How to make Classic Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, a decadent chocolate-peanut-butter sweet treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Muddy Buddies Recipe (aka, Puppy Chow)

I’m the oldest of six siblings. We grew up hiking and camping, eating MRE (military-issued meal-ready-to-eat packs) as our camp food.

Three of my siblings, they’ve grown into what you would call “trail mix” people. They think a good granola and dried fruits blend is a decadent snack at the end of a 5 mile long hike.

My youngest brother and I, we’re more “muddy buddy” people. We will go on the hike… heck, we’ll even enjoy it. But at about mile 3, we’re looking forward to the sweet treat that we get to reward ourselves with at the end of it.

(And that 6th sibling, she’s a middle child so she just stays home eating sour grapes.)

Muddy buddies are truly the sweet sibling of trail mix. A decadent, sweet treat made with Chex cereal (and occasionally a variety of mix-ins), coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter and tossed in powdered sugar.

When I say that it’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion – I really mean it! From birthday parties to BBQs, Christmas cookie exchanges to family movie nights (or family hikes) – there is simply not an occasion that this crunchy snack mix isn’t the perfect snack option.

What’s the difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies? Puppy chow and muddy buddies are the exact same thing, the best I can tell is that it’s called puppy chow in the midwest (because of it’s physical resemblance to puppy chow) and muddy buddies everywhere else.

How to store muddy buddies: Muddy buddies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week (if it doesn’t disappear faster in your house) or can be frozen in an airtight freezer bag or your favorite freezer containers for up to two months. (This set of freezer containers is a crazy bargain.) They will soften overtime so they are best enjoyed within the week.

You can make puppy chow dairy-free and/or gluten-free by using dairy-free chocolate and/or gluten-free Chex ceral.

More Homemade Muddy Buddy Recipes:

Lemon Muddy Buddies
Snickers Muddy Buddies
Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies
Sugar Cookie Puppy Chow from Deliciously Sprinkled
Bubble Gum Puppy Chow from Baking Beauty

Check out our quick video to see how easy these muddy buddies are to make – and then don’t forget to scroll down to grab your free printable recipe card:

composite image of muddy buddies in a red casserole dish along with three in-process images of how to make it

Muddy Buddy Ingredients

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Tip: add in fun mix-ins, as desired: chocolate chips, sprinkles, candies, dehydrated fruit, etc.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

Measuring cups and spoons
Microwave-safe bowls
Large ziptop bags
Cookie Sheet
Spatula <– I like these spatulas because they are one solid piece and don’t have removable heads for bacteria to get trapped underneath. Plus they are heat-resistant and have a lifetime warranty.

muddy buddies in a red casserole dish on a red polka dot napkin

How to Make Muddy Buddies

Measure cereal into a large bowl and set aside.

In a large microwavable bowl, place the chocolate chips and peanut butter.

in-process images of how to make muddy buddies

Heat in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir well.

Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth, as pictured.

Stir in vanilla, if using.

Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.

Place powdered sugar in a large resealable food-storage plastic bag.

Add the chocolate-covered cereal to the bag, and then seal and shake.

Shake until the cereal appears well coated by the powdered sugar, turning over frequently.

Spread on waxed paper or a baking sheet and allow the melted chocolate to set before storing or serving.

Pin this Easy Muddy Buddies recipe for a sweet treat perfect for any occasion:

Muddy buddies are the sweet sibling of trail mix. A decadent, sweet treat made with Chex cereal (and occasionally a variety of mix-ins), coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter and tossed in powdered sugar.

Grab your free printable recipe card for our muddy buddies recipe:

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Yield: 9-18 servings

Muddy Buddies

Name: Muddy Buddies
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 9
Cuisine: dessert recipe
Ingredients: 9 cups Chex Cereal; 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips; 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter; 1 1/2 cups Powdered Icing Sugar

How to make Classic Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, a decadent chocolate-peanut-butter sweet treat that is perfect for any occasion. From birthday parties to BBQs, Christmas cookie exchanges to family movie nights - there is simply not an occasion that this crunchy snack mix isn't the perfect snack option.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

9 cups Chex Cereal
1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1 1/2 cups Powdered Icing Sugar

Instructions

Measure cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
In a large microwavable bowl, place the chocolate chips and peanut butter.
Heat in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir well.
Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth, as pictured.
Stir in vanilla, if using.
Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.
Place powdered sugar in a large resealable food-storage plastic bag.
Add the chocolate-covered cereal to the bag, and then seal and shake.
Shake until the cereal appears well coated by the powdered sugar, turning over frequently.
Spread on waxed paper or a baking sheet and allow the melted chocolate to set before storing or serving.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 177Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 105mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 2gSugar: 15gProtein: 4g

Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.