Easy Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies – A Sweet No-Bake Snack Everyone Will Love

If you’re looking for a quick, crunchy, and irresistibly sweet treat, this Easy Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies recipe is it! A fun twist on the classic Muddy Buddies (or Puppy Chow), this version combines crispy rice cereal with a luscious mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. The result is a perfectly balanced snack that’s crunchy, sweet, and a little bit addictive. I made this for a movie night, and it disappeared in minutes—everyone couldn’t stop snacking! Best of all, it’s completely no-bake and comes together in less than 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies recipe takes all the best parts of traditional puppy chow and adds extra crunch and lightness from Rice Krispies. It’s a treat that’s sweet but not overly heavy, making it perfect for parties, holidays, or everyday snacking. You’ll love how simple it is—no oven, no mixer, and minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s highly customizable: you can add M&Ms, pretzels, or mini marshmallows for even more fun. Whether you’re craving a quick sugar fix or need a last-minute dessert, this recipe has you covered.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rice Krispies Cereal: Provides that light, crispy texture that makes this snack so addictive.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips melt beautifully and coat the cereal evenly.

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds richness and flavor while helping bind the ingredients together.

Butter: Adds smoothness to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture and helps it coat the cereal.

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the sweetness of the chocolate.

Powdered Sugar: The final touch that gives Muddy Buddies their signature sweet coating.

Salt (optional): Balances the sweetness for a more complex flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if using.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Place the Rice Krispies in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir until every piece is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal as you mix.

Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar

Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until all the pieces are evenly coated and no longer sticky.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Spread the coated cereal mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set for about 10 minutes. Once set, transfer to an airtight container for storage—or dig in right away!

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 cups of Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes (melting)
Total time: 12 minutes
Perfect for 6–8 servings as a snack or party treat.

Storage/reheating

Store your Easy Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer them extra crisp, refrigerate them—they’ll stay crunchy and cool. Avoid storing in humid areas, as the powdered sugar coating may melt. These treats do not require reheating—just grab and enjoy!

Variations and Customizations

Nutella Muddy Buddies: Swap peanut butter for Nutella for a rich, hazelnut flavor.

White Chocolate Version: Use white chocolate chips instead of regular for a sweeter twist.

Salty-Sweet Combo: Add mini pretzels or sprinkle with sea salt before cooling.

Candy Mix-In: Stir in mini M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces after coating for color and crunch.

S’mores Style: Add mini marshmallows and graham cracker bits for a campfire-inspired snack.

Coconut Twist: Mix in shredded coconut and drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Holiday Edition: Add festive sprinkles or colored candy melts for seasonal celebrations.

Almond Butter Alternative: Substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a nutty variation.

Vegan-Friendly Version: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, vegan butter, and plant-based peanut butter.

Extra Chocolatey: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mixture for an added chocolate crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use another cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

Yes! You can use Chex, Corn Flakes, or even puffed rice cereal for variation.

2. How do I prevent the cereal from getting soggy?

Make sure the chocolate mixture is not too hot and allow the mix to cool fully before sealing.

3. Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, but creamy works best for even coating.

4. Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! It stays fresh for several days when stored properly.

5. Can I freeze Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies?

Yes, freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months—just thaw before serving.

6. What’s the best way to melt the chocolate?

Microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler to avoid burning.

7. Can I make this without peanut butter?

Yes, use sunflower butter or cookie butter as a nut-free alternative.

8. Why is my coating uneven?

Make sure to shake the bag well and use enough powdered sugar to coat completely.

9. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure your Rice Krispies and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

10. How long does it take for the chocolate to set?

Only about 10 minutes at room temperature or 5 minutes in the fridge.

Conclusion

These Easy Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies are the ultimate no-bake treat—crunchy, sweet, and packed with chocolate-peanut butter goodness. They’re perfect for parties, school snacks, or any time you need a quick dessert fix. With their irresistible texture and crowd-pleasing flavor, you’ll find yourself making these again and again. Simple, satisfying, and delicious—this snack proves that the best desserts don’t need to be baked!

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