This Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies snack mixes sweet chocolate and peanut butter with the light crunch of Rice Krispies. It looks like little coated clusters that kids and grown-ups both enjoy. It is quick to make and needs only a few pantry items. Read on to learn why this treat is so good, how to make it, and how to keep it fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
You will love this Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies for many simple reasons. The mix has crunch from Rice Krispies and a smooth taste from peanut butter and chocolate. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes each bite a little messy and fun. The recipe uses few ingredients and no oven. You can make a big batch in under 20 minutes.
This treat works for parties, school snacks, or a quick sweet fix at home. It is kid-friendly to make. Children can help stir, shake the bag with powdered sugar, and spread the clusters on a pan. The flavors are familiar and liked by most people. The sweet and salty balance is easy to enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a fast snack or a simple dessert. It needs only five basic ingredients and common kitchen tools. You do not need to bake anything. This is a great recipe for busy nights, last-minute guests, or holiday treat bags.
It also stores well and travels easily. Take it to picnics, potlucks, or work. The recipe is forgiving. If you want more peanut butter or more chocolate, you can change the amounts a bit. The powdered sugar step helps keep the pieces from sticking together and adds a soft finish.
What You Need for Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
You need a few tools. Use a medium saucepan to melt the chocolate and butter. A large bowl or deep mixing bowl gives room to stir the cereal and coating. A large resealable plastic bag works well for adding powdered sugar and shaking the pieces. Use a baking sheet or a large tray to cool and spread the clusters.
Other handy tools are a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, a measuring cup for dry and wet ingredients, and a spoon to help fold the cereal. These simple items are likely already in your kitchen.
How to Make Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
Start by melting the chocolate and butter slowly so the chocolate stays smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and add the peanut butter. Stir well until the mix is smooth and glossy. Pour this over the cereal and fold gently so all the pieces get coated but the cereal keeps some crunch.
When the clusters cool a little, place them into a large bag with powdered sugar and shake until every piece has a light coat. Spread the pieces on a tray to cool fully. The cooling step lets the coating set and makes the clusters easy to pick up.
Work quickly but safely. Use low heat and keep an eye on the chocolate so it does not burn. If the mix gets too warm and thin, let it sit a minute to thicken before coating the cereal.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Powdered sugar
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until well combined.
- In a large bowl, add the Rice Krispies cereal and pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over it. Stir until all the cereal is coated.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a large bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until well coated.
- Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet to cool completely before serving.
These steps follow an easy order. Melting first, mixing next, coating the cereal, and dusting with sugar gives the best texture. Make sure to cool fully so the clusters hold shape.
Best Ways to Serve Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
Serve this snack in bowls for parties, or place small amounts into paper cups for a neat treat. It is great as a movie snack or lunchbox dessert. For kids, put some in a bright cup or a small bag to take to school.
You can also use the clusters as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkle some Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies on top for a crunchy contrast. They also work as a small dessert served with coffee. The powdered sugar keeps the pieces from tasting too oily.
If you give them out as gifts, pack them in clear bags with a ribbon. They stay crunchy and look nice. For a party, make a big tray and let guests scoop a handful.
How to Store Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
Store the snack in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. Keep it at room temperature away from heat and direct sun. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days. If your house is warm, store in a cool place to prevent the coating from getting soft.
Do not refrigerate, as the moisture can make the cereal lose its crunch. If the clusters soften, you can spread them on a tray and let them dry for an hour in a cool, dry room. For longer storage, you can freeze the pieces in an airtight, freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Easy Tips to Make Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
- Use low heat when melting the chocolate and butter. High heat can burn the chocolate.
- Stir constantly while melting to keep the mixture smooth.
- If the peanut butter is thick, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to stir in.
- Do not overmix the cereal. Stir gently so the Rice Krispies stay crisp.
- Use gloves or a spoon to spread the clusters on a sheet so your hands stay clean.
- If you like larger clusters, stir less and press some of the cereal together before dusting with powdered sugar.
These tips help you get even coating and good crunch. They also make clean up easier and speed up the process.
Try These Variations of Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
- Chocolate lovers: Use dark chocolate chips or mix dark and milk chocolate for a richer taste.
- Nut butter swap: Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in mini marshmallows, pretzel pieces, or cereal loops for texture and flavor.
- Candy pieces: Stir in a small handful of M&M’s after the clusters cool for a colorful touch.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract to the melted mixture for a slight flavor twist.
These variations let you change the taste without changing the simple steps.
Common Questions About Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
Q: Can I use chunky peanut butter?
A: Yes, but chunky will add small peanut bits. It changes the texture but still works.
Q: What can I use instead of powdered sugar?
A: You can use cocoa powder for a less sweet finish, or skip the coating and press the pieces into clusters.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free crispy rice cereal to make the recipe gluten-free. Check labels for cross-contamination.
Q: How do I keep the clusters from sticking together?
A: Make sure they are fully cooled before storing. Use powdered sugar or wax paper layers in the container.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger bowl and pan to mix and cool. Work in batches if your pan is small.
Final Thoughts
Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies is a quick and fun treat. It mixes common flavors into a snack that feels special. The recipe is simple enough for beginners and flexible enough for small changes. You can pack it for treats, share it at parties, or make it with kids for an easy kitchen project. The steps are short, and the result tastes great.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather the five ingredients, find a saucepan and a big bowl, and make a batch today. Follow the steps, cool the clusters well, and enjoy the crunchy, sweet results. This snack is easy to share and to store for later.
Conclusion
For another take on this idea and more ideas for similar treats, see the Muddy Buddy / Puppy Chow Rice Krispie Treats recipe.
Print
Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delightful sweet snack that combines Rice Krispies, peanut butter, and chocolate, coated with powdered sugar for a crunchy treat.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Powdered sugar (to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until well combined.
- In a large bowl, add the Rice Krispies cereal and pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over it. Stir until all the cereal is coated.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a large bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until well coated.
- Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet to cool completely before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days. Avoid refrigerating to maintain crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg