Looking for a sweet, crunchy, and irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies. This twist on the classic Muddy Buddies combines crispy Rice Krispies with a rich chocolate-peanut butter mixture and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you need a quick dessert for a party or a fun snack to make with kids, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the recipe and give you tips, tricks, and nutritional information to make your Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies the best they can be. Let’s dive in!
What Are Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies?
Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies are a delicious variation of the traditional Muddy Buddies (also known as Puppy Chow). Instead of Chex cereal, this version uses Rice Krispies cereal, which gives it a lighter and crunchier texture. The combination of melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar creates a treat that’s rich, sweet, and satisfying.
This snack is often enjoyed during the holiday season but is versatile enough for any time of year. It’s great for potlucks, parties, or even as a fun weekend baking project with the family.
Ingredients for Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this sweet treat. These are simple, pantry-staple ingredients, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, shaken (or 1/2 cup, sprinkled)
Each ingredient contributes to the delicious texture and flavor of these treats, so make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go before starting.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
1. Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Begin by combining your chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session, until it is completely melted and smooth. Don’t rush this step—stirring between intervals ensures the chocolate won’t burn.
2. Add the Butter and Vanilla
Once the chocolate and peanut butter mixture is smooth, stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract. These two ingredients add richness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is fully combined.
3. Coat the Rice Krispies
In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Krispies cereal. Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently fold it in, making sure every piece of cereal is coated evenly. Be gentle during this step to avoid crushing the Rice Krispies.
4. Cool and Set
Spread the coated cereal mixture onto a lined baking sheet or into a pan. Allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate mixture has fully set. This will help the Rice Krispies maintain their crunchy texture while the chocolate firms up.
5. Add Powdered Sugar
Once the mixture has cooled, transfer the coated Rice Krispies into a large resealable bag. Add the powdered sugar and gently shake the bag until the cereal pieces are lightly coated. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the powdered sugar over the top if you prefer a neater look.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Cut your Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies into squares, or break them into bite-sized pieces. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy your sweet, crunchy treat!
Notes and Tips for the Best Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make sure your Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies turn out perfectly every time:
Adjusting Sweetness Levels
If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. The richness of dark chocolate can balance the sweetness while adding a slightly more sophisticated flavor.
Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
For a fun twist, try adding mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even pretzel pieces to the mix before coating the cereal with chocolate. These add-ins will provide extra texture and flavor, making the snack even more exciting!
Storing Your Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
Store your Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. However, they’re best enjoyed within a few days while they’re still crunchy and fresh.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
While Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies are undeniably a sweet indulgence, it’s still useful to understand their nutritional value. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrition information per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 19g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 3mg
Health Benefits of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter, a key ingredient in Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies, offers a good source of protein and healthy fats. It also contains vitamins and minerals like magnesium, which is beneficial for muscle and nerve function.
Choosing Dark Chocolate for Extra Antioxidants
Using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate can provide antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Plus, it offers a richer, less sweet flavor that some people prefer.
FAQs
Yes! You can substitute Rice Krispies with Chex cereal, cornflakes, or even puffed rice. Each cereal will bring a different texture, so feel free to experiment.
If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter. Just make sure the consistency is similar to peanut butter for the best results.
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats can last up to a week. However, they are best enjoyed fresh within the first 3-4 days.
While it’s possible to freeze them, we don’t recommend it. Freezing may affect the texture of the cereal, making it less crispy. Instead, enjoy them fresh or within a few days of making them.
Conclusion: The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies are a fun, easy, and incredibly delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of year. With their irresistible combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, they’re bound to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a bake sale, or just because, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
So next time you’re in the mood for a quick and easy dessert, give Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies a try—you won’t regret it!
More Relevant Recipes
PrintMuddy Buddy Rice Krispies
Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies is a sweet, crunchy treat made with crispy Rice Krispies cereal coated in a rich blend of chocolate and peanut butter, then dusted with powdered sugar. It’s a quick, no-bake snack perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (depending on how you cut the squares) 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, shaken (or 1/2 cup, sprinkled)
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. It may be tempting to heat it all at once, but trust me—slow and steady wins the race here!
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Once your chocolate and peanut butter mixture is silky smooth, stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract. The butter gives it that extra creamy texture, while the vanilla adds a subtle but delightful depth of flavor.
- Coat the Rice Krispies: In a large mixing bowl, pour the Rice Krispies cereal. Then, slowly drizzle the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal, folding gently to ensure even coverage. Be patient here—you want every crispy bit to be coated!
- Let It Cool: Spread the coated cereal mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Allow it to cool and set for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t rush this step—letting it cool ensures the cereal maintains its crunch while the chocolate mixture firms up.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar and gently shake until the bars are dusted in a sugary blanket. This gives them that signature Muddy Buddy look and taste. If you’re feeling fancy, you can opt to sprinkle the sugar instead.
- Serve and Enjoy: Now that everything’s set and ready, cut your Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies into squares and serve! This snack is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet and crunchy.
Notes
- Adjusting Sweetness Levels: If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. The richness of dark chocolate can balance the sweetness while adding a slightly more sophisticated flavor.
- Add-Ins for Extra Flavor: For a fun twist, try adding mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even pretzel pieces to the mix before coating the cereal with chocolate. These add-ins will provide extra texture and flavor, making the snack even more exciting!
- Storing Your Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies: Store your Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. However, they’re best enjoyed within a few days while they’re still crunchy and fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Rice Krispies Muddy Buddies, No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Treats, Puppy Chow Rice Krispies