Chex Mix Puppy Chow, aka muddy buddies, is a delicious and addictive snack made with Chex cereal, chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. This super easy recipe is perfect for parties, gatherings, lunch boxes, and more!
Puppy Chow Recipe
This simple recipe consists of making a creamy chocolate peanut butter mixture that will coat your Chex cereal. Once coated, you toss the mixture into powdered sugar and dive in. Only about 15 minutes are needed to make this homemade puppy chow! It’s a chow mix that you’ll definitely find hard to share! Also check out my Muddy Buddy Bars or S’mores Muddy Buddies for tasty variations of the classic!
Why is it called Puppy Chow?
You’re probably reading the name of this recipe and a bit confused it is in fact for humans, not dogs. The name comes from the fact that it resembles the look of dog food. Also known as muddy buddies, monkey munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag, this treat dates back to about 1937 when Chex cereal debuted their product in grocery stores. Muddy Buddies is the official name of the recipe marketed by General Mills, the maker of Chex cereal. Although maybe not the most appealing name, one bite in and I assure you, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients Needed for Chex Mix Puppy Chow
Using simple ingredients, this snack mix is the perfect sweet treat for parties, gifts, snacking, and more! Just be warned, this Chex puppy chow is addicting! Definitely hard to stop at just one handful! See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact ingredient amounts.
- Chex Cereal- this is the base of the recipe and adds the perfect crisp texture to the chocolate peanut butter. Any brand works, however, I have found Rice Chex Cereal to be my favorite. Corn Chex Cereal and Wheat Chex works great too though. If you have Crispix in your store, that works too, just offers a bit different of a shape.
- Chocolate Chips- you can use semi sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips. If you prefer dark chocolate, that is a great option too.
- Peanut Butter- you’ll want to use creamy peanut butter such of Jif or Skippy as it melts perfectly. Avoid using natural peanut butter or peanut butter powder as the coating won’t set up properly.
- Butter- I use unsalted butter since that is what I have on hand most of the time. If you want to add a salty addition to the cereal, feel free to use salted butter.
- Vanilla Extract- although only a little is added, this packs a bunch and adds a great amount of flavor.
- Powdered Sugar- this gives the overall appearance it’s dusted look and adds the perfect amount of sweetness throughout. You can add additional to ensure the cereal is fully coated.
How to make Chex Mix Puppy Chow
This recipe is incredibly simple to make and the perfect no-bake dessert. Follow the easy steps below and prepare for the ultimate sweet treat!
- Melt- chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in microwave-safe bowl. Add in vanilla extract.
- Pour- chocolate mixture over cereal in a large mixing bowl and carefully toss to get Chex cereal coated.
- Sprinkle- powdered sugar over chocolate coated cereal and toss to coat. Spread on parchment or wax paper. Let sit until cool and chocolate is set. Enjoy in the bowl as is, or serve in small cups, place in bags, etc.
How to store puppy chow
In my house, this stuff doesn't last long! However, if yours does, don't worry, here are some simple storage tips!
- Room Temperature- store for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer- in an airtight container for up to 2 months
- Refrigerator- not recommended as it tends to get "soggy" in texture, but I am weird and prefer my pieces chilled, so again, no judging if you’re like me!
Variations of Tasty Puppy Chow
- Chocolate. I recommend using a dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips. In my opinion, making this Puppy Chow recipe with milk chocolate makes it a bit too sweet. However, if you have a serious sweet tooth by all means use whatever chocolate you prefer.
- Peanut Butter. You can substitute any nut butter, almond butter, or seed butter if you're allergic to peanuts!
- Add In's. I've seen lots of people add M & M's to theirs once done. Even mini marshmallows.
- Bars. Prefer your puppy chow in convenient bars? No problem. Check THIS recipe out.
- Shredded Coconut. toss some in when stirring the chocolate mixture over the cereal. The coconut adds a sweetness and flavor addition that may just be your favorite!
- Nutella. Stir this in place of the melted chocolate chip/ peanut butter mixture.
Tips for Success
This is one show stopper recipe you will definitely love and want to make again and again. Here are some handy tips to ensure the perfect batch each and every time!
- Use a large bowl! You want to be able to fully coat the cereal and not have chocolate pieces flying out of the bowl.
- Don’t over mix and get rough with the cereal as it easily breaks and you want the cereal to stay in tact. I use a large rubber spatula to toss it around.
- Feel free to use WAY more powdered sugar. You want the cereal fully coated and white, so if you need to increase by ½ cup or even one full cup, go for it!
- If you want to make things easy peasy, place powdered sugar into a large plastic bag and add in the chocolate coated cereal. Seal bag and shake to fully coat in the confectioners sugar.
More Chocolate recipes to try
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Death by Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Cupcakes
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Puppy Chow aka Muddy Buddies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Add Chex cereal to large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
- Place small bowl in microwave and heat in 30 second increments until mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour chocolate evenly over cereal and carefully toss to coat thoroughly.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of coated cereal and toss to coat thoroughly or place powdered sugar into Ziploc bag and add in chocolate cereal. Shake until coated.
- Spread on parchment or wax paper. Let sit until cool and chocolate is set. Enjoy in the bowl as is, or serve in small cups, place in bags, etc.
Nutrition
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