Description
A bold twist on a nostalgic snack mix, these Chunky Muddy Buddies are rich, crispy, and loaded with texture. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a quick treat, they combine Chex cereal with melted chocolate and peanut butter, then get tossed in powdered sugar and finished with mini pretzels and candied pecans. It’s a sweet and salty snack that’s irresistibly addictive—ideal for dessert boards, gifts, or cozy nights in. Think easy recipe, holiday treat, movie night snack, and no-bake dessert idea all in one.
Ingredients
6 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups mini pretzels
1 cup candied pecans
Instructions
1. Pour the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla extract once melted.
4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold using a spatula until fully coated.
5. Transfer coated cereal to a gallon zip-top bag or large bowl. Add powdered sugar and shake or toss to coat thoroughly.
6. Mix in mini pretzels and candied pecans. Stir to distribute.
7. Let cool on a sheet pan or serve immediately.
Notes
Always use fresh cereal for the best crunch—stale cereal won’t hold the texture well.
Don’t skip the cooling step before storing; this prevents sogginess from trapped steam.
To make it festive, add colored candies or sprinkles that match the season or party theme.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of batch
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: muddy buddies, puppy chow, sweet snack, easy dessert, holiday treat