Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies): A Cozy Treat for Any Occasion
As the crisp autumn breeze rustles the leaves outside, there’s nothing that feels quite as comforting as a batch of Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) warming up in my kitchen. I remember making this sweet, crunchy delight during rainy afternoons with my siblings, our hands coated in powdered sugar and laughter echoing as we tried to keep it all contained. This easy treat brings back a flurry of memories and a rush of nostalgia, making it a go-to snack for gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you’re snuggling up with a good book or prepping for a movie marathon, this Puppy Chow is the perfect companion. Best of all, it involves no baking and comes together in minutes—ideal for those days when you just want something sweet without the fuss. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- A delightful no-bake treat that kids and adults both adore.
- Versatile enough for any season or occasion—birthdays, holidays, or a cozy afternoon.
- Only requires a handful of pantry staples—Chex or Crispix cereal, chocolate, and peanut butter.
- Makes for a great snack or fun party favor—who wouldn’t love a little bag of happiness?
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups Chex or Crispix cereal
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
Let’s Make It Together
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even melting.
- Once the mixture is silky and velvety, stir in the vanilla extract, allowing that warm, sweet aroma to fill your kitchen.
- In a large bowl, add the Chex or Crispix cereal. Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal, mixing gently to coat every piece evenly and create a lovely, chocolatey blanket.
- In a large resealable bag, add the powdered sugar. Carefully transfer the coated cereal into the bag and shake until every morsel is well-coated in that sweet, fluffy sugar.
- To cool and set, spread the Puppy Chow mixture onto a piece of wax paper. Allow it to cool completely before enjoying this delightful treat!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in some swirls of Nutella for an extra creamy twist. Just a spoonful of Nutella can create a rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor that is simply irresistible!
- Minty Delight: Add a splash of mint extract to the melted chocolate mixture before coating the cereal for that refreshing mint-chocolate combination. You can even sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch!
- Cookie Dough Flavor: Replace some of the peanut butter with cookie butter to create a rich, cookie dough-like flavor that will leave you craving more.
- Coconut Bliss: Toss in some shredded coconut to the coated cereal for a tropical twist. It adds a crunch and a luscious flavor that is divine!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: Puppy Chow can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing to maintain its crunch.
- Ingredient Swaps: You can easily swap out peanut butter for almond or sunbutter for those with nut allergies. Just be sure to choose a smooth variety for even coating.
- Storage Suggestions: Keep your Puppy Chow stored in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid environment, consider keeping it in the refrigerator to prevent sticking.
- Slicing Tricks: When making ahead for parties, feel free to shape the Puppy Chow into bars by pressing it into a lined pan before cutting it into squares!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Sugar: 34g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Puppy Chow can be made a few days in advance. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with your favorite nut butters or mix-ins like dried fruits or pretzels.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness and crunch.
How long does it last?
Puppy Chow can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks when stored properly, but it’s likely to disappear much quicker than that!
Final Thoughts
Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) is more than just a sweet, crunchy snack—it’s a piece of my childhood and a cozy reminder of togetherness and joy. With its rich flavor and delightful texture, this treat brings smiles and laughter to every gathering. So why not whip up a batch and share it with those you love? Save this Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful no-bake treat that combines Chex cereal with chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar for a sweet, crunchy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups Chex or Crispix cereal
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a large bowl, add the Chex or Crispix cereal. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and mix gently to coat.
- In a resealable bag, add the powdered sugar. Transfer the coated cereal into the bag and shake until coated.
- Spread the Puppy Chow mixture onto wax paper and allow to cool completely.
Notes
Puppy Chow can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Experiment with different nut butters or mix-ins for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, snack, no bake, treat