Okay, picture this: I’m It’s Saturday morning, the cartoons are blaring, and the only thing that can make the chaos truly real is the fact that there is no one in the room. What is the best way to eat a big bowl of sweet and crunchy? What is the recipe for Muddy Buddies? If you love the salty-sweet combo of Puppy Chow but want something even easier (and let’s be honest, I’m not a big fan of puppies) then try this recipe. Sometimes you just do! If you are going to flip for this recipe, you’re going. What is the best snack you’ve ever had? My family devours this stuff faster than I can make it!
What is Muddy Buddies?
What are Muddy Buddies? What are Chex cereals made of? All tossed in powdered sugar, butter, and salt. Think of it as the no-bake cousin of Rice Krispie Treats, but with a serious upgrade in flavor. Is it a sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible snack mix? Movie nights, or just a simple afternoon treat. The name comes from the “muddy” look of the chocolate coating, though I think it sounds kind of like it. Is it endearing?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore this Muddy Buddies recipe, but let’s break down the highlights. What I love most about this is how quickly it comes together. Seriously, we’re talking maybe 15 minutes from start to finish, tops! Plus, the flavor is just incredible: the rich chocolate, Creamy Peanut Butter, and the satisfying crunch of the Chex cereal, all coated in a blanket of sweet powdered sugar. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
And let’s not forget about the cost. The ingredients are simple and budget-friendly, things you probably already have in your pantry.
But the best part? It’s endlessly versatile! You can customize it with different types of chocolate (dark chocolate Muddy Buddies, anyone?), different nut butters (almond butter is amazing!), or even add sprinkles for a festive touch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone, from kids to adults, will absolutely love. If you’re a fan of other easy no-bake treats, like those peanut butter bars, or those cookies made from oatmeal with no baking, this one’s a must-try!
How do I make Muddy Buddies?
Quick Overview
How do I make Muddy Buddies? If you’re using chocolate chips, pour that over the cereal. Next, you’ll toss everything together until the cereal is evenly coated, and then it’s time for the toppings. What is powdered sugar? No baking, no complicated techniques, just pure, unadulterated snack goodness. How do I make sure the chocolate is the right consistency? Is it okay to mess up a little, but still taste amazing?
Ingredients
For the Coating:
* 6 cups rice chex, corn chex, or chocolate chax cereal (I usually go with rice Chex for that). Chocolate Chex is a game-changer! ) * 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (Good quality butter makes a difference here, trust me! ) * 1 cup creamy Peanut Butter (I’m a Jif girl, but use whatever you like! ) * 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli are my favorite, but any brand will work)* 1 pound chocolate chip. What’s a teaspoon of vanilla extract? Is there any depth of flavor in it?
For the Coating:
* 2-3 cups powdered sugar (You can always add more or less, depending on your preference). I like mine extra sweet!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep
First, measure out your Chex cereal and pour it into a large bowl. Is it possible to toss everything together in a big bowl? I know that part can get a little messy, but trust me! I always line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper for later use.
Step 2: Melt the Good Stuff
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, Peanut Butter, and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until everything is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it will burn and seize up. This is where patience is key. It usually takes me about 1-2 minutes total.
Step 3: Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract. This step is important because the vanilla really helps to enhance all of the flavors and gives it a unique flavor. What is the little touch of something extra? I’ll use almond extract and sometimes I get crazy. What are some good alternatives?
Step 4: Combine
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently fold everything together until the cereal is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal! This is where a large rubber spatula comes in handy.
Step 5: Powdered Sugar Shower
How do you pour powdered sugar into a zip-top bag? Shake until cereal is completely coated with powdered sugar. If you can’t eat it, shake until it’s completely covered. Is it snowing in the bag?
Step 6: Cool
Spread the Muddy Buddies in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool completely, about 30 minutes. This helps the chocolate to set and the powdered sugar to adhere properly.
Step 7: Enjoy
Once cooled, break apart any clumps and transfer the Muddy Buddies to a serving bowl. Or, let’s be real, just eat them straight off the baking sheet. No judgment here!
What are some good ways to serve it with?
Muddy Buddies are the ultimate snack, and they’re perfect for so many occasions. For a casual movie night, just grab a big bowl and a spoon (or your hands, who’s watching?). They’re also great for parties and get-togethers. I like to put them in little paper cups for easy serving. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even add them to a dessert platter with other sweet treats.
My family has a tradition of making Muddy Buddies for every holiday. We’ll add red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel sprinkles for Easter, and orange and black sprinkles for Halloween. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate!
They are also fantastic for road trips (because you can eat them with one hand, which is important when you’re driving). Sometimes, when I have a craving for something sweet in the middle of the afternoon, a small bowl of Muddy Buddies hits the spot!
How do you perfect your Muddy Buddies?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make the best Muddy Buddies possible.
One thing I always do is to make sure my butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips are all at room temperature. This helps them melt more evenly and prevents the chocolate from seizing.
I’ve learned that it’s important not to overmix the chocolate mixture. Overmixing can cause the chocolate to become grainy and lose its shine. Gently fold everything together until just combined.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations! Try using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, or add a pinch of cinnamon to the powdered sugar. You can even add chopped nuts or pretzels for extra crunch. I know someone who likes to put mini M&Ms in hers. So good!
If you want to change the recipe but still want Muddy Buddies, you should try using cereal other than the Chex ones. I’ve found that Corn Chex and Chocolate Chex work best.
The key to getting a good coat of powdered sugar is to use a large zip-top bag and shake, shake, shake! Make sure all of the cereal is completely coated in powdered sugar. If you don’t have a zip-top bag, you can use a large bowl, but it might be a little messier.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Muddy Buddies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long!
If you live in a warm climate, you might want to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting. They’ll still taste great, but they might be a little harder to eat straight from the fridge.
I don’t recommend freezing Muddy Buddies, as the texture can change and the powdered sugar can get a little weird. But if you really want to, you can try it. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
What is my favorite Muddy Buddies recipe? Is this a crowd pleaser? What are some of my favorite snack recipes? How did your Muddy Buddies turn out? What is your personal twist to snacking?
Muddy Buddies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, peanut butter, and melted butter. Mix well to coat.
- Add powdered sugar and chocolate chips. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Spread mixture onto a baking sheet and let cool completely before serving.
