Irresistible S’more Muddy Buddies: Your Ultimate Guide to This No-Bake Summer Treat

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, our cravings naturally turn to light, refreshing treats that capture the essence of summer. And what better way to celebrate the season than with the iconic flavors of s’mores? Imagine all the gooey, chocolatey goodness of a campfire s’more, transformed into an incredibly addictive, no-bake snack. We’re talking about S’more Muddy Buddies – also affectionately known as S’more Puppy Chow!

This delightful recipe takes the classic Chex cereal treat and infuses it with graham cracker crunch, melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and miniature marshmallows, all coated in a sweet cloud of powdered sugar. It’s a perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, sweet, and savory that will transport you straight to a cozy summer evening, minus the campfire smoke. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a picnic, a movie night, or just need a quick pick-me-up, these S’more Muddy Buddies are unbelievably easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Why You’ll Love These S’more Muddy Buddies

This recipe isn’t just a treat; it’s a delightful experience waiting to happen. Here’s why S’more Muddy Buddies will quickly become your new favorite:

• No-Bake Bliss: Perfect for hot summer days when turning on the oven is the last thing you want to do. Minimal heat, maximum flavor!
• Quick & Easy: With only about 10 minutes of active prep and cook time, you can whip up a big batch in a flash. Ideal for last-minute gatherings or sudden cravings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The irresistible combination of chocolate, peanut butter, graham cracker, and marshmallow appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet snackers.
• Portable & Shareable: Easy to transport to parties, school events, or even just a friend’s house. It’s designed for sharing (if you can resist eating it all yourself!).
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion – summer parties, camping trips (without the fire!), movie nights, or a simple afternoon snack.
• Kid-Friendly: Get the kids involved in shaking the bags! It’s a fun activity that yields delicious results.

What Exactly Are Muddy Buddies (or Puppy Chow)?

If you’re new to the world of Muddy Buddies, prepare to have your snack game revolutionized! Originating as a classic American treat, Muddy Buddies (also widely known as Puppy Chow due to its resemblance to kibble, though it’s strictly for human consumption!) is a simple, no-bake snack primarily made from Chex cereal. The cereal is coated in a luscious mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then generously tossed in powdered sugar until each piece is delightfully coated and no longer sticky.

The beauty of this base recipe lies in its adaptability. While the original is a beloved staple, variations like this S’more Muddy Buddies recipe allow for endless creativity, incorporating different cereals, mix-ins, and flavor profiles. It’s a texture wonderland, combining the crispy crunch of cereal with the smooth sweetness of chocolate and peanut butter, all finished with a delicate, powdery dusting. It’s a guaranteed hit and an addictive snack that’s hard to put down once you start!

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need for S’more Muddy Buddies

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already!

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The backbone of the classic muddy buddy coating. Creamy is best for a smooth texture, but if you prefer a slight crunch, a natural crunchy peanut butter could work, just ensure it’s well-stirred.
• 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips, divided: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are typically used, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. We’ll use 1 cup for melting and 1/2 cup for stirring in later to get those lovely melty pockets. You can experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate too!
• 4 cups Chex cereal: Rice Chex is often preferred for its light, crispy texture and neutral flavor, allowing the other s’mores components to shine. Corn Chex also works wonderfully.
• 5 cups s’mores cereal, divided (you can also use Golden Grahams): This is where the magic of s’mores really comes in! S’mores cereal (like General Mills S’mores Toast Crunch) adds those unmistakable graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow notes. If you can’t find s’mores cereal, Golden Grahams are an excellent substitute, providing the essential graham cracker flavor and crunch. We’ll use 4 cups for coating and 1 cup to stir in at the end for extra texture.
• 2 cups mini marshmallows, divided: Essential for the s’mores experience! Mini marshmallows mix in beautifully. We’ll add 1 cup for coating and another 1 cup at the end to keep some soft and pillowy.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: This fine sugar creates the signature “muddy” or “puppy chow” coating, giving the snack its delightful, slightly messy appearance and sweet finish. It also prevents the chocolate-peanut butter coating from being too sticky.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

• Cereal: While Chex is traditional, you can try other plain, square-shaped cereals.
• Chocolate: Milk chocolate chips will make it sweeter, while dark chocolate chips will add a richer, slightly bitter contrast.
• Peanut Butter: Almond butter or cashew butter can be used for nut-free alternatives, but ensure they have a similar creamy consistency. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile.
• S’mores Cereal/Golden Grahams: If you truly can’t find either, crushed graham crackers can be added to the mix, though they won’t hold up quite as well to the coating process.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect S’more Muddy Buddies

Making S’more Muddy Buddies is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even novice bakers. Just follow these easy steps for a perfectly coated, irresistible snack:

1. Prepare the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the creamy peanut butter with 1 cup of the chocolate chips. Place the saucepan over low heat. Gently stir the mixture with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the peanut butter and chocolate are fully combined into a smooth, glossy sauce. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chocolate to seize or burn. Once smooth, remove from heat. Remember to reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a later step!
2. Coat the Cereal and Marshmallows: Grab a large gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Carefully pour the 4 cups of Chex cereal, 4 cups of the s’mores cereal (or Golden Grahams), and 1 cup of the mini marshmallows into the bag. Now, pour the warm, melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the contents of the bag. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring there’s some air trapped inside. Gently shake and toss the bag, rotating it and moving the contents around, until all the cereal and marshmallows are thoroughly and evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture. This might take a minute or two of continuous shaking.
3. Add the Powdered Sugar: Once the cereal is well-coated, open the bag and add the 2 cups of powdered sugar. Reseal the bag, again trying to trap a good amount of air inside. This air acts as a cushion, allowing the powdered sugar to tumble and coat everything more effectively. Shake the bag vigorously for another minute or two, ensuring every piece of cereal and marshmallow is covered in a beautiful, non-sticky layer of powdered sugar. The “muddy” or “puppy chow” appearance will fully emerge here.
4. Final Mix-ins and Enjoy: Pour the entire mixture from the bag into a large serving bowl. Now, it’s time to add the finishing touches that make these truly s’mores-inspired! Stir in the remaining 1 cup of s’mores cereal (or Golden Grahams), the last 1 cup of mini marshmallows, and the reserved 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. These additions provide extra texture, bursts of flavor, and a fresh chewiness that truly elevates the snack. Give it a good mix to distribute everything evenly, then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best S’more Muddy Buddies

To ensure your S’more Muddy Buddies turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Low Heat is Key: When melting the chocolate and peanut butter, always use low heat. High heat can burn the chocolate or cause the peanut butter to separate, resulting in a gritty texture. Stir constantly until smooth.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Bag: Using a gallon-sized bag is crucial. If the bag is too small, it will be hard to shake and coat the cereal properly. You want enough room for the cereal to tumble freely.
• Trap Air in the Bag: Before shaking in the powdered sugar, make sure there’s plenty of air in the bag. This creates a fluffy environment for the sugar to coat the cereal more evenly without clumping.
• Work Quickly: The chocolate-peanut butter mixture sets as it cools. Work relatively quickly once the mixture is melted to ensure maximum coating before it becomes too thick.
• Allow to Cool: For best results and less mess, spread the finished muddy buddies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set completely before serving. This prevents them from sticking together too much.
• Storage: Store S’more Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They tend to soften slightly over time, but remain delicious!
• Fresh Marshmallows: Use fresh, soft mini marshmallows for the best texture. Stale marshmallows can be hard and less pleasant to chew.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

While the S’more Muddy Buddies are perfect as is, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Nut-Free Version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) and ensure your chocolate chips are nut-free.
• Extra Chocolatey: Drizzle with melted milk or white chocolate after cooling for an extra layer of decadence.
• Spiced S’mores: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of pumpkin spice to the powdered sugar for a warming twist, especially in the fall.
• Crunch Factor: Mix in some chopped pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch, or crushed shortbread cookies for another texture.
• Candy Boost: Incorporate small candy pieces like M&M’s or chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups (if not strictly s’mores themed) for more color and flavor.
• Boozy S’mores: For an adult twist, a tiny splash of coffee liqueur or bourbon can be added to the melted chocolate mixture (use sparingly).

Serving Suggestions

S’more Muddy Buddies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• By the Handful: The simplest and often best way! Serve in a large bowl at parties or keep a stash for personal snacking.
• Party Favor: Package individual servings in small cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for delightful party favors or gifts.
• Dessert Topping: Crumble some S’more Muddy Buddies over ice cream, yogurt, or even a plain cheesecake for an instant upgrade.
• Trail Mix Addition: Combine with nuts, dried fruit, and other cereals for a custom, energizing trail mix perfect for hikes or road trips.
• Alongside Hot Beverages: Pair with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for a cozy treat on a cooler evening.

There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating a batch of S’more Muddy Buddies that will disappear faster than you can say “more, please!” This simple yet utterly delicious snack brings all the nostalgia and flavors of s’mores into an easy, no-fuss format, perfect for any summer occasion. Get ready to shake up some magic and treat yourself to this irresistible blend of chocolate, peanut butter, graham cracker, and marshmallow goodness!

More S’mores-Inspired Recipes to Explore

If you can’t get enough of that classic s’mores flavor, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:

• S’more Cereal Bars
• Loaded S’more Brownies
• S’more Protein Bites

If you give this delightful S’more Muddy Buddies recipe a try, don’t keep it a secret! Let me know how it turned out. Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or even better, snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram! I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations and it always makes my day. Happy snacking!

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