Patriotic Puppy Chow

This Patriotic Puppy Chow recipe is a simple, no-bake sweet treat that is perfect for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any summer gathering! Chocolate peanut butter coated rice chex cereal covered in powdered sugar with red and blue M & M’s throughout! A fail proof recipe even the kids can help make!

Are you a puppy chow fan? You may also know this recipe as Muddy Buddies, but either way, this gluten free chex mix recipe is one that I have been enjoying since I was a little girl. The best part, you can change up this recipe to fit any Holiday. Simply change up the color of M & M’s to fit the occasion! From Christmas puppy chow, to Halloween, Labor Day, July 4th, Valentine’s Day, and more….it fits any celebration or movie nights!

4th of July Puppy Chow Tips for Success

• When making the muddy buddies, ensure that each piece of Chex cereal is fully coated with the chocolate peanut butter mixture. Carefully use a rubber spatula to toss the mixture until coated. You can use a large bowl for this step or even a garbage bag, just ensure caution so you aren’t stirring too hard and crushing the cereal.
• Allow the coated patriotic Chex mix cool slightly before adding the powdered sugar. If you add the powdered sugar immediately, the chocolate mixture will absorb it and you won’t be able to see the white coating as vibrantly.
• Feel free to customize this once cooled with whatever add in’s desired. We love using Holiday themed M&Ms, however, mini marshmallows or candy works great too.

Red, White, and Blue Puppy Chow Ingredient Notes

Using only 7 simple ingredients, this Patriotic Muddy Buddies recipe comes together in no time! See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact ingredient amounts and step by step directions.

• Chex Cereal– I use rice chex cereal for this recipe, but you can also use corn or wheat chex cereal.
• Chocolate Chips– we use semi-sweet chocolate chips, however, milk chocolate is a great variation too.
• Peanut Butter– creamy peanut butter is best as it combines easiest into the chocolate.
• Butter– try to use unsalted butter as it keeps the sodium count down.
• Vanilla Extract– pure vanilla versus imitation is best as it adds so much more flavor.
• Powdered Sugar– this adds lots of sweetness and coats the cereal to give it its white look. You may need to add more depending on how well the cereal coats.
• M&M candies– if you are making this patriotic, use red and blue. Use whichever colors fit the occasion otherwise and have fun with the add in’s. Once fully cooled, you can also use mini peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, caramels, or marshmallows as additional ideas.

How to make Patriotic Puppy Chow

Are you ready to make the best ever red, white, and blue muddy buddies? Follow these simple instructions and you’ll have a batch of yumminess that everyone will want more of!

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30 second increments until fully melted. Stir to combine and continue until smooth. Remove from microwave and stir in the vanilla extract.
2. In a large bowl, add the Chex cereal and pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over cereal. Toss to coat carefully using a rubber spatula.
3. Divide the powdered sugar into two gallon storage bags and add half the cereal mixture to each bag. Shake well to coat with powdered sugar. By halving the recipe in each bag, this will help each cereal piece get fully coated.
4. Spread the cereal from each bag onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Allow to set for 30 minutes.
5. Before serving, add M & M’s and any other candies desired.

How long does Patriotic Puppy Chow last for?

In my house, not long. In fact, its a matter of just a few days before poof, it’s gone. However, the good thing is, this colored puppy chow lasts up to 1 week. Place in an airtight container or bag and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. To freeze, place in a freezer safe container or bag up to 3 months. Allow to thaw before enjoying.

Variations to try

• Use different chocolate chips such as milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips.
• Change up the color of the M&M’s to fit any Holiday, birthday, or celebration.
• Sprinkles can be added once mixture has cooled.
• Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Chips, Nuts, Marshmallows, or Peanut Butter Cups are all great ideas for add in’s.
• If you want to cut down on the sweetness, feel free to omit the powdered sugar coating and simply enjoy the chocolate peanut butter.
• Feel free to use candy melts in place of the chocolate chips. You’ll want to separate the cereal into three bowls and use red candy melts, blue candy melts, and white candy melts. If choosing to go this route, using the peanut butter and vanilla is also optional as the candy melts work on their own just fine.

Can you make Patriotic Puppy Chow ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, this is the perfect dessert to make ahead of time. We love doubling the recipe when we make it so we can freeze it for a later occasion. When you are ready to serve, take out of the freezer and you can enjoy cold or at room temperature.

More Patriotic Dessert Recipes to try

Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake– easy to make and perfect for any summertime celebration, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone!

Fourth of July Fruit Pizza– an ideal patriotic dessert, suitable for all occasions! With a Pillsbury sugar cookie dough crust, delightful cream cheese frosting, and a medley of fresh fruit toppings, indulge in the ultimate sweet treat anytime!

Red, White, and Blue Strawberries– a fun and tasty way to celebrate the holiday. Made with just a few ingredients, these Red White and Blue strawberries are the perfect 4th of July dessert treat.

Festive Patriotic Jello Trifle– just the thing to make for any festive occasion! Layers of tasty flavors in every bite, this will be the hit at any gathering!

Fourth of July Rice Krispie Treats– the perfect festive dessert for an Independence Day get together, or any time really!

4th of July Fudge– a no-bake white chocolate fudge with vibrant colors throughout.