Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies) is one of my all-time favorite snack recipes to make for family and friends. With crunchy Chex cereal coated in rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and plenty of powdered sugar, every bite is a sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing. This quick recipe is kid-approved and always disappears fast at parties!
What is Puppy Chow?
Puppy Chow, also called Muddy Buddies, is a classic homemade snack made by coating Chex cereal in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and butter, then tossing it all in powdered sugar. It’s a sweet, crunchy treat that’s messy, fun, and totally irresistible. Kids and grown-ups both love it and it’s easy to get hooked on! You can think of it as a sweet version of Chex mix.
Why You Should Try Puppy Chow
- Super easy to make: You only need a few ingredients and it comes together in minutes. There’s no baking required!
- Family-friendly fun: Kids love helping mix and shake the cereal, and everyone loves eating it.
- Perfect for any gathering: Puppy Chow is a hit at parties, movie nights, or as a lunchbox treat.
- Great for gifting: Pack it up in bags or jars for a sweet homemade gift everyone will appreciate. This makes it perfect for the holidays.
- Very versatile: You can also tweak the flavor by changing up the types of chocolate you use and adding other add-ins to the Muddy Buddies mixture.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this puppy chow recipe are super simple and you can find everything you need at your local grocery store.
- Chex cereal
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Equipment
You’ll also need a few things from the kitchen to make chocolate muddy buddies:
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Large mixing bowl
- Gallon zipper bowls
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Step By Step Instructions
This recipe makes 24 servings. It takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of setting time.
Step 1. Put the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir well.
Step 2. Microwave for 30 more seconds and stir again. If the mixture is not melted, continue to microwave in 15 second increments, stirring between each one until smooth.
Step 3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well again.
Step 4. Put the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and pour the chocolate mixture over it. Toss the cereal to coat it with chocolate.
Step 5. Divide the powdered sugar into two gallon zipper bags.
Step 6. Scoop half of the chocolate covered Chex into each bag. Seal the bag and then shake well to coat the cereal in powdered sugar.
Step 7. Put parchment paper on a baking sheet and spread the puppy chow out on it.
Step 8. Allow to set for about 30 minutes and then enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
If your house is warm, you can keep it in the fridge to keep the chocolate from melting. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to stay fresh and crunchy!
Variations
Here are some fun Puppy Chow variations to try:
- Nutella Puppy Chow: Swap out the peanut butter for Nutella.
- Cookies and Cream Puppy Chow: Use white chocolate and crushed Oreo cookies.
- S’mores Puppy Chow: Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces.
- Peppermint Puppy Chow: Stir in crushed peppermint candies and use white chocolate chips.
- Birthday Cake Puppy Chow: Use vanilla chips or almond bark and sprinkles with the powdered sugar.
FAQs
What kinds of Chex cereal can I use to make puppy chow?
You can use Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or Wheat Chex for Puppy Chow, but I find Rice Chex and Corn Chex work best because they’re extra light and crispy. You can also use a combination of different Chex varieties. Just avoid flavored varieties so the chocolate and peanut butter shine through.
How do I prevent the Puppy Chow from getting soggy?
Make sure the cereal is coated evenly and let it cool completely before storing it. Keep it in an airtight container so it stays crisp.
Can I freeze Puppy Chow?
Yes, you can put it in a zipper freezer bag or airtight container and you can store it for 2 to 3 months.
Is Puppy Chow safe for dogs?
No, this snack is just for people. Chocolate and some other ingredients are not safe for dogs.
Can I make Muddy Buddies ahead of time?
You can definitely make Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies ahead of time. It stores really well. Just keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it’ll stay fresh and crunchy for several days. This makes it perfect for parties or busy weeks when you want a ready-to-go treat.
More No Bake Desserts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup Mmooth peanut butter
- ¼ cup Unsalted butter
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 2½ cups Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Put the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir well.
- Microwave for 30 more seconds and stir again. If the mixture is not melted, continue to microwave in 15 second increments, stirring between each one until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well again.
- Put the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and pour the chocolate mixture over it. Toss the cereal to coat it with chocolate.
- Divide the powdered sugar into two gallon zipper bags.
- Scoop half of the chocolate covered Chex into each bag. Seal the bag and then shake well to coat the cereal in powdered sugar.
- Put parchment paper on a baking sheet and spread the puppy chow out on it.
- Allow to set for about 30 minutes and then enjoy!
Notes
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