Dive into the irresistible world of Muddy Buddies (affectionately called Puppy Chow) – your new go-to for a lightning-fast and utterly delicious snack. Forget the oven; this treat requires absolutely no baking and comes together with just a handful of pantry staples!

Looking for more delightful no-bake mixes? You’ll love this White Chocolate Chex Mix or this sweet and salty Chocolate Popcorn!

The Best Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Sometimes, the simplest treats are the most memorable, and this Muddy Buddies recipe is a testament to that. Last summer, my son embarked on a small entrepreneurial adventure selling lemonade. While it was a sweet success, this year, he yearned for something new and even more exciting. So, we decided to elevate his roadside stand offerings, and that’s when these Muddy Buddies came into play.

After just one afternoon of selling these delectable chocolate peanut butter-coated cereal bites, he was completely smitten. He declared them his “ticket to all the money he could ever want” – and honestly, the neighborhood’s reaction validated his enthusiasm! It’s no exaggeration to say this snack mix is an absolute phenomenon. Whenever I whip up a batch, whether for a school event, a potluck, or just a casual family gathering, it vanishes almost instantly. Its universal appeal makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, cementing its place as a cherished favorite in our household and beyond.

What Are Muddy Buddies? Exploring Its Many Names

Muddy Buddies, also affectionately known by a variety of other names such as Puppy Chow, Reindeer Chow, or even Monkey Munch, is a delightful no-bake snack mix that has captured hearts for generations. At its core, it’s a simple yet incredibly addictive combination of crispy Chex cereal coated in a rich, melted mixture of peanut butter, chocolate, butter, vanilla, and a hint of salt. The magic happens when this coated cereal is tossed generously in a cloud of powdered sugar, creating a distinctively sweet and slightly messy finish.

The name “Puppy Chow” often sparks curiosity, as the finished product bears a whimsical resemblance to actual dog kibble. Rest assured, despite its playful moniker, this treat is designed exclusively for human consumption and is absolutely delicious! A crucial reminder: chocolate is harmful to dogs, so please keep this tempting snack out of reach of your furry friends. The beauty of Muddy Buddies lies in its satisfying crunch, its perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the incredible ease with which it comes together, making it an ideal choice for any occasion where a quick, crowd-pleasing snack is needed.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Muddy Buddies

Crafting the perfect batch of Muddy Buddies doesn’t require a trip to a specialty store. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry! Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays a vital role:

• Chex Cereal: The foundation of our snack! Opt for Rice Chex or Corn Chex, or a similar sturdy, square-shaped cereal. Its unique texture is ideal for absorbing the chocolate-peanut butter coating without becoming soggy, providing that signature crunch we all love.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: This is where the rich, nutty flavor comes from. Any smooth, creamy peanut butter will work beautifully, binding the chocolate to the cereal. If you have a nut allergy, smooth almond butter or sunbutter can be excellent alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic treat.
• Chocolate Chips: The choice is yours! Milk chocolate chips offer a sweeter, creamier profile, while semi-sweet provides a classic balance. Dark chocolate chips lend a more intense, sophisticated flavor. Feel free to mix and match or use your favorite brand like Guittard or Ghirardelli for the best quality melting.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create that perfectly smooth, pourable coating. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the snack. Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away!
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla elevates the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the chocolate and peanut butter. For the best flavor, incorporate it after the mixture has been microwaved to preserve its delicate notes from high heat.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is crucial. It cleverly balances the sweetness of the chocolate and powdered sugar, enhancing all the other flavors without making the snack taste overtly salty.
• Powdered Sugar: The final flourish! Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) provides the iconic snowy white coating, making Muddy Buddies visually appealing and delightfully sweet. It also helps to “seal” in the gooey chocolate-peanut butter mixture, making the pieces easier to handle and preventing stickiness.

Step-by-Step: How To Make Irresistible Muddy Buddies

Creating this beloved no-bake snack is surprisingly simple and incredibly fun. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfect, powdery, and delicious Muddy Buddies every time:

1. Measure Your Cereal: Begin by accurately measuring the specified amount of Chex cereal into a very large, sturdy mixing bowl. Ensure the bowl is large enough to allow for thorough mixing without spilling. Set this aside.
2. Melt the Decadent Coating: In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, combine your creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, unsalted butter, and salt. Microwave the mixture in short intervals of 15-30 seconds, stirring thoroughly between each burst. Continue until the mixture is completely melted and beautifully smooth. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract for an added layer of flavor.
3. Combine and Coat Evenly: Pour the warm, luscious chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the measured cereal in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula, gently but thoroughly toss and stir the cereal until every piece is evenly coated. Be mindful not to crush the delicate cereal squares during this process.
4. Shake to Perfection: Divide the coated cereal mixture into two separate gallon-sized resealable plastic bags. Add half of the powdered sugar to each bag. Seal the bags securely, ensuring there’s plenty of air inside to allow for movement. Shake vigorously but gently until the cereal pieces are completely and evenly coated in the powdered sugar, transforming them into their signature “muddy” appearance.

And for those wondering, if you’re looking for how to make Puppy Chow, this is the exact same, classic recipe! The names are interchangeable, but the delicious outcome is consistently wonderful. Enjoy!

Creative Variations to Elevate Your Muddy Buddies

One of the most exciting aspects of Muddy Buddies is their incredible versatility. This classic snack is a fantastic canvas for creativity, allowing you to easily customize it with different flavors and textures to suit any craving or occasion. Here are some of my favorite variations that are sure to impress:

• Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies: Indulge in a rich, chocolatey snack mix that truly tastes like your favorite Oreo cookie. This variation typically involves crushed sandwich cookies for an extra layer of flavor and texture, taking the classic up a notch.
• Muddy Buddy Bars: Transform this delightful treat into a convenient bar form! These no-bake bars are perfect for on-the-go snacking, school lunches, or effortless party desserts. They offer the same great taste but in a more structured, less messy format.
• Double Chocolate Delight: For the ultimate chocolate lover, replace the powdered sugar with dry brownie mix. This simple swap intensifies the chocolate flavor, creating an incredibly decadent and rich snack that’s truly swoon-worthy.
• Nutella® Nirvana: Swap out the creamy peanut butter for Nutella® to introduce a delightful hazelnut-chocolate flavor. This variation offers a sophisticated twist on the original, perfect for those who adore the iconic European spread.
• Make It Seasonal: Muddy Buddies are perfect for celebrating holidays and seasons!
  • For autumn vibes, try these Fall Muddy Buddies, perhaps with pumpkin spice.
  • Spread love with Valentine Muddy Buddies, incorporating pink or red candies.
  • Get spooky with Goblin Goodies for Halloween.
  • Embrace winter cheer with Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies for a festive holiday treat.
• Switch Up The Cereal: While Chex is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cereals!
  • Explore a campfire favorite with S’mores Muddy Buddies, often using Golden Grahams or similar.
  • Or try another exciting combination like Peanut Butter Puppy Chow, focusing heavily on that nutty goodness.

Expert Tips for Muddy Buddies Perfection

Achieving that perfectly coated, non-sticky, and utterly delicious batch of Muddy Buddies is easy with a few insider tricks. Keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your snack mix is always a hit:

• Achieve an Even Coating: The key to beautiful Muddy Buddies is an even layer of powdered sugar. A gallon-sized plastic resealable bag is your best friend here! If your batch is too large for one bag, simply divide the chocolate-covered cereal and powdered sugar between two bags. This ensures each piece gets a thorough and uniform dusting without clumping.
• Prevent Burning When Melting: Chocolate can be finicky. To avoid burning and ensure a smooth, creamy coating, melt your chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in the microwave in short bursts. Start with 30 seconds, then stir. Continue with 15-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This gradual approach prevents scorching and ensures a consistent texture.
• Handle With Care: When tossing the cereal with the melted chocolate mixture and later when shaking with powdered sugar, be gentle. Chex cereal can be delicate, and you want to maintain its crisp, square shape. A gentle stirring motion with a spatula and a moderate shake of the bag will ensure even coating without crushing the cereal into crumbs.
• Allow for Cooling (Optional but Recommended): While Muddy Buddies are delicious right away, allowing them to cool for about 15-30 minutes after coating in powdered sugar can help the chocolate set further, resulting in a firmer, less sticky snack that’s even easier to handle.

More Delicious No-Bake & Easy Desserts:

If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of these Muddy Buddies, you’re in for a treat with these other fan-favorite desserts:

• Classic Snickerdoodles: Soft, chewy, and coated in cinnamon sugar – a timeless cookie that’s always a hit.
• Safe Edible Cookie Dough: Indulge your cookie dough cravings without the worry, no baking required!
• Bright Lemon Bars: Zesty, tart, and perfectly sweet lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust.
• Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake: A rich and creamy chocolate cheesecake perched on a delicious Oreo crust.
• Easy S’mores Bars: All the joy of a campfire s’more, transformed into a convenient and delightful no-bake bar.

Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

Rating: 4.69 out of 5 from 19 votes

Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)

By Chelsea Lords

Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow) are the ultimate no-bake snack—quick, easy, and totally addictive, perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Yields: 10 cups

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Large resealable plastic bags (gallon size)
• Microwave-safe bowl

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 8 cups corn Chex cereal
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet; Guittard or Ghirardelli recommended)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar

Optional Additions

• Miniature M&M’s
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Measure 8 cups of Chex cereal into a very large bowl and set it aside.
2. In a separate large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, butter, and salt. Microwave the mixture in 15-second bursts, stirring well between each burst, until it is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal during this step.
4. Divide the coated cereal mixture evenly into two gallon-sized resealable plastic bags. Add half of the powdered sugar (3/4 cup) to each bag. Seal the bags and shake vigorously until the cereal is completely coated in powdered sugar.
5. Pour the finished Muddy Buddies into a large serving bowl and enjoy immediately! For extra fun, stir in optional additions like mini M&M’s or mini chocolate chips before serving.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: This recipe is easily adaptable. It doubles beautifully for a larger crowd and can also be halved for a smaller batch.

Nutrition Note: The nutritional information provided does not include any optional add-ins. Please factor these in if you choose to include them.

Storage: Store leftover Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months; they’re delicious enjoyed straight from the freezer!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It is based on the main ingredients only and does not include optional add-ins.

• Serving: 1 serving
• Calories: 484 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 76 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 13 mg
• Sodium: 496 mg
• Potassium: 394 mg
• Fiber: 9 g
• Sugar: 31 g
• Vitamin A: 743 IU
• Vitamin C: 7 mg
• Calcium: 137 mg
• Iron: 18 mg