Chex Mix Muddy Buddies

Name: Chex Mix Muddy Buddies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 16 min
Ingredients: 3 cups Rice Chex; 3 cups Corn Chex; 3 cups Chocolate Chex; 1 1/4 cup chocolate chips (✅); 3/4 cup peanut butter (✅); 1/4 cup butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla (✅); 3 cups powdered sugar (✅)

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Chex Mix Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, is a delicious snack mix made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar. This snack mix is a perfect combination of sweet and salty, and it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

It’s easy to make and can be customized with different add-ins like M&Ms, pretzels, or candy corn. In this recipe, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious treat that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or just as a midday snack. You might also enjoy our Gluten-Free Chex Mix recipe.

close up of Chex mix muddy buddies on a baking sheet

Kids have a blast making homemade puppy chow along with Homemade Microwave Popcorn, Fanta Ice Cream Floats and Dirt Pudding Cups so make sure to check out these recipes too!

Table of Contents

What Is Chex Mix Muddy Buddies?

Muddy Buddies is a puppy chow snack or delicious treat that everyone enjoys. Combining Chex cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar, you have a dessert ready to go in about 15 minutes.

The peanut butter and chocolate chips are melted together to create a creamy mixture that coats the Chex cereal before it is shaken in a bag with powdered sugar. The end result is a gluten free puppy chow that will have everyone licking their fingers!

Why Are My Muddy Buddies Soggy?

Yes, it is possible to end up with soggy muddy buddies so let’s troubleshoot before you get started. This way, you can make a perfect batch each & every time!

The Chex cereal needs to fully cool before eating or pouring into a storage container. If not, you’ll find your muddy buddy recipe a bit too soggy.

Here are a few other tips to keep in mind:

Pour the powdered sugar coated Chex in a single layer on a baking sheet to cool. Use additional baking sheets if the batch is overflowing on a single tray.
Let the recipe cool at room temperature versus setting in the fridge or freezer for best results.
Line the baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cereal from sticking to the pan.
Make sure to use an airtight container or Ziploc bag with all the excess air pressed out when storing.

chex cereal, peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla and chocolate chips displayed

Ingredients

Chex cereal – we like to use a combination of rice, corn and chocolate Chex to give the recipe a dynamic flavor.
Chocolate chips – semi-sweet is the preferred chocolate for puppy chow but if looking to make the recipe even sweeter milk chocolate chips can be added instead.
Peanut butter – any brand of gluten-free smooth peanut butter works great.
Butter – we recommend salted butter when making this recipe to balance out the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
Vanilla
Powdered sugar

chocolate chips, peanut butter and 1/2 stick butter in mixing bowl

How To Make

Blend the cereals

In a large mixing bowl combine the Chex cereals.

Blend the chocolate mixture

In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Heat for 60 seconds then stir well. If the chocolate is not yet melted heat for an additional 15 seconds. Stir in the vanilla.

Combine the cereal and chocolate

Add the chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir well. Divide the mixture into 2 ziplock bags or one paper bag (like those from a grocery store). Add the powdered sugar (divide equally between Ziplock bags) and mix gently until the cereal is coated.

Let cool

Pour the cereal mixture onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Let cool then enjoy.

Melted chocolate poured on top of Chex in mixing bowl

Serving Suggestions

Since this recipe is so simple to make, it is often a go-to dessert when short on time or when we need a sweet that can feed a large crowd. This irresistible treat is perfect for birthday parties, backyard potlucks, work events and more!

But don’t get us wrong, we also love to whip up a batch during the week. Best of all, everyone can always agree on this recipe, eliminating the need to make more than one option to please the whole family.

You really don’t need to serve anything else along with this muddy buddy recipe, but if looking to offer beverages consider:

Dairy or nondairy milk
Coffee
Tea
Homemade Lemon Lime Soda
Fruit infused water

A few quick tips to keep in mind if this recipe is served with other desserts containing gluten is setting on a separate counter or surface, using a separate serving utensil or opting to serve in individual snack bags. We love the snack bag option if sending this dessert with kids to a birthday party that may only serve a flour-based cake.

Storing Instructions

Storage matters! Always wait to store until completely cooled. Muddy buddies should be stored in a sealed Ziploc bag or airtight container for best results.

Leftovers will last up to 1 week at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Another great idea is dividing the leftovers into snack or sandwich-sized bags then adding to lunch boxes. Your kids will appreciate the surprise at school or camp!

chocolate coated Chex cereal in Ziploc bags

chocolate chex in Ziploc with powdered sugar

Recipe Notes & Variations

A variety of Chex cereal can be used or a single option such as just corn or only rice Chex. The other variety to consider including or swapping for chocolate Chex is peanut butter Chex cereal.
Another nut butter such as almond butter can be used to make puppy chow. If looking for a nut-free option, then consider making with sun butter.
Add mix-ins depending on the season or occasion. From colorful sprinkles and crushed gluten-free Oreos to holiday specific candies, you can customize this muddy buddies recipe. Our personal favorite is tossing in candy corn at Halloween – the pop of color is very festive!
Pair this recipe with a dance party, especially if you have young kids at home. You can play music while they shake the bag to fully coat the chocolate-covered Chex in powered sugar. Just don’t forget to take a picture!

chocolate and powdered sugar chex mix in Ziplock bag

Chex mix buddy muddies on parchment lined baking sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Are muddy buddies gluten free?

Yes, when gluten-free Chex cereal is used, and all other ingredient labels are verified.

How long can you keep homemade muddy buddies?

Homemade puppy chow will last up to 1 week at room temperature or 2 weeks when stored in the fridge. If you make this recipe last that long, you have to share your secret! Kids typically finish the batch after a day or two.

Can you make ahead?

Yes! You can definitely make up to a day in advance then store in a covered container. When ready to serve, pour into a serving bowl. We like to serve puppy chow on small plates or let guests scoop the Chex into a cup.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Get ready to measure Chex cereal with a 1-cup measuring cup! You will need 3 cups of each Chex variety, which means there will be a total of 9 cups of Chex in the mixing bowl by the end. Yes, that is a lot so make sure to pick a big bowl before you get started. To prevent crushing the Chex cereal, place the measuring cup on a flat surface like the counter and pour the cereal into the cup. When full, dump the cereal into the mixing bowl and repeat until you have all the cereal you need.
You always want to use a microwave safe bowl when melting ingredients like the chocolate, peanut butter and butter. Check the bottom of the bowl to look for the words “Microwave-safe” to know if you should place the bowl in the microwave. If you don’t see those words, ask your kitchen helper to help you find a new bowl. Also, always melt chocolate in short intervals, stirring in-between. This helps prevent the chocolate from popping all over the microwave and making a mess.
This recipe calls for 3 cups of powdered sugar, which will be divided equally between the two Ziploc bags. That means you will add 1.5 cups to each Ziploc bag before sealing and shaking. You want to shake the bag until each piece of Chex cereal is coated – you shouldn’t see much chocolate on the cereal. If you do, keep shaking. As a reminder, shake gently so you don’t crush the cereal and double check the bag is sealed before you shake. Otherwise, you and the kitchen will be coated in powdered sugar instead of the Chex!

More Gluten Free Desserts To Try

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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