Muddy Buddy Recipe
Looking for a sweet, crunchy snack that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or just because? Enter: Muddy Buddy recipe. These addictively delicious treats combine cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar into bite-sized bits of heaven. Muddy Buddies are easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a couple of steps. And the best part? You don’t even need an oven!
A Brief History of Muddy Buddies:
Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, have been popular across the United States since the 1960s. This no-bake treat, developed by General Mills, was first introduced to help promote their Chex cereal. Named “Muddy Buddies” for their resemblance to muddy footprints, this recipe has grown in popularity over the years due to its simplicity and irresistibly sweet, chocolatey taste. Today, it remains a classic snack that’s loved by people of all ages.
Muddy Buddy Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Gallon-sized resealable plastic bag (or a large bowl for coating)
Ingredients
- Chex cereal – 9 cups (any variety, though rice or corn Chex are most common)
- Chocolate chips – 1 cup (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- Creamy peanut butter – ½ cup
- Butter – ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar – 1½ cups
Instructions
- Start by placing the 9 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. This is the base of your Muddy Buddies, providing that signature crunch!
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of chocolate chips, ½ cup peanut butter, and ¼ cup butter. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth (this usually takes around 1 minute).
- Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add a hint of extra flavor.
- Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Chex cereal. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the cereal into the mixture, coating each piece evenly. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
- Transfer the coated cereal into a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag (or a large mixing bowl if you prefer). Add 1½ cups of powdered sugar to the bag. Seal the bag tightly, then shake vigorously until the cereal pieces are evenly coated. If using a bowl, gently toss the mixture until coated.
- Once the cereal is evenly coated in powdered sugar, pour it out onto a large baking sheet to cool and dry for a few minutes. After cooling, your Muddy Buddies are ready to eat!
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Similar Recipes to Try:
If you enjoyed making Muddy Buddies, here are some similar snack ideas to consider:
– Reindeer Chow: A holiday-themed version of Muddy Buddies, often with festive sprinkles or colored candy.
– Nutella Muddy Buddies: Swap peanut butter for Nutella to get a hazelnut-chocolate twist.
– S’mores Mix: Use Golden Grahams, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips for a quick s’mores-inspired snack.
– Trail Mix Muddy Buddies: Add pretzels, nuts, and dried fruit for a more varied, snackable version.
– Brownie Muddy Buddies: Add brownie mix to your powdered sugar coating for a rich, chocolatey upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Muddy Buddy Recipe:
1. Can I make Muddy Buddies without peanut butter?
Yes! Try using almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or Nutella for a nut-free or allergy-friendly version.
2. How long can I store Muddy Buddies?
Muddy Buddies can last up to one week at room temperature in an airtight container or up to two weeks in the fridge.
3. What can I use if I don’t have Chex cereal?
Any square-shaped cereal like Crispix or a similar puffed rice cereal works well as a substitute.
4. Can I make Muddy Buddies vegan?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate chips, vegan butter, and a nut or seed butter of your choice.
5. Can I freeze Muddy Buddies?
Yes, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
6. What’s the best way to avoid the cereal getting soggy?
Make sure the melted mixture isn’t too hot before pouring it over the cereal, as excessive heat can make it soggy.
7. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate work best, but feel free to experiment with white chocolate or butterscotch chips.
8. Why is my chocolate mixture clumpy?
Overheating the chocolate can cause it to seize. Microwave it in short intervals and stir often to prevent clumping.
9. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free Chex variety, and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
10. Can I add other ingredients, like candy or nuts?
Yes! Add M&M’s, mini marshmallows, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
Muddy Buddies are the ultimate quick snack that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, need a snack for a movie night, or want a treat to satisfy a sweet tooth. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar with crunchy cereal makes it an instant favorite for people of all ages. Plus, with only a few ingredients and no baking required, this recipe is beginner-friendly and oh-so-fun to make.
YouTube Video Credits:
Sugar Spun Run
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