I LOVE LOVE LOVE when some of the most yummiest treats are also the most easiest to make. Ten years ago my friend Nancy gave each woman in our small group a beautifully packaged container of Puppy Chow aka Muddy Buddies. This was the first time I had ever had this “crazy good” treat. From the first bite I was hooked but also intrigued by what it was made of. When she told me how she made it I couldn’t believe it because it was such an easy recipe yet the combination of all the ingredients produced such a wonderful taste. I will warn you though, it is very addicting. Batches of this stuff have been known to disappear within minutes in our home. Best of all, Chex now makes their rice and corn cereal Gluten-Free. This would make a great homemade Christmas gift or Hostess gift – or a special treat just for yourself. Enjoy!
**DISCLAIMER** Although this recipe is called “Puppy Chow” it’s not for doggie consumption – since chocolate is poisonous for dogs. Many thanks to my friend Jen for pointing this out!
- 9 cups Combination of Corn, Rice, and Wheat Cereal squares (Chex) *For gluten-free, omit the wheat chex.
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 teaspoon vanilla *make sure to check vanilla for gluten-free
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 1-gallon ziplock bags
- Place cereal in a large bowl and set aside. In a medium microwavable bowl, add chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Microwave on High for 1 minute and stir. Microwave 30 seconds longer and stir mixture until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour sauce over cereal and stir until evenly coated. Spoon half of the mixture in each 1-gallon resealable ziplock bag. Add ¾ cup powdered sugar to each bag, and seal. Shake the bag until everything is coated. Spread on waxed/parchment paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
*Several people have asked me where I got my snow flake pails I used to package these. I bought them at Target in their $1 section<–Yay for Tar-jay!
CraziBeautiful says
These are an amazing treat! Try freezing them in a Z-bag….sooooo so good!
Joann says
I just made these! They’re AMAZING and SO EASY! The only problem is… well, let’s just say I have to find my fat pants.
sippitysup says
So many people seem to be familiar with this, but it’s an exciting new discovery for me. GREG
ThatsSoYummy says
This is a perfect idea for giving as gifts to teachers or neighbors and friends. Thank you for sharing will have to try, hopefully my kids won’t try and eat it all when I do 😉
-Natasha
Nutmeg Nanny says
This is one of the first recipes I ever learned to make. It’s one of my favorite holiday snacks. I still make it every year to put on my Christmas treat tray. Everyone, including me, loves it!
Chris says
My son and his girlfriend make this all the time, they love it!
jamieofalltrades says
I just made this with some girlsfriends this past weekend. We doubled the batch and didn’t have a container to shake it in so we used a large garbage bag. It seem weird at the time, but it tasted SO good!
Nancy - The Sensitive Pantry says
These look really good! I’d never heard of Muddy Buddies before and then all of a sudden everyone’s talking about them. So easy, too. And, GF!!! Thanks for posting this, Alice.
kamran says
I have never had muddy buddies before, but they look very enticing and your photos just make my mouth water. Lovely post Alice!
Karly says
I love Puppy Chow! Quick, simple, and so yummy!
Gina says
Oh, how I love these! Something about chocolate and powdered sugar gets me every time.
Maria says
This stuff is addicting! I love it!
The Saucy Coq says
YES! Count me in. So absolutely simple to make and looks like it’s pretty open to interpretation. I could see using all sorts of ‘extras’ in there. Coconut…espresso…
Thanks!
katie says
I just made this on Sunday. I’m addicted…it truly is like crack.
Your photos are lovely and you did a much better job of mixing the chocolate mix with the cereal. Envy.
lisa @ dandysugar says
Fantastic idea! I’m collecting food gift/stocking stuffer ideas and this is perfect.
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen says
Whoa! That does sound like a crazy combination!
VeggieGirl says
SO SCRUMPTIOUS!
Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets says
What perfect timing, I just discovered this treat! My boyfriend’s cousin brought it to Thanksgiving dinner, but called it “trash.” That name made heads turn at the table, but I like yours better. Yummy but very sweet so I only eat a bit at a time.
Jen Yu says
Hey sweets, might be a good idea to point out that this is not for doggie consumption – chocolate is poisonous for dogs. xxoo
Kelly @ EvilShenanigans says
Adore Puppy Chow! We make it at the office where I work each year and it is always popular!
mara says
I love puppy chow so much, my mom used to make it growing up. I definitely agree; it is quite addicting.
Sonja @ ActiveFoodie says
Yum! I have actually never made this before but it would be perfect to bring to work for co-workers to snack on instead of the usual Christmas candy I keep in my treat jar!! (and probably cheaper!)
Deseree says
You’re right these are very addicting. I actually hadn’t heard of them until about a year ago when I went to a friends place and they had these out. I took a bite and was instantly hooked. My friend however, didn’t tell me just how easy they were to make, thanks for sharing the recipe!
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says
Yum! This is one of my favorites, too… but I never knew how to make it! Thanks for sharing. I’ll have to give it a try, even if I don’t give it away as gifts and keep it for myself. 🙂
Elizabeth says
I have to promise myself I’ll make this only when a batch of people is coming over. Or I will eat it all myself…