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–+ servings
Muddy Buddies Recipe

Perfect Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe

This professional-grade muddy buddies recipe uses strategic temperature control and precise ratios to create maximum clusters every time. Perfect for parties or sweet cravings, these chocolate-peanut butter coated treats are irresistibly addictive.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 people
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • microwave-safe bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Gallon-size ziplock bags

Ingredients
  

For the Base

  • 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating

  • 2½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Place Rice Chex cereal in your largest mixing bowl and set aside. Measure powdered sugar into gallon-size ziplock bags or large container with tight-fitting lid. Having everything ready prevents the chocolate mixture from overcooking.
  • Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until completely smooth and glossy. This prevents scorching and ensures perfect texture.
  • Stir vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until combined. Pour immediately over cereal and fold gently but thoroughly with rubber spatula until every piece is evenly coated and glossy.
  • Let coated cereal sit at room temperature for exactly 8-10 minutes until chocolate feels firm but not hard when touched. This crucial step prevents powdered sugar from dissolving and creates maximum clustering.
  • Transfer cooled cereal to ziplock bags with powdered sugar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until every piece is thoroughly coated and natural clusters form. Spread on baking sheet if needed to separate large clumps.

Notes

For maximum clusters, never skip the cooling step before adding powdered sugar. Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 week, refrigerate in hot weather to prevent melting. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months and tastes amazing served directly from freezer. Recipe doubles easily for large batches.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 28g
Keyword chex cereal, Chocolate, muddy buddies, No-Bake, party snack, peanut butter, puppy chow
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