocolate Clementine Torte Recipe for another chocolate fix. Both recipes offer that same homemade comfort that makes this snack mix so special.

What You Need for Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

Here are the simple pantry staples required for this recipe:

• Rice Chex Cereal: The crispy base that holds all the chocolate and peanut butter coating.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provides the rich chocolate flavor that binds everything together.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds the nutty flavor and creaminess essential to the classic taste.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps smooth out the melted mixture and adds a rich mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors with a warm aroma.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates the signature white, sweet coating that prevents the pieces from sticking.

My Step-by-Step Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) Method

Let’s get mixing:

1. Measure out your cereal into a very large mixing bowl to ensure you have plenty of room for stirring later without spilling. You want to make sure the bowl is big enough that you can fold the ingredients gently without crushing the cereal pieces.
2. Combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat this mixture in thirty-second intervals, stirring vigorously in between each heat cycle until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
3. Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture immediately after removing it from the heat. Pour this warm mixture over the cereal in the large bowl and use a flexible rubber spatula to gently fold it in until every single piece of cereal is evenly coated in chocolate.
4. Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large 2-gallon zip-top bag or a large container with a tight lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated in the white sugar.
5. Pour the coated mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper to let it cool and set completely. Spreading it out allows the Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) to dry properly so it stays crunchy rather than becoming soggy.

Tips for the Best Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

Use a high quality chocolate chip for the melting base because it impacts the final texture significantly. I always recommend semi-sweet chocolate to balance out the sweetness of the powdered sugar coating.

Be gentle when folding the chocolate mixture into the cereal to prevent crushing the delicate squares into crumbs. A large rubber spatula works best for turning the Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) over until fully coated.

Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly for just a minute before pouring it over the cereal to keep things crisp. If the mixture is too hot, it can make the cereal soggy before the coating sets properly.

How to Serve Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

I prefer serving this snack in a large communal bowl because it encourages everyone to gather around and dig in together. It also makes for a fantastic edible gift when packaged in clear cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon.

You can keep this Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For an extra cold crunch, try storing it in the refrigerator during warmer months.

Join me on Pinterest for more easy snack ideas and sweet treats.

Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 15 min
• Yield: 10 cups
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A classic homemade snack mix featuring crispy cereal coated in chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. This easy no-bake treat is gluten-free and ready in minutes.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Measure out 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl to ensure you have plenty of room for stirring later without spilling. You want to make sure the bowl is big enough that you can fold the ingredients gently without crushing the cereal pieces.
2. Combine 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat this mixture in thirty-second intervals, stirring vigorously in between each heat cycle until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
3. Stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture immediately after removing it from the heat. Pour this warm mixture over the cereal in the large bowl and use a flexible rubber spatula to gently fold it in until every single piece of cereal is evenly coated in chocolate.
4. Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large 2-gallon zip-top bag or a large container with a tight lid. Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated in the white sugar.
5. Pour the coated mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper to let it cool and set completely. Spreading it out allows the Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) to dry properly so it stays crunchy rather than becoming soggy.

Notes

Gluten-Free Muddy Buddies Chex Party Mix | Puppy Chow Recipe

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cooling Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 5 min
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies), muddy buddies recipe, puppy chow recipe, gluten free snack mix, chocolate peanut butter cereal