This Puppy Chow Chex Mix, also known as Muddy Buddies is a simple, almost fool proof treat anyone can whip up! Kid friendly and makes great gifts!
I don’t care if you call this Puppy Chow or Muddie Buddies, they are dang good.
This human version of Puppy Chow has become an American staple that is as recognizable as Apple Pie.
I have yet to meet someone who has never heard of it.
I have though met plenty of people who have had it but never made it themselves.
This Puppy Chow Chex Mix is seriously one of those easy, practically fail proof recipes.
I wont say fail proof, because I just know someone out there will blame me for over cooking their chocolate, which is why I’ll say practically.
I was first introduced to this confection at the lunch table in 7th grade. Let’s just say that was many, many years ago.
I was sitting there eating my random, most likely unhealthy lunch, with my hip, yet awkward pubescent friends. When we noticed someone eating this random food.
We, being the curious filter free group we were, asked what they were eating.
Their response. Puppy Chow.
This then entailed a few gross looks, gasps of horror and many random thoughts flying through our brains.
She quickly assured us it was a treat, not actually dog food and was called Puppy Chow.
Her mom we all believed was a rock star after trying it. It was good.
Not to mention, her rock star mom also let her bring it to school in her lunch.
Seriously cool mom points right there.
Since that day back in the mid 90’s, Puppy Chow, or Muddie Buddies has become a household staple.
It is a huge hit in our house and, wanting to be the rock star mom, I’ve included it in my daughters lunch a time or two as well.
She loves the surprise and generally eats it first, leaving little time for anything of actual substance.
And that’s OK. You are only a kid once and finding Puppy Chow in your lunch isn’t a daily occurrence, so why not have a little fun!
The one thing I don’t know is how well it freezes.
I would think it would freeze quite well but I’ve not tried. It generally doesn’t last long enough to freeze or have many leftovers!
However next time I make it, I want to freeze some individual sized portions that I can toss in my kids lunches or use as an after dinner dessert. That way it can last longer than just a few days!
This Puppy Chow is great for school lunches, appetizers, party food and gifts.
Everyone loves it and it is always a hit with kids!
Puppy Chow Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal, you can use any of the variety or combination of variety)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter (I use salted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Measure out 9 cups of cereal and place in a large bowl. Set aside.
Stove Top Method: Place chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a small sauce pan. Cook on low until chocolate and butter melt. Mix well. Mixture should be smooth and chunk free. Add vanilla and mix again.
Microwave Method: Place chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high, uncovered for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir. Place back in microwave and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stir well. If mixture is not smooth and chunk free, cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Add vanilla and mix again.
Pour peanut butter mixture over dry Chex mix. Mix well, coating each piece.
Divide mixture and pour into 2 gallon sized ziploc bags.
Add 3/4 cup powdered sugar to each bag.
Seal bags and shake well.
Pour puppy chow onto a large rimmed cookie sheet and allow to cool.
Devour!
If any left, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Jane
Tuesday 13th of November 2018
Because it looks like Puppy Chow
Janelle
Tuesday 5th of March 2019
Jane, this puppy chow chex mix is SO GOOD! I hope you try this recipe and that you enjoy it! Thanks for your comment!
Chris
Tuesday 28th of March 2017
Where did the name "puppy chow" come from? The recipe on All the Chex boxes call it "Muddy Buddies "
Janelle
Saturday 29th of September 2018
I don't know. Growing up in Washington State I was taught to call it Puppy Chow. Maybe because it looks like puppy food? It wasn't until I became an adult and Chex Started calling it Muddy Buddies did I learn it was called something else!