Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) Recipe
This is an easy, irresistible snack that combines crispy cereal with a rich, sweet, and peanut buttery chocolate coating, all dusted with powdered sugar. Whether you’re bringing it to a party or keeping it as a quick treat, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (You can substitute with Corn Chex or a gluten-free alternative if needed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (you can use salted, but it will add a slight saltiness to the recipe)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (use high-quality chocolate for a smoother melt)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth peanut butter works best for an even coating, but chunky can add a nice texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (this enhances the flavor—optional but recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
Instructions:
- Prepare your ingredients:
- Before starting, measure out your 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal and place them in a large mixing bowl. It’s easier to have everything ready ahead of time since the chocolate mix needs to coat the cereal while it’s warm.
- If you want to ensure the powdered sugar coats the cereal evenly, you can sift it before using. This will remove any clumps and make for smoother coverage.
- Melt the chocolate and peanut butter mixture:
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup of peanut butter.
- Microwave the mixture on high for 30 seconds. Take it out and stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely smooth and everything has melted. This should take about 1-2 minutes total.
- Be careful not to overcook the chocolate—chocolate can seize (become grainy) if it’s overheated. If this happens, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to help smooth it out again.
- Add vanilla extract:
- Once the chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the mix, though you can skip this if you prefer a more basic chocolate-peanut butter taste.
- Coat the cereal:
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal in the large bowl. Use a silicone spatula (or another gentle utensil) to fold the cereal, being careful not to crush it. Continue folding until every piece of cereal is evenly coated in the chocolate mixture. Take your time with this step to make sure it’s all evenly distributed.
- If the chocolate starts to cool too quickly, you can place the bowl over a low simmering pot of water to keep it warm and help with coating.
- Powdered sugar coating:
- Take a gallon-sized zip-top bag (or two, depending on the size of your batch). Carefully scoop the chocolate-coated cereal into the bag.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar into the bag. If you prefer a thicker sugar coating, you can increase this to 2 cups.
- Seal the bag tightly (ensure no air escapes) and shake it vigorously! You’ll need to shake and flip the bag several times until every piece of cereal is covered in powdered sugar. If you like a thicker coating, you can open the bag after the first round and add more powdered sugar, then shake again.
- Cool and separate:
- After shaking, pour the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step prevents the cereal from clumping together while it cools.
- Spread the cereal out in a single layer and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, the coating will set, making it easier to handle and snack on without making a mess.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Once cooled, transfer the Puppy Chow to a serving bowl or divide it into smaller bags for sharing. You can also store it in an airtight container.
Extra Tips for the Perfect Puppy Chow:
- Mix-ins: Add some variety by mixing in ingredients like mini pretzels, M&Ms, peanuts, or marshmallows once the cereal is fully coated and cooled.
- Storage: Store your Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate it if you want it to stay a bit firmer. You can even freeze it if you’re making it ahead for a party—it will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Make it seasonal: Want to make it festive? Toss in some colorful sprinkles, holiday-themed candies, or swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate and add food coloring for a different look.
- Portion control: This snack is so addictive, you might want to divide it into individual snack bags right away to avoid eating the whole batch at once!
Puppy Chow Variations:
- Nutella Version: Swap out the peanut butter for Nutella, and you’ll get a delicious hazelnut twist!
- Peanut-Free: Use sun butter or another nut-free spread if you have allergies in the family.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture for a cool, minty flavor.
With these details, your Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) will turn out perfect every time! Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s a nostalgic treat, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Enjoy!