Description
Whip up these addictive, creamy ‘Love Day’ Muddy Buddies fast! We melt rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter in the microwave, coating crisp Chex for an irresistible snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons Valentine's themed sprinkles (hearts, pink, red)
Instructions
- Step 1: Measure the Chex cereal into a very large bowl and set aside. Pour the 2 cups of powdered sugar into a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag and set aside.
- Step 2: Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 60 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until the mixture is completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the measured cereal in the large bowl. Gently fold and stir the mixture with a rubber spatula until all the cereal pieces are thoroughly coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Step 4: Carefully transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the resealable bag containing the powdered sugar. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring some air is trapped, and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until every piece of cereal is completely covered in the powdered sugar.
- Step 5: Spread the finished Muddy Buddies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and dry completely (about 10-15 minutes). For the "Love Day" touch, melt the white chocolate chips separately, drizzle over the mixture, and immediately scatter the Valentine's sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Step 6: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- Keep these treats fresh and crunchy for up to a week by storing them in a cool, dark pantry in a truly airtight container; excess humidity or heat are the enemy of crunch.
- If the powdered sugar seems to absorb or clump after a few days, add 1/4 cup extra powdered sugar to the container, seal, and shake gently to refresh the coating's pristine look.
- For a fun "Love Day" presentation, layer these sweet clusters with mini pretzels or conversation heart candies in clear cellophane bags to give as edible Valentine gifts.
- For maximum coverage and minimal breakage, ensure your mixing bowl is absolutely *huge* and fold the melted chocolate mixture gently until just coated before moving quickly to the powdered sugar bag.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx 55g)
- Calories: 246
- Sodium: 56mg
- Fat: 11.6g
- Saturated Fat: 5.6g
- Trans Fat: 0.0g
- Protein: 19.7g