Chocolate Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies Recipe

Who’s up for Muddy Buddies? Smooth chocolate, salty peanut butter, and a light dusting of powdered sugar transform crispy Chex cereal into an irresistible snack.

A Crunchy, Sweet Snack Recipe

Known as muddy buddies, puppy chow, reindeer treats, or monkey munch, this snack is dangerously good. Crispy cereal pieces are coated in a warm chocolate–peanut butter mixture, then dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. It’s simple to make and perfect for snacking, gifting, or taking to a party.

The recipe comes together quickly and stores well: keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

What Are Muddy Buddies Made Of?

This classic snack relies on three main flavors: chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy cereal. The basic ingredient list:

• Chex: about 8 cups of Chex cereal (any variety).
• Chocolate: 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks (or chips).
• Peanut Butter: 1 cup creamy peanut butter at room temperature.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, softened.
• Vanilla: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: 1 cup to coat the cereal.
• Sea Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.

Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Semisweet?

Yes. Any chocolate works—semisweet, milk, dark, or white. Keep in mind milk chocolate is sweeter, and combined with the powdered sugar the final snack may be quite sweet for some tastes.

Let’s Make Muddy Buddies!

This is basically a melt-and-stir recipe and comes together fast. Follow these steps for a reliable result:

1. Prepare the cereal: Place 8 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl, or divide between two large zip-top bags.
2. Make the chocolate–peanut butter sauce: In a heatproof bowl combine 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons softened butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), reduce heat to low, and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon sea salt.
3. Coat the cereal: Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until pieces are evenly coated.
4. Dust with powdered sugar: Add 1 cup powdered sugar to the coated cereal and toss until each piece has a light, even coating. You can do this in the large bowl or shake portions in zip-top bags for an even coating.
5. Serve or store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container. At room temperature it keeps about a week; freeze for up to two months.

Helpful Tips

These simple variations and substitutions let you adapt the recipe to what you have on hand:

• Cereal: Any Chex variety works; Crispix can be a good substitute.
• Chocolate: Use chips, chunks, milk, dark, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
• Nut butters: Sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or other smooth nut butters work well. Avoid grainy or heavily separated jars that won’t blend smoothly.

Yummy Variations

Mix-ins and toppings make this snack endlessly customizable. Try one or more of the following:

• Crushed candy canes or peppermint for a holiday twist
• M&M’s or other candy pieces
• Crushed toffee bars like Heath or Butterfinger
• Crushed cookies such as Oreos
• Chopped nuts: slivered almonds, walnuts, or pecans
• Mini peanut butter cups or other bite-sized candies

How to Store This Snack

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to one week.

Can I Freeze Muddy Buddies?

• Yes. Pack portions into freezer bags and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

More Sweet Treats

• Lemon Bundt Cake
• New Orleans-Style Beignets
• Easy Cake Pops