When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing snacks, nothing quite beats a batch of homemade Muddy Buddies. Also lovingly known as Puppy Chow (don't worry, it's just a fun nickname, not for actual puppies!), this sweet and crunchy confection is a true classic. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, it's the perfect treat for last-minute parties, movie nights, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth craving.
The beauty of Muddy Buddies lies in its simplicity. It combines the satisfying crunch of Chex cereal with the irresistible duo of melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter, all finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. The result? A snack that's rich, decadent, and utterly addictive. It's a nostalgic favorite for many and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Why You'll Love This Muddy Buddies Recipe
Our recipe for classic Muddy Buddies ensures a perfect balance of flavors and textures every time. Here's why this will become your go-to recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, with only 5 minutes of active melting and mixing.
- No-Bake Delight: Keep your oven off! This recipe is entirely stovetop and microwave-friendly.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable for different flavors and add-ins.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, potlucks, lunchboxes, or a casual snack.
If you love simple, delicious no-bake treats, you might also enjoy our No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Clusters for another quick fix, or perhaps a decadent Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake if you're feeling a bit more adventurous with peanut butter desserts!
Tips for Perfect Muddy Buddies Every Time
- Even Coating is Key: When pouring the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal, work quickly and gently to ensure every piece gets coated.
- Shake, Shake, Shake: For the best powdered sugar coverage, make sure your resealable bag or container is large enough to allow for plenty of shaking room. This helps prevent clumping.
- Cool Before Serving: While it's tempting to dive right in, letting your Muddy Buddies cool for about 15-20 minutes on a baking sheet allows the coating to set, preventing them from being too sticky.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality chocolate chips and a creamy peanut butter will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Muddy Buddies, or Puppy Chow as it's known to many (you can read more about its history and common variations on Wikipedia), is a truly iconic American snack. This recipe embraces that tradition, delivering a treat that's impossible to resist.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these glorious chocolate peanut butter squares. They're so good, you'll be making them again and again!
FAQs
What are Muddy Buddies?
Muddy Buddies, also widely known as Puppy Chow, is a popular no-bake snack mix made from Chex cereal coated in a melted mixture of chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then tossed with powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. It's famous for its irresistible sweet and savory flavor and crunchy texture.
Can I make Muddy Buddies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Muddy Buddies are perfect for making ahead. They store well, and their flavor often deepens slightly overnight. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crunch.
How should I store Muddy Buddies?
To keep your Muddy Buddies fresh and crispy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to one week, though they rarely last that long in most households!
Can I customize Muddy Buddies with other ingredients?
Yes, customization is part of the fun! You can add mini chocolate chips, M&M's, chopped pretzels, or even different types of nuts once the cereal is coated and before shaking with powdered sugar. You can also experiment with different extracts instead of vanilla.
Classic Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously irresistible no-bake snack mix made with Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar.
Ingredients
9 cups Chex cereal (Rice, Corn, or Wheat)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Measure 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds if needed, until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently stir with a rubber spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 4: Pour the coated cereal into a large (2-gallon) resealable plastic bag or a large lidded container. Add the powdered sugar.
Step 5: Seal the bag or container and shake vigorously until the cereal is completely coated with powdered sugar.
Step 6: Spread the Muddy Buddies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set for about 15-20 minutes.
Notes
For a less sweet version, reduce powdered sugar to 1 cup. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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