Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies is my favorite childhood treat to make for a party, day at the beach, or a late night snack. Crispy crunchy cereal, rich chocolate and peanut butter, and a powdered sugar coating make this a #1 request in our house!
If you haven’t tried Puppy Chow (or Muddy Buddies or Monkey Munch…there are lots of different names for this sweet treat!) you are probably wondering:
What is it???
Puppy Chow is a delightful no-bake treat made using:
chex cereal: corn and rice varieties work best
peanut butter: I recommend a creamy peanut butter that is not too granular.
chocolate: I recommend using semi- sweet chocolate chips!
butter: I typically use salted because I have more that on hand, bu unsalted works fine as well.
vanilla: I like to use pure vanilla– not imitation.
and powdered sugar: The delicious coating all around the snack!
The peanut butter, chocolate, butter, and vanilla are melted together and mixed with the cereal. Then, the fun part, everything is gently shaken together in a bag with powdered sugar to make a delicious, and slightly messy, treat!
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Puppy Chow was always a been a holiday staple where I live. It is on the tables for snacks at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and most potlucks. It is also really popular as a children’s snack, and made as a snack for kids sporting and club events. I love to make this and store it in a big gallon bag to bring to events and friend’s houses.
There is more awareness of sensitivities and allergies to nut products in schools, but I have heard that substituting sunflower butter can make to treat a nice snack for everyone to enjoy and yields a similar result since the consistency of sunbutter and peanut butter is very close. However, I am not a professional that works with food allergies so please make a choice to use what is best for your family.
Check out a few other tasty cereal snacks from a few friends:
Oreo Funfetti Rice Krispie Treats from The Crumby Kitchen
Ranch Nuts ‘n’ Bolts from Dish ‘n’ The Kitchen
Banana Bread Snack Mix from Finding Zest
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t like semi sweet chocolate- any alternatives?
Yes! Milk chocolate chips work well-as do peanut butter chips if you like a little extra!
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Hmmm…. my best answer is it depends on the type. I have tested with most chex and crispix. I have found that crispx works pretty well, but is not as sturdy as chex. If you have a specific question click “contact me” and I will do my best to help you.
How to I store puppy chow?
When the puppy chow is dry, put it in an airtight container, and store on the counter for up to 2 weeks. If you live in an area that has high heat and humidity you may want to keep it in the fridge to prolong the shelf life.
Is there a way to sub out the butter?
Yes! I add an additional 1/4 cup of peanut butter when omitting the butter.
Here are a few handy products to get you started on your Puppy Chow!
Check out more no-bake treats for summer!
Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits
Strawberry Margarita Popsicles
Puppy Chow {Muddy Buddies}
Ingredients
- 12 oz box chex cereal (I typically prefer rice)
- 12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Place the chex into a large sealable bag so it is ready for the chocolate and peanut butter, set aside.
- Place chocolate and peanut butter into a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds and stir. Microwave for 20 second intervals until the chocolate is smooth. Add the vanilla and stir. Allow the chocolate a minute to slightly cool.
- Pour the chocolate over the chex, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat. Be very careful not to stir too vigorously because it will break the cereal. A few clumps of cereal is fine.
- Before adding the powdered sugar make sure that the chocolate is not too hot. If it is still pretty warm allow it a minute or two with the bag open to cool. This will help the sugar not immediately be absorbed and will give a better powdered sugar coating.
- Add the powdered sugar. Seal the bag and gently shake to coat.
- Store in an air-tight container.
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I’ve never made puppy chow before, looks so simple and delicious!
I do remember enjoying these a long time ago. For some reason I haven’t even thought about puppy chow for quite some time but your recipe made me want to make a whole batch of them again! 🙂
Puppy chow is always a fun snack treat, especially for movie night! I haven’t had it in ages..yours looks fabulous!
I remember these growing up wow what a flash back we use to love them at every party!
My kids absolutely adore this snack. It’s so dangerously addictive and soooo delicious! Hard to stop eating. Looks YUMMM
I have never seen puppy chow before, I am so eager to try, looks so yummy and I can imagine having a whole bowl full of myself.
I absolutely love a good puppy chow recipe! This looks so yummy! Thanks for sharing!
I have never made them now it is definitely the time. Great recipe, I cannot wait yto make them.