Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is the ultimate sweet and salty snack that’s impossible to resist. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a batch of crunchy cereal coated in rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures—crispy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth decadence. It’s a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, ideal for sharing with friends or indulging in solo.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, offering 14 generous servings packed with irresistible flavor. The combination of chocolate’s richness, peanut butter’s nutty depth, and the sweet powdered sugar finish creates a snack that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re prepping for a party or satisfying a late-night craving, Puppy Chow is a quick, no-fuss delight that’s sure to bring smiles with every bite.
Ingredients for Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
- 7 cups (210 g) rice or corn Chex (I use rice Chex)
- 1 ½ cups (226 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup (210 g) creamy peanut butter (see FAQ for substitute notes)
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter, cut into 6 pieces
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 cups (250-500 g) powdered sugar (adjust to your preference)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the cereal: Measure 7 cups of rice or corn Chex into a large bowl and set aside.
- Melt the chocolate mixture: In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add vanilla: Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Coat the cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Use a spatula to gently stir until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated (be careful not to crush them!).
- Add powdered sugar: Add 2-4 cups of powdered sugar to the bowl. Use a spatula to stir until all the cereal is coated with powdered sugar. Add more sugar as needed for your desired sweetness.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later. Enjoy your Puppy Chow!
Creative Twists on Puppy Chow
Want to mix things up? Try using white chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter flavor, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the powdered sugar for a warm twist. For a nut-free version, swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter. You can even toss in mini marshmallows or crushed pretzels for extra texture and fun!
Perfect Serving Ideas
Serve Puppy Chow in mason jars for a cute, portable snack or as a party favor. It’s also a great topping for ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy, chocolatey treat. For gatherings, set up a DIY Puppy Chow bar with optional add-ins like sprinkles or dried fruit so everyone can customize their mix.
Storing Your Snack Stash
Keep your Puppy Chow fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If it’s humid, toss in a small piece of bread to absorb moisture and prevent clumping. For longer storage, freeze it in a resealable bag for up to 1 month—just let it come to room temperature before serving.
Quick Tips for Easy Prep
To save time, use pre-measured ingredients and a large mixing bowl to avoid spills. If you’re short on powdered sugar, sift it over the cereal for even coating. For a mess-free process, toss the coated cereal and powdered sugar in a large resealable bag and shake until evenly coated.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use milk chocolate chips?
Absolutely, but they’re sweeter, so adjust the powdered sugar to taste.
Is crunchy peanut butter okay?
Yes, it adds a fun texture! For a dairy-free version, swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Enjoy experimenting!
Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
Ingredients
- 7 cups rice or corn chex I use rice chex
- 1 ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter see FAQ above for substitute notes
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter cut into 6 pieces
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Measure cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a separate, medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
- Transfer to the microwave and heat for 30-second intervals, stirring well between, until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour chocolate mixture over your cereal and use a spatula to gently stir (you don’t want to crush your cereal pieces!) until all cereal is coated in chocolate.
- Once all cereal is well-coated, add powdered sugar to the bowl and use a spatula to stir until all cereal is coated with powdered sugar. Add more sugar as needed. Enjoy!