Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies
This classic Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies recipe is a quick, no-bake chocolate peanut butter Chex snack coated in powdered sugar. It’s crunchy, nostalgic, and perfect for parties, holidays, or movie nights.
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix (e.g., 5 cups Rice, 4 cups Corn)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips about 6 oz; use a good melting brand
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter not natural “stir” style; use a thick, no-stir type
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter if using salted butter, omit added salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt optional, enhances flavor
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar divided; start with 1 1/2 cups and add more if needed
Instructions
- Pour 9 cups of Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl with plenty of room for gentle stirring. A big salad bowl or large pot works well.9 cups Chex cereal
- Add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 20–30 second bursts at 50% power, stirring well between each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Alternatively, melt gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often, and remove from heat as soon as melted.1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt (if using) until fully combined. The mixture should be thick but pourable.1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Pour the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Using a broad spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold and toss until every piece of cereal looks evenly coated and shiny. Stir from the bottom up to avoid crushing the cereal.9 cups Chex cereal, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Add 1 cup of powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag (a 2-gallon freezer bag works best). Spoon the coated cereal into the bag, then add another 1/2 cup powdered sugar on top.1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
- Seal the bag well, pressing out excess air. Shake the bag gently but thoroughly—up and down and side to side—until the cereal is evenly coated in powdered sugar and no shiny chocolate spots remain. If pieces still look wet or dark, add up to an additional 1/2 cup powdered sugar and shake again.1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
- Spread the coated puppy chow in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or until fully set and dry to the touch.
- Transfer the cooled muddy buddies to a serving bowl, jars, or individual snack bags. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Coating ratio matters: this recipe gives a medium, snackable coating that isn’t too heavy or too sparse. Stir gently to avoid crushing the cereal, and add any candies, nuts, or pretzels only after the muddy buddies are cool so they don’t absorb the powdered sugar. For best crunch, cool completely before sealing the container. Natural peanut butter can make the mix greasy; a thicker no-stir peanut butter works best.
Nutrition
Calories: 200kcal
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