Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) (2024)

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By Lynette Rice | Published | Leave a review

Sweet and crunchy snacks are perfect for any occasion. This puppy chow recipe is made with a simple homemade chocolate and peanut butter sauce which is poured over two different kinds of Chex cereal and then tossed in powdered sugar.

When you’re in the mood for a sweet snack you might reach for a granola bar or butterscotch no-bake cookies but what I love about this recipe I’m sharing today – is the crunch! It has great texture and reminds me of caramel Chex mix!

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) (1)

Puppy chow (also known as muddy buddies) is one of my favorite sweet treats. The crunchy texture with the chocolate and peanut butter combination make them irresistible! It’s hard to stop snacking when these are around.

This recipe could be considered a fun appetizer if you’re hosting a party for the big game or having friends over. They store well once made in an airtight container at room temperature which means you can make them ahead of time!

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) (2)

How to Make Puppy Chow

  1. Prep. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Measure the cereal into a large bowl and set it aside.
  2. Melt. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
  3. Mix. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter over the Chex cereal and gently mix until the cereal is fully coated.
  4. Shake. Divide the coated Chex cereal into two 1 gallon storage bags. Add the powdered sugar to the bags. Seal the bags and shake until all the cereal is coated.
  5. Cool. Spread the cereal out onto the baking sheet lined wax paper to cool.

Stove top Version: You can melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter over low heat in a medium saucepan. Make sure to stir constantly. Remove from heat when the chocolate chips are almost melted. Continue to stir until smooth.

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) (3)

Recipes Notes

  • Melting: Just like when you make chocolate covered pretzels, you want to melt the chocolate until it’s ALMOST melted. When there are a few bits of chocolate left, remove it from heat, and stir until completely smooth. The chocolate will continue to melt as you stir.
  • Adaptations: This recipe can be made festive by adding Jordan Almonds at Easter or adding festive colored M&Ms during any other holiday.
  • Store: To keep the puppy chow from getting stale, once cool transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored for up to one week at room temperature. (It never lasts that long!)
  • Serving: Serve in a large bowl for all to enjoy or you can package in cute little festive cups for individual use.

More Snack Recipes

  • Pumpkin Spice Muffins
  • Soft Pretzels
  • Caramel Corn

Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) (4)

Created by: Lynette Rice

Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)


Course Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Servings 9

9

Sweet and crunchy snacks are perfect for any occasion. This puppy chow recipe is made with a simple homemade chocolate and peanut butter sauce which is poured over two different kinds of Chex cereal and then tossed in powdered sugar.

Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 Cup Rice Chex Cereal
  • 4 1/2 Cups Corn Chex Cereal
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Line a large baking sheet with wax paper. Measure the cereal into a large bowl and set it aside.

  • In a microwave-safe medium bowl, microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

  • Pour the melted chocolate/peanut butter over the cereal and gently mix until the cereal is all coated.

  • Transfer the coated cereal into two 1 gallon storage bags. Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar to each bag. Seal the bag and shake until all the cereal is coated.

  • Spread the coated cereal onto the baking sheet to cool. Once cool store in an airtight container.

Notes

Melting: Just like when you make chocolate covered pretzels, you want to melt the chocolate until it’s ALMOST melted. When there are a few bits of chocolate left, remove it from heat, and stir until completely smooth. The chocolate will continue to melt as you stir.

Adaptations: This recipe can be made festive by adding Jordan Almonds at Easter or adding festive colored M&Ms at any other holiday.

Store: To keep the puppy chow from getting stale, once cool transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored for up to one week at room temperature. (It never lasts that long!)

Serving: Serve in a large bowl for all to enjoy or you can package in cute little festive cups for individual use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/2 Cup | Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 83g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 325mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 921IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 10mg

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Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) (2024)

FAQs

Are puppy chow and muddy buddies the same thing? ›

This classic chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar Chex™ Mix recipe has been a beloved part of families' kitchens for years. Transform Chex™ cereal into a delicious treat in just 15 minutes. We call it Muddy Buddies™, but you may know it as Puppy Chow.

What is puppy chow made of? ›

What Is Puppy Chow? “Puppy chow” (a.k.a. muddy buddies) is the name for a homemade candy or snack that's made with cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. General Mills sells their own version of the popular treat, but it's easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

What came first, puppy chow or muddy buddies? ›

In 2002 General Mills developed Muddy Buddies, the same recipe as Puppy Chow. But it can't be said that General Mills invented the recipe since Midwesterners recall seeing it and eating it long before the early 2000s.

How do I keep my puppy chow from getting soggy? ›

Cool completely on a baking sheet until firm before packing into an airtight container. This step of cooling and drying is essential for puppy chow that will stay crisp, not soggy.

What is puppy chow called in the south? ›

Puppy Chow vs Muddy Buddies

Some people call it puppy chow, while others know it by different names: muddy munch, monkey munch, or muddy buddies. Muddy Buddies is actually the official name of the recipe marketed by General Mills, the maker of Chex cereal.

What is a funny name for puppy chow? ›

Puppy chow, also known as monkey munch, muddy buddies, muddy munch, reindeer chow, or doggy bag, is the name for a homemade candy made in the United States, primarily in the Midwestern States.

Why are muddy buddies so good? ›

Whether you call it muddy buddies or puppy chow, this classic is always guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Rice Chex cereal is coated with a combination of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then tossed in powdered sugar for the ultimate easy sweet snack.

Why do they call it puppy chow? ›

How Puppy Chow Got Its Name. Chex cereal, originally made by the Ralston Purina Company, debuted in grocery stores in 1937. Because the company referred to their dog food as “dog chow” and cat food as “cat chow,” they jokingly called their new cereal line “human chow,” according to Taste.

Is puppy chow a Midwest thing? ›

Puppy chow is a party staple in the Midwest, but not everywhere else. Puppy chow — a snack mix made of Chex cereal covered in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar — is often a fixture at parties. People outside of the Midwest have often never heard of it, and they don't know what they're missing.

Why is puppy chow hard to find? ›

Additionally, staffing issues, rising prices and slower deliveries across the board are contributing to the pet food shortage.

What is puppy chow called in New York? ›

The recipe's origins are murky, but puppy chow, or muddy buddies, can probably be traced back to recipe pamphlets and community cookbooks from the 1960s.

What is another name for Chex Mix? ›

First off this recipe can be found under many names besides Party Mix such as Chex Mix, Nuts and Bolts, TV Mix, or Snack Mix.

Why are my muddy buddies clumpy? ›

If you add the powdered sugar while the mixture is still warm it will soak right in and won't help separate the chunks at all. Making sure your mixture is slightly cooled will mean you can use less powdered sugar in the end.

Should I soak puppy chow? ›

It is recommended that puppy food is soaked from the age of 3-4 weeks up to 12 weeks.

Does puppy chow go bad? ›

Easy answer: yes, your sack of dry dog food will go stale much faster if you leave it open. Unopened dry dog food tends to have a shelf life of around 12-18 months, but once you open it, you should aim to use it up in about 6 weeks.

Who owns puppy chow? ›

Puppy Chow, a brand of dog food marketed by Nestlé Purina PetCare.

Is puppy chow a wisconsin thing? ›

In some circles, it's called Muddy Buddies. Is Puppy Chow a Midwestern thing? Yes, people across the Midwest loved this sweet and crunchy snack year-round. The “puppy chow belt” runs through Wisconsin and Michigan, North and South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

What is the difference between puppy chow and dog chow? ›

Puppy food does have slightly higher levels of calcium and phosphorous when compared to most adult dog foods. Puppy food also has a higher fat and protein content, meaning there are more calories per bite than the adult version of the same brand.

What comes after puppy chow? ›

But once your pup is six to 12 months old those needs change. That's usually when your puppy is nearing his adult height and can transition to adult food. Spaying or neutering usually occurs at this age as well, lowering your dog's need for increased energy; hence a reason to switch from puppy to adult dog food.

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