Chocolatey Classic Muddy Buddies Meet Rice Krispie Cereal

You know those snacks that somehow disappear faster than you made them? Yeah… this is one of those. Meet your new obsession: Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies — a crunchy, chocolatey, peanut-buttery dream that takes everything you love about Classic Muddy Buddies (aka Puppy Chow) and swaps out the Chex cereal for Rice Krispie Cereal for a lighter, crispier, can’t-stop-eating-this vibe.

This isn’t just a snack — it’s a party starter, a kid-approved after-school pick-me-up, and yes, even a “Netflix and munch” companion. You’ve been warned: make a double batch.

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Why This Recipe Is So Irresistible

The magic here lies in contrast — that crisp crackle of Rice Krispie Cereal coated in velvety chocolate-peanut butter goodness, dusted in snowy powdered sugar. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and just a hint of saltiness (pro tip: a pinch of flaky salt on top makes these extra addictive).

Think of it as the chocolatey cousin of your favorite Krispie Treats Recipe. If Carrot Cake Muddy Buddies and Fruity Pebble Rice Crispy Treats Recipe had a baby, this would be it — easy to make, ridiculously snackable, and practically begging to be shared.

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The Story Behind This Recipe

This recipe was born out of necessity — specifically, the necessity of having a sweet treat ASAP when you realize you’re out of Chex. (Been there?) I decided to experiment with what I had on hand — a box of Rice Krispie Cereal — and honestly? Game. Changer.

Instead of the heavier crunch you get with Chex, you get this light, crisp bite that’s almost melt-in-your-mouth. My kids went wild for it, my neighbors asked for the recipe, and now it’s on repeat every time we need a quick dessert.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll grab to make this snack magic happen:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – the star of the show, giving us that airy crunch.
• 2 cups chocolate chips – milk, dark, or semi-sweet — choose your vibe.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – smooth, not chunky, for even coating.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – adds richness to the chocolate mixture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – because dessert without vanilla? Nope.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – for that classic Muddy Buddy finish.

That’s it — just a handful of pantry staples.

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How to Make Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies

This is a quick, no-bake dessert that anyone can nail. Here’s how it goes down:

1. Melt the Good Stuff

Combine chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth. Don’t overheat — burnt chocolate = sad snack.

2. Stir in Butter + Vanilla

Once melted, mix in butter and vanilla until silky. This step makes the coating extra luscious.

3. Coat the Krispies

Pour your chocolate-peanut butter magic over the Rice Krispies in a giant bowl. Fold gently — the goal is even coverage, not Rice Krispie dust.

4. Cool & Set

Spread on a lined baking sheet and let it chill for 15–20 minutes. This step keeps things crunchy (and keeps your hands from turning into chocolate gloves later).

5. Shake, Shake, Shake

Once cooled, transfer to a big resealable bag, toss in the powdered sugar, and shake until every little piece is coated in snowy perfection.

6. Snack Time!

Break into clusters or squares and try not to eat the whole tray before sharing.

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Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Use a big enough bowl. Trust me, you’ll need room to stir.
• Work quickly. The chocolate mixture starts to set fast, so get your coating game on point.
• Chill before sugaring. This keeps the sugar from soaking in and disappearing.
• Add a pinch of salt. Optional, but that sweet-salty contrast? Chef’s kiss.

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Fun Variations to Try

• Captain Crunch Muddy Buddies: Swap out Rice Krispies for Cap’n Crunch for a nostalgic, extra-crunchy twist.
• Fruity Pebbles Rice Crispy Treats Microwave Hack: Want color? Use Fruity Pebbles instead of Rice Krispies, melt chocolate + peanut butter in the microwave, toss and coat — done.
• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly version.
• Mix-Ins: Mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, or even M&Ms are fair game here.

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Best Way to Serve

Serve them in little parchment bags for parties, pile them high in a big bowl for game night, or stash some in the freezer for future snack emergencies. IMO, these are peak deliciousness about 30 minutes after you’ve coated them — still cool, but not too firm.

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Storage & Leftover Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days (good luck making them last that long). If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate to keep them from getting melty — just let them come to room temp before eating for the perfect texture.

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FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, they’re great make-ahead snacks. Just store them properly, and they’ll be ready whenever you get a craving.

Can I skip the peanut butter?
Sure — just use extra chocolate, or try almond butter or cashew butter for a fun flavor swap.

Can I freeze them?
Technically yes, but it might make them slightly less crisp once thawed. I recommend just making a fresh batch (it’s so fast!).

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Final Thoughts

This Rice Krispies Recipe is everything you love about Rice Crispy Treats but with a chocolate-peanut butter glow-up. Whether you’re a fan of Carrot Cake Muddy Buddies, a late-night snacker, or just someone who believes dessert should be easy and fun, this recipe is about to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

So next time you’re staring at that box of Rice Krispie Cereal, skip the marshmallow route and make this instead. Your friends, family, and taste buds will thank you. Print