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Allow me to introduce my newest vice: Muddy Buddy Bars. Consider this tasty creation the elevated older sister of the classic Muddy Buddy snack – equally as delicious but better for serving!
What Is a Muddy Buddy Bar?
Here’s the deal – I’m not sure Muddy Buddy Bars existed before now. And truly, that’s a crying shame! Muddy Buddy Bars take the crunch and flavors found in the beloved Muddy Buddy (also known as Puppy Chow) and turns them into a easy dessert square.
This is ideal because one, we get to eat more chocolate / peanut butter / powdered sugar goodness. And two, it transforms a movie night treat into something that is easily transferable and fit for a dessert bar (think baby showers, family parties, neighbor treat plates, etc).
Other than its shape, these bars differ from the classic Muddy Buddy by using rice krispie cereal instead of chex. This gives us the ultimate crunch. If this change turns you off, please check out my classic Muddy Buddy recipe! Or if you’re feeling fancy, I have a host of other Muddy Buddy spin-offs for you to try:
- Cadbury Egg Muddy Buddies
- Muddy Snowballs
- Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddy Mix
- Funfetti Muddy Buddies
- S’mores Muddy Buddies
Ingredients Needed to Make Muddy Buddy Bars
- Crisp rice cereal – I just used Rice Krispies, but the store brand will work swimmingly, too.
- Milk chocolate chips – I’m a fan of Ghirardelli chocolate chips, but choose your favorite! You can also mix it up and try dark or semisweet chocolate instead.
- Creamy peanut butter – I wouldn’t recommend trying chunky peanut butter here!
- Salted butter – I use salted butter in all of my recipes because it is what I keep on hand. You can also use unsalted and add a pinch of salt.
- Powdered sugar
Steps for Making Muddy Buddy Bars
- In a large bowl, measure out the cereal and set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the milk chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter and salted butter.
- Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between increments, until the chocolate is mixed smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and mix until evenly coated.
- Next, pour and press the cereal mixture into a parchment lined quarter sheet.
- Allow the mixture to set by placing in the fridge until cold and completely set.
- Once set, cut into small, bite sized squares and then gently toss in the powdered sugar and serve.
- Enjoy!
Can I make these bars with other nut butters?
If you have a peanut allergy, you can definitely try this with another nut butter. Please note that I haven’t tested additional butters and the binding power may differ.
How should I store Muddy Buddy Bars?
You can store your bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days!
More Muddy Buddies
Muddy Buddy Bars
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, measure out the cereal and set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the milk chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter and salted butter.
- Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between increments, until the chocolate is mixed smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and mix until evenly coated.
- Next, pour and press the cereal mixture into a parchment lined quarter sheet.
- Allow the mixture to set by placing in the fridge until cold and completely set.
- Once set, cut into small, bite sized squares and then gently toss in the powdered sugar and serve.
- Enjoy!
Would using Chex cereal be good, like normal muddy buddy’s?
Hi Mindy! I tested this recipe with Chex cereal but it became kind of mushy after a few days and preferred the krispies.
Can I use a 9 x 13 pan instead of a quarter sheet pan?
It will change the thickness, but you absolutely can! Line the pan with parchment to make it easier to remove.