Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a quick and delicious no-bake snack made with crispy cereal coated in a chocolate-peanut butter mixture and dusted generously with powdered sugar.

Perfect for parties, holidays, or as an irresistible treat, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large microwave-safe bowl
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Large resealable plastic bag (or a mixing bowl with a lid)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients Overview

• Crispy cereal: Rice or corn cereal squares like Chex work best.
• Chocolate and peanut butter: Melt together for a rich, creamy coating.
• Butter: Helps smooth out the mixture.
• Powdered sugar: Coats the cereal for a sweet, irresistible finish.

Ingredients

• 9 cups crispy rice or corn cereal squares (like Chex)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prepare cereal: Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Melt the chocolate mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Coat the cereal: Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Gently toss with a spatula until all the cereal is evenly coated.
4. Add powdered sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a mixing bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and shake vigorously until all pieces are well coated.
5. Cool and serve: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool completely. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container or serve immediately.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Total Time

10–15 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~12 servings)

• Calories: ~230
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~32g
• Sugar: ~20g
• Protein: ~3g

Expert Tips

• Microwave melting Be careful not to overheat the chocolate mixture. Stirring between intervals ensures even melting.
• Add-ins Customize by mixing in pretzels, mini marshmallows, or M&Ms after coating the cereal.
• Powdered sugar distribution For the best coating, shake the cereal in batches to ensure every piece gets covered evenly.

FAQs

Can I use almond butter or other nut butters?

Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can replace peanut butter for a different flavor or allergy-friendly option.

How long does Puppy Chow last?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

What if I don’t have a resealable bag?

Use a large mixing bowl with a tight-fitting lid, or toss gently in a large bowl with a spoon.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing Keep Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

• Nut-free Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.
• Gluten-free Ensure the cereal and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Holiday-themed Add seasonal candies or colored sprinkles for festive flair.

Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a quick and delicious no-bake snack made with crispy cereal coated in a chocolate-peanut butter mixture and dusted generously with powdered sugar.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Large microwave-safe bowl
• - Mixing spoon or spatula
• - Large resealable plastic bag (or a mixing bowl with a lid)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• - 9 cups crispy rice or corn cereal squares like Chex
• - 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• - 1/2 cup peanut butter creamy or crunchy
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

 

• **Prepare cereal** Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
• **Melt the chocolate mixture** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• **Coat the cereal** Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Gently toss with a spatula until all the cereal is evenly coated.
• **Add powdered sugar** Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a mixing bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and shake vigorously until all pieces are well coated.
• **Cool and serve** Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool completely. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container or serve immediately.