Muddy Buddies: The Ultimate Snack Mix Recipe

Known also as Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies combine the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy in a beloved snack mix. This delicious treat features crispy cereal coated with melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Whether you’re preparing it for a party, holiday gathering, or just as a treat for yourself, Muddy Buddies is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

What Are Muddy Buddies?

Muddy Buddies traditionally consist of Rice Chex cereal, although other similar cereals can substitute. You coat the cereal in a melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture and then toss it in powdered sugar until each piece is fully covered. This sweet and crunchy snack is perfect for any occasion and is especially popular during the holiday season.

The Origins

Although the exact origins of Muddy Buddies remain unclear, many believe the recipe gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. Known by different names in various regions—Puppy Chow being the most common alternative—it quickly became a staple in American kitchens due to its simplicity and delicious flavor.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Muddy Buddies requires only a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

Key Ingredients

Rice Chex Cereal: The base of the recipe. You can also use Corn Chex or other similar cereals.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These provide the rich, chocolatey flavor that’s essential to Muddy Buddies.
Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter works best for an even coating. If you have peanut allergies, consider using almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the chocolate and peanut butter mix smoothly.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm and cozy note.
Powdered Sugar: The final touch that coats the cereal, giving it its iconic sweet, powdery finish.

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How to Make Muddy Buddies

Making Muddy Buddies is straightforward and takes only a few minutes of active preparation time.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Coat the Cereal: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal, gently stirring to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
Add the Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large plastic bag or a large bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag (or bowl), and shake until the cereal is fully coated in powdered sugar.
Cool and Serve: Spread the Muddy Buddies out on a baking sheet to cool. Once cooled, they’re ready to serve or store in an airtight container.

Tips for Perfect Muddy Buddies

Don’t Overmix: When mixing the chocolate and peanut butter with the cereal, be gentle. Overmixing can crush the cereal and make the pieces too small.
Customize the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your liking. More powdered sugar will make the mix sweeter and less sticky.

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Variations and Substitutions

Muddy Buddies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to fit your tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredient Variations

Nut-Free Version: Replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a nut-free version.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based butter substitute to make vegan Muddy Buddies.
Flavor Variations: Add spices like cinnamon or cocoa powder to the powdered sugar for an extra flavor boost. You can also use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different taste.

Creative Add-Ins

Chocolate Candies: Mix in some M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces for added color and flavor.
Pretzels: Add a handful of crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet combination.
Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots can add a chewy texture and a hint of tartness.

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Storing and Serving Muddy Buddies

Muddy Buddies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later enjoyment.

How to Store Muddy Buddies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cereal will remain crunchy, and the flavors will stay fresh.
Freezing: Muddy Buddies can be frozen for up to two months. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Muddy Buddies are perfect for a variety of occasions:

Party Snack: Serve Muddy Buddies in bowls or small snack bags at parties or gatherings. They’re a hit at kids’ parties and holiday events.
Gift Idea: Package Muddy Buddies in decorative tins or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
Movie Night: Pair Muddy Buddies with other finger foods like popcorn and pretzels for a movie night snack spread.

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Nutritional Information and Considerations

While Muddy Buddies are undeniably delicious, they are also a treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Nutritional Breakdown

A typical serving of Muddy Buddies (about 1 cup) contains:

Calories: Approximately 200-250, depending on the ingredients used.
Fat: 10-12 grams, primarily from the peanut butter and chocolate.
Sugar: 20-30 grams, mostly from the powdered sugar coating.
Protein: 2-4 grams, thanks to the peanut butter.

Healthier Alternatives

Lower Sugar Version: Reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use a sugar substitute like powdered erythritol for a lower-sugar option.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the cereal and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between Muddy Buddies and Puppy Chow?

Muddy Buddies and Puppy Chow are essentially the same thing; the name varies by region. Both involve cereal coated in a chocolate-peanut butter mixture and powdered sugar.

Can it Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, Muddy Buddies can be made ahead of time and stored for several days. They’re perfect for prepping ahead of a party or holiday event.

How Do I Prevent Clumping When Making Muddy Buddies?

Ensure you evenly coat the cereal with the chocolate mixture and powdered sugar to avoid clumping. Gently shake the mixture in a bag or stir carefully to ensure an even distribution.

Can I Use a Different Nut Butter?

Absolutely! If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cookie butter.

Conclusion

Muddy Buddies are a versatile and easy-to-make snack that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, this snack mix is a guaranteed hit. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a quick treat, Muddy Buddies are a must-try for any home cook.

For more snack ideas, check out our collection of easy snack recipes and explore sweet and salty treat combinations for your next snack craving.

Chef Billy

I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.