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This Muddy Buddy Bars recipe is the perfect thing to satisfy your sweet tooth. Made sweet and salty with a crunchy texture, it’s everything you expect from the classic snack mix but turned into a fun bar. Plus, these can be used to fill your Christmas cookie boxes.

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This classic muddy buddy bar, also known as puppy chow bars, or even monkey munch bars recipe has all the flavors you know and love. It starts with crispy Chex cereal, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate and finishes with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. The hardest part is trying not to eat it all in one sitting!

If you love the nostalgic crunch and chocolatey-peanut butter goodness of traditional muddy buddies, you will adore this upgraded version. Turning them into bars gives you a portable, mess-free treat that’s perfect for sharing. Plus, the no-bake preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your creation.

Since you are here and love great recipes, check out this Valentine’s Day Puppy Chow Recipe or these Crumbl Peanut Butter Muddy Buddy Cookies.

Ingredients for this tasty muddy buddy bars recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make these classic muddy buddies. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the detailed ingredient measurements.

Corn Chex Cereal: is the crispy and airy base that provides the essential crunch.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: are melted to create the rich layer that coats the cereal.
Creamy Peanut Butter: adds a nutty flavor to the cereal, but you can use any nut butters you prefer if you would rather stay away from peanuts.
Unsalted Butter: enhances the creaminess of the chocolate peanut butter mixture.
Vanilla Extract: adds a touch of warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Powdered Sugar: dusted on top gives the bars their signature muddy buddy look.

muddy buddy bars recipe being held up by a hand

How to make this muddy buddy bars recipe

This is how you can make these reindeer chow bars. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this page for the full step-by-step instructions!

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on the edges to make lifting the bars out easier. I like to also spray it with cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks. Set aside.
Combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe large bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add the crunchy cereal to a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold until all pieces are evenly coated, being careful not to break the cereal.
Spread the coated cereal mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula to press it down firmly into an even layer across the whole pan.
Chill the pan in the refrigerator until the bars are set and firm.
Lift the set bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, slice them into squares using a serrated knife, and toss them in powdered sugar until fully coated. Enjoy!

I just rolled them around in a bowl of powdered sugar but you can also do the more traditional thing and add them to a ziplock bag full of powdered sugar and shake it around to coat.

chocolate cereal squares on a parchment paper

chocolate cereal squares dipped in powdered sugar

Muddy Buddy Bars Recipe Tips and Tricks

Melt the Chocolate Gently: Use low heat when melting the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter to avoid burning or seizing. If using a microwave, add everything to a microwave safe bowl and stir between each 30-second interval for smooth results.
Cautiously Coat the Cereal: Use an extra wide bowl if you can to ensure that the cereal is evenly coated without crushing it in the process.
Chill Properly: Allow enough time for the bars to be fully set in the refrigerator before slicing. It will make cutting them into neat squares much easier.

Why do you need to make this Muddy Buddy Bars recipe?

This easy recipe only requires a few simple ingredients that can be found at any grocery store.
It’s the classic flavor combination you know and love but in bar form!
You can easily customize and add other flavors if you want.
It’s the perfect sweet, chocolatey, and crunchy treat that isn’t rice krispie treats.

muddy buddy bars recipe stacked on top of each other

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Can I use a different type of Chex cereal?

Of course! I prefer the corn flavor, but you could use the wheat or rice Chex cereal if you want. Each has a slightly different texture and flavor that will be fun to play around with. I know some people also love the combination of cinnamon and chocolate so their cinnamon Chex cereal would be a great option for you!

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely. I only used semi-sweet because it has a nice balance of sweetness. Use milk chocolate if you want the muddy buddy bars recipe to be sweeter. If you want less sweet, use dark chocolate. Or you could even do white chocolate chips for an entirely different flavor. The prep time and chill time will all be the same,

How do I store my leftover muddy buddy bars?

Place your bars in an airtight container or ziplock bags. You can store them on the kitchen counter for 3-4 days or in the fridge for a week.

Can I freeze them?

To freeze, wrap them in plastic wrap first before putting them in the airtight container to help prevent freezer burn. Keep in the fridge for a month or two. Depending on how they look after you thaw them, feel free to dust them with powdered sugar again.

What other flavors can I add?

There are a ton of potential mix-ins you could add to the muddy buddy bars recipe. The first few that come to mind are mini marshmallows, chunks of chopped up candy bars like Butterfinger or Snickers, or salted pretzels or nuts. Try putting in some holiday M&Ms for a festive look!