If you're looking for an easy and tasty snack, puppy chow or muddy buddies are perfect! It's simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
I’m about to tell you a very true and very sad story. It has to do with these Double Dark Chocolate Muddy Buddies (also known as Puppy Chow) and it’s REAL 🙂
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Okay so if you REALLY pay attention around here, you know that I didn't LOVE peanut butter until recently. It’s just wasn't my jam in sweet recipes. I’ll take it in a peanut noodle sauce, or a dipping sauce, but if you put it into my chocolate chip cookies or brownies or anything along those lines, I’m out.
That said, growing up for tennis carpool, whoever was driving the crew of us to tennis would also be responsible for snacks. There was one mom who put peanut butter in her treats every week. And most often those treats were Muddy Buddies. You know, the crazy delicious snack made with Chex cereals that everyone loves….
Well, I never had any. I think maybe I had one small little piece and was like, hard pass. Too much peanut butter. Clearly I really missed out in my younger years. WELL - times have changed people. Different nut butters exist and Chex has Chocolate Chex which is legit my favorite thing on earth. Combine the Chocolate Chex with almond butter, dark chocolate and a few other key ingredients and it’s LIFE ALTERING. Double Dark Chocolate Muddy Buddies (puppy chow) are finally in my life after all these years and I couldn’t be more excited.
These Double Dark Chocolate Muddy Buddies / puppy chow are going on rotation this holiday season along with my Christmas Mix and everyone is getting it as a little homemade gift. No one gets left behind!! Morale of the story here - never give up people!! We made Muddy Buddies / puppy chow work for this anti-sweet peanut butter girl so IF THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY! And to answer your questions in advance, yes you can use any variety of cereal your heart desires - but if you haven’t tried the chocolate yet - promise me you will. It’s everything.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chocolate Chex (or any other Chex cereal)
- Dark Chocolate Chips
- Almond Butter
- Unsalted Butter
- Vanilla Extract
- Chocolate Extract
- Kosher Salt
- Powdered Sugar
*For a full list of ingredients and instructions please see recipe card below.
How to Make Muddy Buddies
Step 1: Place the dark chocolate chips, almond butter, and butter is a microwavable-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between each increment, until smooth.
Step 2: You could also do this over a double-boiler if you prefer. Then add the vanilla, chocolate extract and salt.
Step 3: Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal in a large bowl, stirring until everything is evenly coated with the chocolate.
Step 4: If you have a giant zip top bag, pour the mixture into the resealable plastic bag and add half of the powdered sugar. Shake until well coated. Add the remaining powdered sugar and shake again.
Step 5: Repeat with the remaining powdered sugar. Once coated, spread onto the lined baking sheet and allow to cool entirely.
How to Store Muddy Buddies
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge or outside if you are planning to eat it in just a few days.
How to Freeze Muddy Buddies
I store it in an air-tight plastic bag in the freezer. I actually like it best right out of the freezer - and this way it lasts forever and doesn't go stale.
Tips & Tricks
Customize this by changing out the cereal or combining several types, like chocolate AND vanilla!
I used almond butter, making this peanut-free. Keep allergies in mind when making a snack like this one.
FAQs
Why is it called Puppy Chow / Muddy Buddies?
I do not officially know this but I am guessing because it looks like dog food. With children I believe that silly names like puppy chow or muddy buddies adds to the overall fun of this recipe.
Can I make this gluten free?
You absolutely can! Just sub the wheat Chex for a GF pretzel or another GF ceral.
Similar Recipes
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today
Double Dark Chocolate Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chocolate Chex (or any other Chex cereal)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup smooth almond butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon chocolate extract (if you can't find it, just up the vanilla to 1 ½ teaspoons)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
- Place the dark chocolate chips, almond butter, and butter is a microwavable-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between each increment, until smooth. You could also do this over a double-boiler if you prefer. Then add the vanilla, chocolate extract and salt.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal in a large bowl, stirring until everything is evenly coated with the chocolate.
- If you have a giant zip top bag, pour the mixture into the resealable plastic bag and add half of the powdered sugar. Shake until well coated. Add the remaining powdered sugar and shake again. If you don't have a giant bag, sift half of the powdered sugar on top of the mixture in the large bowl and toss to combine carefully. Repeat with the remaining powdered sugar. Once coated, spread onto the lined baking sheet and allow to cool entirely. If you transfer to the fridge, it will solidify faster. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. I prefer the freezer so it last forever and ever and I can eat it whenever the mood strikes.
Notes
- Customize this by changing out the cereal or combining several types, like chocolate AND vanilla!
- I used almond butter, making this peanut-free. Keep allergies in mind when making a snack like this one.
Nutrition Information
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe by What’s Gaby Cooking
I’ve been baking for years and have never heard of chocolate extract! . I’m in for that extra chocolate flavor! What brand do you use?
I used to make that for our water ski trips to Lake Havasu when my girls were in their teens. Somehow it was called Puppy Chow!! But whatever it was called we all chowed (pun intended) down the entire weekend. I may have to revive that recipe with the little additions you made. YUMMM
My 6 yr old granddaughter has Celiac. Any suggestions for making this?
Thx so much!
Priscilla
Do you think this would be good with Nutella instead of almond butter or would it be too sweet?
What if I don't have a microwave? Could I do it double boiler style?
yes
This was a huge hit at a holiday party! Delish!
What if you ate looking for a recipe without any nut ingredient what would you recommend for substituting the almond butter with
sunflower butter!
Did you make this for me???
Hi, love your recipes! Question! If giving as a gift, how long can it be at room temperature?
For a while!! But I prefer to store mine in the freezer until I gift it and then it can sit out for a few days. However it never lasts that long - people eat it FAST!
How crucial is the chocolate extract? Optional or no?
you could use vanilla! or omit entirely
I HAVE to try this!! I am not a peanut butter lover either!! I love chex mix, so this will be great.
I've never tasted muddy buddies!! This needs to change stat!
Give me the bowl!
Sounds like you have a lot of years of lost Muddy Buddy's to make up for. Lol! I've got a box of Chocolate Chex in my cabinet just waiting to get made into Holiday snacks. So so good!
I was beginning to think I was the only person in the world that hates peanut butter. Thank you for this recipe! I can’t wait to try them!