Easy Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) - Perfect for Kids!
This is an oldie but a goodie, a recipe that just won't get old, but also somewhat dangerous because I can't stop myself from eating it. Like, all of it. Yes, I know it's a self-control issue, but I have zero when it comes to sweets.
This puppy chow recipe (also known as muddy buddies) takes me right back to my high school swimming days. My sister and I would make huge batches, doubled or tripled, and shake it all up in a paper bag before bringing it to swim meets and invitationals. It never lasted long.
Why This Puppy Chow Recipe Works
The beauty of this chocolate peanut butter puppy chow is that it requires no baking and comes together in under 15 minutes. It's the perfect no-bake dessert for holiday parties, potlucks, or just a weekend treat. The combination of crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter, then tossed in powdered sugar creates an addictive sweet and salty snack that both kids and adults love.
I tried making it with my girls recently, but they weren't really in the mood to participate. Still, it's a great recipe to make with kids, just be cautious of the powdered sugar going everywhere (trust me on this one).
Puppy Chow Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 12-16
Ingredients:
9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I like to add an extra ½ cup)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
~2 cups powdered sugar (maybe some extra depending on preference)
Instructions:
Measure the cereal: Pour Rice Chex into a large bowl and set aside.
Melt the chocolate mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes total).
Coat the cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex and gently stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
Add powdered sugar: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a large paper bag or gallon-size zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until all pieces are coated. (This is the fun part!)
Cool and serve: Spread puppy chow on parchment paper to cool completely, about 10-15 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Kids' Jobs:
Ages 3-5: Help measure the Rice Chex, add ingredients to the bowl
Ages 6-8: Stir the chocolate-coated cereal (with supervision), shake the bag with powdered sugar
Ages 9+: Measure ingredients, melt chocolate (with supervision), complete coating process
Pro Tips:
Use a paper bag for that authentic shake-it-up experience or a very large bowl with a secure lid.
Don't skimp on the chocolate, extra chocolate chips make it even better
Make sure the chocolate mixture is completely melted and smooth before coating
Let it cool completely before storing or it will get soggy
Final Thoughts
Good old puppy chow: Rice Chex, melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Seriously, how do you go wrong? And in my opinion, adding some extra chocolate is key.
Whether you're making this chocolate peanut butter snack mix for a party, a bake sale, or just because you're craving something sweet, this puppy chow recipe delivers every time. It's one of those classic recipes that brings back memories and creates new ones, even if your kids aren't quite as enthusiastic as you remember being.
Fair warning though: you might want to make a double batch. This homemade puppy chow disappears fast, and you'll definitely want some for yourself!