There’s a special kind of joy that comes from recipes made with your hands and your heart—those simple, sweet treats that bring back memories the moment they hit your tongue. Muddy buddies, also affectionately called puppy chow, are exactly that kind of recipe. A bowlful of childhood nostalgia, a handful of love, and a reminder that the most delicious things are often the most humble.
For me, muddy buddies aren’t just a snack—they’re a story. They take me back to long, golden afternoons in my grandma’s garden, where the scent of strawberries and wild mint danced in the air and her old kitchen hummed with warmth and love. I was just a child then, but I remember how her hands moved confidently, transforming simple ingredients into something magical. That spirit—of joy, of connection, of comfort—is the heartbeat of this recipe and the very reason I share it on Joyful Bite Recipes.
PrintMuddy Buddies – A Sweet Crunchy Treat That Tastes Like Home
A nostalgic no-bake treat that combines crunchy cereal, creamy chocolate-peanut butter coating, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar—perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking by the handful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice or Corn Chex
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered sugar
- Optional: Mini marshmallows
- Optional: M&M’s
- Optional: Crushed pretzels
- Optional: White chocolate chips
Instructions
- Measure 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour mixture over the cereal and gently fold until evenly coated.
- Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag.
- Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until fully coated.
- Spread muddy buddies onto a baking sheet to cool and set.
- Store in an airtight container or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Customize with add-ins like crushed peppermint, cookie butter, or festive candies. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for a longer shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
What I Love About Puppy Chow
There’s so much to love about muddy buddies. First, they’re no-bake, which makes them a lifesaver for busy days or those moments when the oven’s already packed with other goodies. They come together in under fifteen minutes, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. And yet—despite how quick and easy they are—they taste like something that took much more effort. That’s the magic of this snack: it’s simple, nostalgic, and wonderfully addictive.
Whether you’re prepping snacks for a movie night, packing a treat for your kids’ lunchboxes, or gifting a homemade jar of goodness to a neighbor, muddy buddies fit the occasion. They’re the kind of treat people don’t just enjoy—they ask for the recipe and hope there’s more.
The Sweet, Simple Ingredients
What gives muddy buddies their signature charm is the balance of crispy, creamy, chocolatey, and sweet. It starts with Chex cereal—usually rice or corn—known for its light, airy crunch. From there, you melt down a comforting blend of semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter, all brought together with a splash of vanilla. This mixture gets poured over the cereal, coating every piece before everything gets tumbled in a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
It’s a little messy, sure—but that’s part of the fun. I’ve seen kids light up as they shake the bag, laughing as the sugar flies, and adults sneak bites before it’s even cooled. It’s a treat made for memory-making.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic batch of muddy buddies:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rice or Corn Chex | 9 cups |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
Optional Add-ins:
- Mini marshmallows
- M&M’s
- Crushed pretzels
- White chocolate chips
This combination of smooth, crunchy, and sweet makes every bite addictive in the best way.
How to Make Muddy Buddies
Start by measuring out your Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl—9 cups is just right for a full batch. Then, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of chocolate chips, ½ cup of peanut butter, and ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until everything is melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end.
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold until everything is evenly coated. Then comes the fun part—transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag, add about 1½ cups of powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until every piece is snow-dusted and perfect.
Spread the muddy buddies out onto a baking sheet to cool and set. Then, they’re ready to be shared… or devoured by the handful.
Make-Ahead Tips and Freezer-Friendly Magic
One of the reasons I come back to this recipe again and again is how well it stores. Muddy buddies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need them to last longer, they freeze like a dream. Just place them in a sealed container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving—or eat them cold for a surprisingly satisfying crunch.
Make It Yours: Substitutions and Add-Ins
This recipe is endlessly customizable. Don’t eat peanut butter? No worries—swap in almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cookie butter for a fun twist. Want to make it dairy-free? Use vegan chocolate and plant-based butter. Gluten-free? Just check your cereal and chocolate labels to be sure they’re certified.
When it comes to add-ins, let your imagination run wild. I love stirring in holiday M&Ms for a festive look, crushed peppermint during December, or chopped pretzels for a salty crunch. A pinch of flaky sea salt over the finished batch takes it to the next level.
Why Muddy Buddies Matter
It’s funny how something so simple can carry so much heart. Every time I make muddy buddies, I’m transported back to that sunny garden and my grandma’s kitchen. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a connection. To my roots, to the people I love, and to the joy that cooking brings into our everyday lives.
In a world that’s always rushing, muddy buddies slow things down. They remind us that a bowl of sweet cereal and chocolate can bring people together, whether it’s at a family gathering or during a quiet night in.
So next time you need a little comfort, a lot of sweetness, or just something quick and satisfying—muddy buddies are always a good idea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Muddy Buddies
What is a muddy buddy?
Muddy buddies, sometimes called puppy chow, are a beloved American snack made from crispy Chex cereal coated in a warm mixture of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then tossed in powdered sugar. The name may differ depending on where you’re from, but the flavor and fun are always the same—sweet, crunchy, and wonderfully nostalgic.
What’s the difference between muddy buddies and puppy chow?
There’s no real difference between muddy buddies and puppy chow—they’re simply two names for the same addictive snack. “Puppy chow” is often used in Midwestern states, while “muddy buddies” became popular when General Mills included the recipe on their Chex cereal boxes. Regardless of the name, the recipe remains the same at heart: a crispy, chocolate-peanut butter coated treat dusted in powdered sugar.
What do you need for muddy buddies?
All it takes is a handful of pantry staples: Chex cereal (usually rice or corn), chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. These simple ingredients come together in minutes to make one of the most crowd-pleasing no-bake snacks ever. And the best part? You can mix in add-ins like M&Ms, mini marshmallows, or crushed pretzels to make it your own.
How to make muddy buddies in the UK?
Even if you’re in the UK, you can still enjoy a homemade batch of muddy buddies. While Chex cereal might be harder to find, alternatives like Nestlé Shreddies or supermarket-brand puffed corn or rice cereals work well as a base. Combine with smooth peanut butter, melting chocolate (milk or dark), butter, vanilla extract, and icing sugar—and you’ll have a delicious, UK-friendly version of this American classic.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, muddy buddies are more than just a sweet, crunchy snack—they’re a reminder that the best recipes are the ones that connect us. Whether you’re making them for a party, packaging them as a homemade gift, or simply sneaking a handful during a quiet afternoon, there’s comfort in every bite. It’s the kind of treat that doesn’t need to be fancy to be unforgettable. Just a few simple ingredients, a little love, and a dash of powdered sugar magic. From my cozy kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it has to mine.
Looking for something warm and cozy to bake next? Try Emily’s Pumpkin Banana Loaf—a moist, spiced bread that brings together the best of fall flavors in every slice.
From my heart to your home—
Happy baking! – Emily
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