Best Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) (2024)

By Laura

Posted Feb 21, 2018, Updated Sep 02, 2020

5 from 237 votes

226 Comments

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The Best Puppy Chow Recipe (AKA: Muddy Buddies) ever! Only 4 ingredients (no butter) and a few minutes results in an irresistible dessert loaded with chocolate and peanut butter! The perfect sweet treat to feed a crowd!

Best Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) (2)

Listen carefully, my Puppy Chow Recipe is not for the faint of heart. You will never find weak puppy chow in my kitchen. You know what I mean? The stuff that is so thinly coated with chocolate and peanut butter that the powdered sugar barely sticks to it? Not on my watch. I want clumps, andglobs, andhunks, andchunks of chocolate-peanut buttery goodness.

Now the name of this treat can be controversial. I’m a midwesterner (born and raised) so I call this treat “Puppy Chow.” It has other names too, like muddy buddies, monkey munch, etc., but no matter what you call it, it’s delicious.

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How to make puppy chow

This puppy chow recipe is very easy to make, howeverthe method matters, a LOT. I consider myself a muddy buddies expert, so I devised the absolute perfect method to making the best puppy chow ever – no butter required.

Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Melt equal parts of chocolate (semi-sweet or dark) and peanut butter together.Start by warming it for 60 seconds, stir and then warm in increments of 30 seconds so you don’t make it too hot!

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Stir until combined

The chocolate peanut butter mixture together until it’s smooth and glossy.

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Combine cereal and chocolate/peanut butter mixture

Next, put some cereal in the bottom of a large bowl, pour some of the peanut butter/chocolate mixture on top, and continue to alternate cereal/chocolate/cereal, etc.until you’ve used up all the ingredients.

The key here is to start VERY conservatively with the amount of cereal! You do not, I repeat, do not want to use too much cereal. It will ruin your puppy chow, and consequently, your day.

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Chill

Next, mix it all together, making sure the cereal isthicklycoated. Then put the muddy buddies somewhere to cool off (outside in the winter, or in the refrigerator) before adding any powdered sugar.

This step is absolutely crucial. I am not into sickeninglysweet desserts, so I like to use as little powdered sugar as possible. 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.

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Add powdered sugar

Once the mixture is at or just below room temperature,but not hard, add the powdered sugar until there is a thin coating and some of the pieces start separating. It’s helpful to use a bowl with a lid, so you can shake it to coat the cereal evenly.

Chill Again!

Next, let the muddy buddies cool down even more (for about 15 or 20 more minutes) before adding a little more powdered sugar. You want to add just enough so that the puppy chow can be eaten without making your hands a chocolatey-mess.

Let harden

Let the puppy chow sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until it’s hardened. This process can be expedited in the refrigerator. Just be sure to serve it at room temperature!

Store/freeze

Store this puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week (if it lasts that long) or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

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Puppy Chow Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

There are only 4 ingredients in this muddy buddies recipe! But there are a few ways you can adapt it if you’d like.

  • Chocolate.I recommend using a dark or semi-sweet variety. In my opinion, making thisPuppy Chow Recipe with milk chocolate makes it too sweet. But if you have a serious sweet tooth by all means use whatever chocolate you prefer! If you need an allergy-friendly chocolate both Sunspire and Enjoy Life Foods make great options!
  • Rice Cereal.Chex is my favorite cereal to use (or a generic equivalent)! However many people love Crispex!
  • Peanut Butter.You can substitute any nut or seed butter if you’re allergic to peanuts!
  • Powdered sugar.There’s really no substitute for this. You could make your own refined sugar free variety but it will NOT be white. So if you’re OK with that then go for it! 😉
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FAQs about puppy chow

Can you freeze puppy chow?

Yes! this puppy chow recipe can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months!

How long is puppy chow good for?

This puppy chow stays fresh for up to 1 week stored in an airtight container (but it usually gets eaten way faster)!

What if I’m allergic to peanut butter?

You can substitute sunflower seed butter, almond butter, cashew butter, etc. for peanut butter.

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Best Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) (12)

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Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies)

Laura

The Best Puppy Chow Recipe (AKA: Muddy Buddies) EVER! Only 4 ingredients (no butter) and a few minutes results in an irresistible dessert loaded with chocolate and peanut butter! The perfect sweet treat to feed a crowd!

5 from 237 votes

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 15 servings

Calories 230.6

Prep Time10 minutes minutes

Chilling time20 minutes minutes

Total Time30 minutes minutes

Instructions

  • Melt peanut butter and chocolate together, either on the stovetop or in the microwave.

  • Next, add 3 cups of cereal to a large bowl. Pour 1 cup of your chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the cereal.

  • Add 3 more cups of cereal to the bowl and then pour the rest of the chocolate/peanut butter mixture on top.

  • Stir until the cereal is evenly coated. If there are pools of chocolate/peanut butter at the bottom of your bowl, add more cereal 1/4 cup at a time until all that deliciousness is coating your cereal. Remember we WANT clumps, so do NOT add too much cereal!

  • Let the mixture cool slightly (I throw mine in the fridge or outside on my porch if it’s cold out). You do not want it to harden!

  • Once your mixture is at or below room temperature, add 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until combined.

  • Let cool for about 15 minutes.

  • Add more powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time until your cereal is coated to your satisfaction.

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature, if it lasts more than 0.3 seconds.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chocolate. I recommend using a dark or semi-sweet variety. In my opinion, making thisPuppy Chow Recipe with milk chocolate makes it too sweet. But if you have a serious sweet tooth by all means use whatever chocolate you prefer! If you need an allergy-friendly chocolate both Sunspire and Enjoy Life Foods make great options!
  • Rice Cereal.Chex is my favorite cereal to use (or a generic equivalent)! However many people love Crispex!
  • Peanut Butter.You can substitute any nut or seed butter if you’re allergic to peanuts!
  • Powdered sugar.There’s really no substitute for this. You could make your own refined sugar free variety but it will NOT be white. So if you’re OK with that then go for it! 😉

Chilling

  • Just a note that chilling the cereal/peanut butter/chocolate mixturebefore adding any powdered sugar is critical to making sure you have delicious clumpy, not overly sweet, puppy chow!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 230.6kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.6g | Protein: 6.1g | Fat: 12.2g | Potassium: 62.4mg | Fiber: 2.7g | Sugar: 1.3g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 3.3mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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Best Puppy Chow Recipe (Muddy Buddies) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between puppy chow and muddy buddies? ›

There's sort of an ongoing debate about the name of this chocolate-covered cereal treat. 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.

Why do my muddy buddies taste stale? ›

Second, make sure when you are finished making the recipe that the Muddy Buddies are stored in an airtight container or sealed ziplock bag. Air reaching the cereal, especially cold refrigerator or freezer air, will cause the cereal to get stale over time.

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.

What is puppy chow called in the South? ›

This quick, no-bake puppy snack mix will also answer to other names such as Muddy Buddies, Muddy Munch, Monkey Munch, or Reindeer Chow. Think of it as sweet chocolate and peanut butter Chex mix.

Can adults eat puppy chow? ›

Is it Bad for Adult Dogs to Continue Eating Puppy Food? Because puppy foods are formulated to deliver higher amounts of protein and fat, along with other nutrients needed for a puppy's rapid initial growth, feeding puppy food regularly to a healthy adult can cause unwanted weight gain, among other health problems.

Why is my puppy chow not crunchy? ›

Without giving the 'chow time to cool, all that scalding-hot fat will continue to absorb the powdered sugar, making it too sweet and a bit soggy inside . Spread the stuff out on a sheet pan and let it rest for 20ish minutes before tossing the mix in powdered sugar.

Why is my puppy chow 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. What is this? Making sure your mixture is slightly cooled will mean you can use less powdered sugar in the end.

Why is it called 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.

What is another name for muddy buddies? ›

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.

Does muddy buddies go bad? ›

Muddy buddies will stay fresh for up to 1 week stored in an air-tight container at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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.

Can dogs eat Nutter Butters? ›

For your dog's safety, you'll also want to make sure you avoid the nut butters made with additives such as the popular sweetener xylitol. This ingredient is highly dangerous to dogs. You'll usually find it in sugar-free or reduced sugar products so be sure to read the label before you feed anything inside to your dog.

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.

How many cups is a 12 oz box of Chex cereal? ›

A 12 ounce box of Rice Chex cereal contains approximately 11 cups of cereal. After making this recipe, you'll have about 2 cups of cereal left.

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

Puppy food also has more amino acids, fat, and minerals than adult dog food. Some brands even add extra omega-3 fatty acids to puppy food to help with brain and eye development. On top of all of this, large-breed puppies have additional special needs.

What is puppy chow called in other states? ›

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.

Is puppy chow better than 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 is the difference between puppy chow and puppy chow large breed? ›

Large breed puppy foods are different from “regular” puppy foods in that they are lower in fat and calories, contain slightly lower levels of calcium and phosphorus, and have a carefully balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

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