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how to make puppy chow stick together in chunks (in a white bowl)
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Chex Mix Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow Recipe)

Has anyone NOT tried Muddy Buddies? This easy recipe is a childhood classic! Sometimes called puppy chow or reindeer chow, Chex Mix muddy buddies are super addictive. Chex cereal is coated with chocolate and peanut butter, then dusted with powdered sugar. I’m always hunting for the big chunky chocolatey hunks of stuck-together Muddy Buddies. I’ll show you exactly how to get more of these treasures!
Prep Time5 minutes
Chill time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 15
Calories: 443kcal
Author: The Food Charlatan

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup salted butter 1 stick
  • 1 & 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips 9 ounces
  • 1 & 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips 9 ounces
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons peanut butter Jif is my fav
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 12 ounce box of Rice Chex cereal Corn chex is fine, don't use wheat
  • 3 cups powdered sugar divided

Instructions

  • Clear out some space in your fridge or freezer for a large bowl!
    In a very large microwaveable bowl, add 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, 1 and 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips, 1 and 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips, and 1 cup + 2 tablespoons peanut butter. (Use regular peanut butter, not natural. I like Jif best! And I always use my adjustable measuring cup for pb. See photos!)
  • Microwave these ingredients in 30 second increments until mostly melted, then keep stirring until it is completely smooth. See photos. Chocolate scorches very easily so be careful not to over-microwave.
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla, and stir it in.
  • A little bit at a time, add the entire 12 ounce box of Rice Chex cereal. Pour in a bit, stir until it's completely coated, then add the next bit and stir. Keep adding and mixing until it's all in the bowl and all the Chex is completely coated in the chocolate mixture. Use a flexible rubber spatula rather than a wooden spoon so you have less chance of breaking up all the Chex.
  • Place the entire bowl in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Take it out and stir gently. Your Muddy Buddies should be sticking together nicely in clumps. Put it back in the fridge or freezer for another 10 minutes or so. You want the chocolate to be not completely melty, but also not completely chilled. It should feel tacky, like it's ready to embrace some powdered sugar without absorbing it completely.
  • Spread the Muddy Buddies out onto a 12x18 inch half baking sheet. (You can use a very large bowl if you have one). Sprinkle about half of the powdered sugar (1 and 1/2 cups) over the muddy buddies and gently stir to coat. Add the remaining powdered sugar as desired, you can really use as much or as little as you want. Make sure you don't break up all those glorious clumps while you're stirring!
  • At this point, you can place the pan of Muddy Buddies back in the fridge or freezer to harden the chocolate completely, or just leave it at room temperature to finish hardening.
  • Store Puppy Chow in two large ziplock bags, or in an airtight container. It will keep on the counter for a long time. Not that I would know, it's usually gone within 24 hours! Store it in the fridge for a special treat on a hot summer day. Muddy Buddies are excellent served either cold or room temperature!

Notes

How to store Chex Mix Muddy Buddies

Muddy Buddies will do just fine in a ziplock or an airtight container left out on the counter for about a week. Good luck making them last that long.  If you prefer them cold (puppy chow is actually super delicious chilled), you can definitely keep the container in the refrigerator. You can even freeze them! Just toss them in a ziplock freezer bag, seal, and they should be good for 2-3 months.
 
Muddy Buddies are a GREAT make-ahead treat for parties, game day snacks, or holiday appetizers. Perfect for neighbor gifts too, throw it in a mason jar, tie a bow, and bam. Neighborly goodness checked off your list. Chexed off? Okay, sorry.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 620IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 9mg