TheseMuddy Buddies are the best I have tried! Super chocolaty and full of peanut butter flavor, they’re crunchy, sweet, creamy and SO addictive!
I’m back with yet another amazing candy/snack/irresistible concoction for you to shove mercilessly into your face.
I am confident that unless you were born today from underneath a rock you already know about muddy buddies. Also known as puppy chow for inexplicable reasons, it is a snack/dessert/candy-type treat that consists of Chex cereal coated in a peanut buttery chocolate and then dredged in confectioners’ sugar. It is SUPER delicious, and seriously easy to make – just a few ingredients and it comes together within minutes, really.
While the interwebs has PLENTY of muddy buddy iterations (seriously, you can find orange creamsicle ones to key lime pie ones, probably!), this version is for classic, stick-to-your-ribs, good old-fashionedMuddy Buddies. The classic version is the best, in my opinion! (But we’ll see what I think after I try some of the more unique flavor combos!)
Snack mixes are one of my favorite holiday-time treats because I love to munch on them while binge-watching Hallmark Christmas movies orReal Housewives of Potomac. A good snack mix is just the perfect treat while watching episode after episode, don’t you think? And while my go-to is a spicy and savory Chex Mix like my Grammie Pat made, I need some sweet to balance it out, so this version comes in handy for when the chocolate craving strikes.
For this recipe, you’ll simply melt together some chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. For an added flavor boost, I like to whisk in some vanilla extract to the melted chocolate/peanut butter mixture, then pour it over a big bowl of Chex cereal. For this, I used rice Chex, but corn Chex works just as well! Toss the mixture to coat the cereal pieces evenly in the melted chocolate.
Next you’ll add some confectioners’ sugar to a large gallon-size resealable plastic bag and spoon the coated cereal mixture into the bag. Seal up the bag, shake to coat the cereal in the confectioners’ sugar for a few minutes, then open the bag and add in the last remaining bit of confectioners’ sugar to really coat the pieces. By doing this in stages, you can create those irresistible clusters of coated cereal that are so delicious.
Chocolaty, sweet, salty, crunchy, and soooo divine, theseBest Ever Muddy Buddies are a must!
These Muddy Buddies (also known as puppy chow!) are the BEST I have tried! Irresistible clusters of chocolate and peanut butter-coated crispy Chex cereal that are smothered in powdered sugar for the ultimate snack mix!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Dessert, No Bake Desserts, No-Bake Treats
Cuisine: American, Dessert
Servings: 9 cups
Ingredients
- 9 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar divided
Instructions
Add the cereal to a very large mixing bowl. Then put 1½ cups confectioners' sugar into a large resealable gallon-size Ziploc bag. Set aside.
In a medium microwaveable bowl, combine the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Microwave on HIGH power for 30 seconds. Stir, then microwave again for another 30 seconds. Stir until smooth and if not totally smooth, microwave for another 15 seconds. Add in the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the cereal in the bowl and toss to coat evenly as possible. Scoop the coated cereal into the Ziploc bag with the confectioners' sugar. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to coat the cereal with the confectioners' sugar. Open the bag and add in the remaining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar; seal and shake to coat once more.
Allow cereal to set, about 15 minutes, before serving. Store any leftovers in a sealed bag or container for up to 1 week.
Notes
Since chocolate is one of the star ingredients, I recommend using a high quality chocolate chip such as Guittard or Ghirardelli.
You’re going to love this addictive snack mix!
Have a super sweet day!
xo, Hayley
FAQs
There's sort of an ongoing debate about the name of this chocolate-covered cereal treat. Some people call it puppy chow, while others know it by different names: muddy munch, monkey munch, or muddy buddies. Muddy Buddies is actually the official name of the recipe marketed by General Mills, the maker of Chex cereal.
What is the original name for Muddy Buddies? ›
Puppy chow, also known as monkey munch, muddy buddies, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag, is the name for a homemade candy made in the United States, primarily in the Midwestern States.
Why is puppy chow called puppy chow? ›
How Puppy Chow Got Its Name. Chex cereal, originally made by the Ralston Purina Company, debuted in grocery stores in 1937. Because the company referred to their dog food as “dog chow” and cat food as “cat chow,” they jokingly called their new cereal line “human chow,” according to Taste.
Is puppy chow a Midwest thing? ›
Puppy chow is a party staple in the Midwest, but not everywhere else. Puppy chow — a snack mix made of Chex cereal covered in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar — is often a fixture at parties. People outside of the Midwest have often never heard of it, and they don't know what they're missing.
Why are my Muddy Buddies clumpy? ›
Just a note that chilling the cereal/peanut butter/chocolate mixture before adding any powdered sugar is critical to making sure you have delicious clumpy, not overly sweet, puppy chow!
Why is puppy chow hard to find? ›
If pet food aisles seem sparse, it's likely due to supply chain issues. A familiar issue lately for stores and consumers (especially over the past few years), supply chain issues have affected almost everything you can think of. In this case, these supply chain issues are significantly impacting smaller stores.
Why does my puppy chow taste stale? ›
Air reaching the cereal, especially cold refrigerator or freezer air, will cause the cereal to get stale over time. Why is my puppy chow soggy? Melted chocolate is hot, and it can turn your puppy chow into a soggy mess if you don't cool it properly.
What states have puppy chow? ›
It was a present as emblematic of her blonde hair, blue eyes, and flat vowels. The puppy chow belt runs through the Dakotas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, fanning out into the surrounding areas. There it is at every potluck, picnic, and holiday party table. Children learn to make it early and often.
Can you eat puppy chow? ›
If you haven't had Puppy Chow before, you are missing out. It's not the most sophisticated of snacks, but it sure is good!
What is puppy chow slang for? ›
Slang for Heroin
Black tar, smack, H, Negra/o, puppy chow, dog food, onyx, beat, BT, black girl and the frequently used term “sh*t” all reference Heroin.
Make Ahead Instructions: Chex mix tastes freshest when served within 2-3 days of making it, but it will last stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Freezing Instructions: Chex mix freezes great! Store in freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
How many kinds of Chex are there? ›
9. varieties ranging from sweet to simple to gluten-free.
Is it Muddy Buddies or puppy chow? ›
This classic chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar Chex™ Mix recipe has been a beloved part of families' kitchens for years. Transform Chex™ cereal into a delicious treat in just 15 minutes. We call it Muddy Buddies™, but you may know it as Puppy Chow.
Why do Midwesterners say ope? ›
Another benefit of using “ope?” It's a shorter way of saying “I'm sorry” when you bump into someone, reinforcing the Midwestern politeness we're known for. It also helps Midwesterners to spot each other in the wild.
What came first, puppy chow or Muddy Buddies? ›
In 2002 General Mills developed Muddy Buddies, the same recipe as Puppy Chow. But it can't be said that General Mills invented the recipe since Midwesterners recall seeing it and eating it long before the early 2000s.
Is puppy chow good for dogs? ›
Yes. Puppy Chow is good for puppies. Purina Puppy Chow recipes include the right nutrients at the right levels to support their rapidly growing bodies during their first 12 to 24 months. Learn more about Puppy Chow on the Purina Puppy Chow website.
What age is puppy chow for? ›
Breed size matters
| Breed Size | Weight | Recommended time to switch to adult food |
|---|
| Small Breeds | 4-20 pounds | 6-9 months |
| Medium Breeds | 20-50 pounds | 12-16 months |
| Large Breeds | 50-80 pounds | 18-24 months |
| Giant Breeds | 80+ pounds | 24 months |
Puppy food does have slightly higher levels of calcium and phosphorous when compared to most adult dog foods. Puppy food also has a higher fat and protein content, meaning there are more calories per bite than the adult version of the same brand.
Is the puppy chow blizzard for dogs? ›
NEW! Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Blizzard® Treat
Available at participating DQ® restaurants. For people, not puppies.
For this recipe, you’ll simply melt together some chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. For an added flavor boost, I like to whisk in some vanilla extract to the melted chocolate/peanut butter mixture, then pour it over a big bowl of Chex cereal. For this, I used rice Chex, but corn Chex works just as well! Toss the mixture to coat the cereal pieces evenly in the melted chocolate.
Next you’ll add some confectioners’ sugar to a large gallon-size resealable plastic bag and spoon the coated cereal mixture into the bag. Seal up the bag, shake to coat the cereal in the confectioners’ sugar for a few minutes, then open the bag and add in the last remaining bit of confectioners’ sugar to really coat the pieces. By doing this in stages, you can create those irresistible clusters of coated cereal that are so delicious.
Chocolaty, sweet, salty, crunchy, and soooo divine, theseBest Ever Muddy Buddies are a must!
You’re going to love this addictive snack mix!
