Muddy Buddies
Muddy Buddies is the quick no bake snack mix that checks every holiday, movie night, and bake sale box.
It is crunchy, chocolatey, peanut buttery, and dusted in powdered sugar. Make a batch in 15 minutes and watch the bowl empty.
What Is A Muddy Buddy?
Muddy Buddies is a cereal snack mix coated in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then tossed in powdered sugar until every square is well covered. The result is light, crisp, and sweet with a gentle peanut butter finish. Most home cooks use rice or corn square cereal for the base because it holds the coating without getting soggy.
Is It Puppy Chow Or Muddy Buddies?
Both names point to the same treat. In the Midwest, people often say Puppy Chow. In plenty of brand cookbooks and on cereal boxes, you will see Muddy Buddies. The recipe method is the same, and the final mix tastes identical. Choose the name your crowd knows best.
What’s The Difference Between Muddy Buddy And Puppy Chow?
There is no real difference in the classic version. Any changes come from small twists, like:
- Using almond butter or sun butter instead of peanut butter
- Swapping semi sweet chocolate for milk or white chocolate
- Adding mix-ins, for example mini pretzels, peanuts, or seasonal candies
- Cutting the powdered sugar for a lighter coat, or going heavy for a thick snowy look
Are Muddy Buddies Healthy?
It is a treat. You get whole grain from the cereal and a bit of protein from peanut butter, but the chocolate, butter, and powdered sugar push it into dessert territory. To make a lighter bowl:
- Use a high fiber rice or corn cereal
- Choose dark chocolate
- Reduce the powdered sugar and shake well so a thinner coat still reaches every piece
- Add a handful of roasted nuts for extra crunch and staying power
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days. Keep it dry and away from heat so the coating stays set.
- Refrigerator: Not required, but helpful in warm kitchens. Chill in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Let it sit a few minutes before serving so the coating softens slightly.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Place portions in freezer bags, press out air, and seal. Thaw at room temperature in a closed bag to prevent condensation.
- Make ahead tip: Coat the cereal, cool completely, then bag in single servings for lunch boxes, road trips, and quick holiday gifting.
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- Add half (3 cups) of the cereal to a large bowl. Set aside.
- Add peanut butter and chocolate to a small bowl and melt in the microwave, heating for 15 – 30 seconds at a time and then stirring until smooth and combined. Stir in salt. Alternatively you can melt on the stovetop.
- Pour roughly half of the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Add the remaining cereal to the bowl on top, and then pour the rest of the chocolate mixture. Stir everything until evenly coated.
- Let cereal cool slightly (but don't let it harden). Once around room temperature, add 1 cup of powdered sugar to the bowl. Mix until combined. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Remove and remaining sugar, coating evenly. Alternatively, you can put the coated cereal mixture into a resealable plastic baggie, add the powdered sugar, and shake to coat.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
