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Surprise your kids with a fun after school snack, stir together this easy no-bake dessert for your next party or potluck, or share a batch with the neighbors during the holidays, because this easy puppy chow recipe is always a hit! Also known as “muddy buddies,” nobody can resist the salty, sweet, and crunchy combination of chocolate, peanut butter, cereal, and a coating of powdered sugar.

Overhead shot of a scoop inside a bowl of puppy chow

Puppy Chow Chex Mix

Puppy chow (or muddy buddies) is a sweet snack mix made with 5 simple ingredients: Crispix or Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate chips, butter, and powdered sugar. Unlike the classic savory Chex mix, this version has the added benefit of being a no bake recipe. Just melt the ingredients in the microwave, stir everything together, and shake to coat in the confectioners’ sugar. No need to turn on the oven or spend precious time stirring the mixture so that it doesn’t burn!

This unique treat has a crunchy texture (thanks to the cereal), and a salty-and-sweet flavor profile thanks to the salted peanut butter, salted butter, and sweet chocolate chips. It satisfies every craving! You can also get creative and add other ingredients to the easy puppy chow recipe, such as roasted peanuts, M&M’s, Reese’s pieces, candy corn, or mini candy pumpkins.

Square side shot of a bowl of puppy chow

Why is it called puppy chow?

I know it’s not very appetizing, but this delicious snack gets its name because it resembles dog food!

Pouring chocolate chips into a mixing bowl

Is Muddy Buddies the same as puppy chow?

Yes! Puppy chow is also known as Muddy Buddies, monkey munch, muddy munch, reindeer chow, and doggy bag. They’re all silly, fun names for the same delicious treat.

Pouring Crispix cereal into a bowl

Is puppy chow a Midwestern snack?

This muddy buddies recipe is popular in the Midwest, but the sweet snack mix has also become well-loved throughout the rest of the United States, including the southeast (where we live). One taste and you’ll see why it’s so darn addictive!

Shaking ingredients in a paper bag

Ingredients

This is just a quick overview of the puppy chow ingredients. As always, specific measurements and step-by-step instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.

  • Chocolate chips: we prefer the semi-sweet variety.
  • Creamy peanut butter: use a processed peanut butter, such as Jif or Skippy brands.
  • Salted butter: adds flavor and richness. The salt in the butter also serves as a nice balance to the sweet sugar and chocolate.
  • Crispix cereal: we like the flavor and crunch that you get with the Crispix, but General Mills Rice Chex cereal or Corn Chex cereal are also great substitutes.
  • Powdered sugar: to coat the mixture.
Spreading puppy chow on a rimmed baking sheet

How to Make Puppy Chow

This recipe for puppy chow couldn’t be easier! There’s no baking required, and no reason to turn on the oven.

  1. Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in the microwave in a large bowl until smooth.
  2. Pour the Crispix into the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture and stir gently to coat.
  3. Place the powdered sugar in a large paper bag.
  4. Add the cereal mixture to the powdered sugar, close the bag, and shake gently until all of the cereal is completely coated.
  5. Spread the puppy chow on a rimmed baking sheet to cool completely before storing.
Close overhead image of a bowl of puppy chow with a scoop

Storage

Properly stored with a seal in an airtight container at room temperature, the puppy chow mix will last for at least 1 week (if you don’t eat it all first!). You can also keep the muddy buddies in the refrigerator if you prefer.

Square overhead shot of a bowl of muddy buddies

Can you freeze puppy chow?

Yes! Store the puppy chow in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it on the counter at room temperature, or enjoy it straight from the freezer!

Side shot of a bowl of muddy buddies on a wooden table

Puppy Chow Variations

  • Use any variety of chocolate chips that you enjoy. We like semi-sweet chocolate chips, but milk chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips will work!
  • Add a dash of vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture once it’s melted. This just gives the dessert a little bit more flavor.
  • If you don’t have a large paper bag, use a gallon size Ziploc plastic bag to shake the mixture in powdered sugar. You will need to work in batches since you can’t fit all of the cereal in the bag at once.
  • Add extra mix-ins like roasted, salted peanuts, mini pretzels, sprinkles, M&M’s candies, Reese’s pieces candies, or candy corn.
  • Christmas puppy chow recipe: add red and green sprinkles and red and green M&Ms or other holiday candy for a festive touch.
  • For a nut-free version, try this puppy chow recipe with butter, or swap out the nut butters for sunflower seed butter.
Horizontal overhead image of a bowl of puppy chow

Tips for the Best Puppy Chow Recipe

  • Use a processed peanut butter, such as Jif or Skippy brands, instead of an all-natural peanut butter.
  • Melt the chocolate mixture slowly, in increments, stirring between each. This will ensure that the chocolate doesn’t seize or separate from over-cooking.
  • The large paper bag is convenient because you can add all of the mix at once (no need to work in batches). I recommend shaking the bag outside or over the sink, however, since puffs of the powdered sugar may sneak out!
  • Spread the sugar-coated mixture on a baking sheet to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Overhead image of a bowl of muddy buddies on a wooden table

More Snack Mix Recipes to Try

Close up featured square image of a bowl of puppy chow

Puppy Chow {Muddy Buddies}

Prep: 15 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings 11 cups approximately (22 1/2-cup servings)
Calories 282 kcal
Puppy chow (or "muddy buddies") is an easy no-bake snack or dessert with peanut butter, chocolate, and crunchy cereal. Sweet-and-salty perfection!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (12 ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 stick (½ cup) salted butter
  • 1 (9.6 ounce) box Crispix cereal (or sub with Rice Chex cereal)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • In the top of a double-boiler (or in a microwave-safe bowl), melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. If using the microwave, microwave in 30-second increments just until the mixture melts. Do not cook it for too long, or the chocolate may break.
  • Add the Crispix to the melted chocolate mixture; gently combine.
  • Place the powdered sugar in a large paper bag. Add the Crispix mixture to the bag. Close the bag; shake until the cereal is completely coated in the powdered sugar.
  • Enjoy immediately, or spread on a large rimmed baking sheet to let the mixture cool completely before storing.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Use a processed peanut butter, such as Jif or Skippy brands, instead of an all-natural peanut butter.
  • Melt the chocolate mixture slowly, in increments, stirring between each. This will ensure that the chocolate doesn’t seize or separate from over-cooking.
  • The large paper bag is convenient because you can add all of the mix at once (no need to work in batches). I recommend shaking the bag outside or over the sink, however, since puffs of the powdered sugar may sneak out!
  • Spread the sugar-coated mixture on a baking sheet to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
  • Use any variety of chocolate chips that you enjoy. We like semi-sweet chocolate chips, but milk chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips will work!
  • Add a dash of vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture once it’s melted. This just gives the dessert a little bit more flavor.
  • If you don’t have a large paper bag, use a gallon size Ziploc plastic bag to shake the mixture in powdered sugar. You will need to work in batches since you can’t fit all of the cereal in the bag at once.
  • Add extra mix-ins like roasted, salted peanuts, mini pretzels, sprinkles, M&M’s candies, Reese’s pieces candies, or candy corn.
  • Christmas puppy chow recipe: add red and green sprinkles and red and green M&Ms or other holiday candy for a festive touch.
  • For a nut-free version, try this puppy chow recipe with butter, or swap out the nut butters for sunflower seed butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 282kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 156mgPotassium: 201mgFiber: 3gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 268IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 5mg
Keyword: Homemade Muddy Buddies, muddy buddies, Puppy Chow
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Blair Lonergan
blair

Hey, I’m Blair!

Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!

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