Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This delightful snack, combining the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with the crunch of Chex cereal, is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience that brings back childhood memories and creates new ones.
What makes Muddy Buddies so special is their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun cooking activity with kids, or just craving a sweet snack, this recipe is your go-to. It’s simple, quick, and can be customized with various add-ins like M&M’s, Reese’s pieces, or mini chocolate chips. Dive into this delicious snack and watch it disappear in no time!
Table of contents
Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow) Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 cups rice chex
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Measuring the Cereal: Begin by carefully measuring out 9 cups of rice Chex cereal and place them into a large mixing bowl. This will be the base for your Muddy Buddies.
- Melting the Chocolate Mixture: On your stovetop, set a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 6 tablespoons of salted butter. Stir these ingredients continuously until they meld into a creamy, unified chocolate mixture.
- Adding Vanilla Extract: Once the chocolate mixture is evenly melted and smooth, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to infuse the mixture with a rich flavor.
- Coating the Cereal: Pour the warm melted chocolate mixture over the dry Chex cereal in the bowl. Gently stir to ensure each piece of cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Coating with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag containing 3 cups of powdered sugar. Seal the bag securely and shake well until each piece of cereal is thoroughly coated in powdered sugar.
- Cooling the Muddy Buddies (Optional): For an optional step to help them cool and set, spread the Muddy Buddies out on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Allow them to cool to room temperature for the perfect texture.
- Enjoying Your Treat: Once your Muddy Buddies have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them up as a delightful snack for any occasion or simply enjoy them as a treat for yourself.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes Kcal: 720 kcal |
Muddy Buddies FAQS
The snack is known by both names, “Puppy Chow” and “Muddy Buddies.” The name often depends on regional preferences or personal familiarity. Both names refer to the same delicious treat made with Chex cereal coated in a mixture of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.
The original name for this snack is believed to be “Puppy Chow.” The term “Muddy Buddies” is actually a registered trademark of General Mills, the company that produces Chex cereal. General Mills popularized the recipe under the name “Muddy Buddies” as part of their marketing. However, the concept of coating cereal in chocolate and peanut butter predates the trademark, and it was commonly referred to as “Puppy Chow” in informal settings.
The name “Puppy Chow” likely comes from the snack’s resemblance to dog food, particularly the small, dry kibble type. Of course, despite its name, Puppy Chow is not meant for dogs, especially since chocolate is harmful to canines. The name is more about the playful, informal nature of the snack and its appearance rather than any actual connection to dog food.
Puppy Chow has a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s sweet, with the richness of chocolate and the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. The powdered sugar coating adds a light sweetness and a soft texture that contrasts with the crunchy cereal. Overall, it’s a sweet, crunchy, and slightly savory treat that’s very moreish, meaning it’s hard to stop eating once you start!
Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow)
Muddy Buddies, often referred to as Puppy Chow, are a surefire hit at any gathering. This delightful treat, a fusion of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate draped over crunchy Chex cereal, strikes an impeccable balance between sweet and savory. More than just a snack, it’s a nostalgic journey that rekindles old memories and helps create new ones.
The real charm of Muddy Buddies lies in their adaptability. Perfect for party snacks, a fun and engaging cooking project with children, or simply as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s not only easy and quick to prepare but also allows for creative variations with add-ins like M&M’s, Reese’s pieces, or mini chocolate chips. Indulge in this scrumptious snack and watch it become an instant favorite!
- Total Time: 15 mins
Ingredients
- 9 cups rice chex
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Measuring the Cereal: Begin by carefully measuring out 9 cups of rice Chex cereal and place them into a large mixing bowl. This will be the base for your Muddy Buddies.
- Melting the Chocolate Mixture: On your stovetop, set a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 6 tablespoons of salted butter. Stir these ingredients continuously until they meld into a creamy, unified chocolate mixture.
- Adding Vanilla Extract: Once the chocolate mixture is evenly melted and smooth, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to infuse the mixture with a rich flavor.
- Coating the Cereal: Pour the warm melted chocolate mixture over the dry Chex cereal in the bowl. Gently stir to ensure each piece of cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Coating with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag containing 3 cups of powdered sugar. Seal the bag securely and shake well until each piece of cereal is thoroughly coated in powdered sugar.
- Cooling the Muddy Buddies (Optional): For an optional step to help them cool and set, spread the Muddy Buddies out on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Allow them to cool to room temperature for the perfect texture.
- Enjoying Your Treat: Once your Muddy Buddies have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them up as a delightful snack for any occasion or simply enjoy them as a treat for yourself.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
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