Muddy Buddies Recipe
Melting the chocolate and peanut butter together first creates a thin, even coating that clings to every piece of cereal without turning soggy, and tossing the cereal in powdered sugar while it's still slightly warm lets the sugar stick in a thick, even layer instead of clumping.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 10
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 286
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbs
- 48g
- Fat
- 10g
Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.
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Instructions
- 1Measure the Rice Chex into a very large bowl or a gallon-size zip-top bag and set aside.
- 2In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth, about 90 seconds total.
- 3Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
- 4Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and fold gently with a rubber spatula until every piece is coated. Work quickly but gently so the cereal squares don't crumble.
- 5Add the powdered sugar in two batches: pour half into the bag or bowl, seal or cover, and shake or toss until coated, then repeat with the remaining sugar.
- 6Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on a large sheet of parchment or wax paper and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate sets.
- 7Break apart any large clumps and store in an airtight container.
Tips & variations
- Swap semisweet chips for milk chocolate or a mix of chocolate and butterscotch chips for a sweeter, milder flavor.
- For a smoother melt with less risk of scorching, melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter in a double boiler instead of the microwave.
- Add pretzel pieces, mini M&M's, or crushed graham crackers to the mix after coating for a party-style version.
- Gluten-free brands of rice cereal work as a direct swap if needed.
Storage & reheating
Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to a week. No reheating needed; muddy buddies are meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, since condensation when it comes back to room temperature will make the sugar coating go gummy.
Tips from the Tulo kitchen
- Shaking the cereal in a large paper grocery bag with the powdered sugar coats it just as evenly as a zip-top bag and holds up better to the volume.
- Letting the melted chocolate mixture cool for a minute or two before pouring it over the cereal helps prevent the cereal from going soft before the sugar is added.
FAQ
Why is my muddy buddies mix soggy instead of crunchy?
This usually means the cereal sat too long in the melted chocolate before the powdered sugar was added, or the coated mix wasn't spread out to set before storing. Toss with sugar promptly and let it dry uncovered for at least 10 minutes.
Can I use white chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes. White chocolate melts at a lower temperature and scorches more easily, so microwave it in shorter 20-second bursts and stir often.
What's the difference between muddy buddies and puppy chow?
They're the same snack; muddy buddies is the name used on the Chex cereal box, while puppy chow is the more common name used in many home recipes and regions.
Can I make this without a microwave?
Yes, melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, stirring until smooth.