Name: White Chocolate Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 cups Rice Chex cereal; 1-12 oz bag white chocolate chips; 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/3 cup butter; 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar plus more if needed; dye-free chocolate-covered candy; dye-free sprinkles; peanut butter cups; gluten-free pretzels

My kids just love it when I make puppy chow, and I was looking for a really fun and delicious spin on the traditional chocolate version of this recipe and that is how white chocolate puppy chow was born. Our favorite uses for the white chocolate version of this puppy chow are to give this perfect treat as gifts to friends, loved ones and neighbors, serve at parties, and occasionally I will go all out for a family movie night and serve this delicious treat. We usually just have popcorn at our family movie nights, but it’s always fun to make it extra special every once in a while. It’s such an easy treat to make, and I can usually whip this up while everyone else is picking out the movie.

Perfect Gift Idea

We have found that wrapping this up in individual little baggies with beautiful ribbon makes for super thoughtful gifts. This sweet treat is truly the perfect snack or gift for any occassion. This white chocolate muddy buddies recipe is a really fun spin on the classic chocolate puppy chow dessert. It comes together in just a matter of minutes, and you can get super creative with the add-ins to make this as festive as you would like!

Simple Ingredients

By simply swapping out the milk chocolate traditionally found in puppy chow recipes with white chocolate, you will have white chocolate puppy chow. Even after making this simple swap, my family is divided over which recipe is better – classic puppy chow made with chocolate or the white chocolate version. Either way, they are both absolutely delicious and it’s such an easy recipe with just six ingredients that can be found at almost any grocery store. The best part is that this delicious treat is a no bake dessert that takes less than 10 minutes to make.

Variations

Valentine’s Day – The picture shown is the Valentine’s version of this recipe, but you can make this a variety of ways. As pictured, I sprinkled in some gluten-free pretzels, chocolate peanut butter cups, dye-free heart-shaped sprinkles and pink and purple chocolate covered candies.
Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow – For a peppermint puppy chow, keep the white chocolate base as outlined below, add a teaspoon to the melted chocolate mixture. After dusting the coated cereal with powdered sugar, mix in some crushed candy canes.
S’mores Puppy Chow – One of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy puppy chow is by using either the white chocolate or chocolate base and adding in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.

bowl of white chocolate muddy buddies — white chocolate muddy buddies

Different Names

There are a few different names for puppy chow. The original name “puppy chow” is because some people think the chocolate covered cereal dusted with powdered sugar resembles dog food. At least it doesn’t taste like dog food…ha! At Christmas time, my family refers to this as “reindeer chow” and around Valentine’s Day, we call this “Cupid’s chow”. You can get really creative on the name depending on the holiday. Whatever you call this salty and sweet snack mix, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

What You Need to Make White Chocolate Muddy Buddies

White Chocolate Chips – My favorite brand is EnjoyLife because it is free from the top 14 allergens including gluten and dairy. If you prefer the traditional muddy buddies recipe or just don’t like white chocolate, you can use regular semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips.
Rice Chex Cereal– Corn Chex is another great option, but if using another Chex cereal just be sure to check the box to be sure it is certified gluten free as some variations like Wheat Chex do contain gluten.
Peanut Butter – Almond butter or SunButter would also work. SunButter is a great option if you need to provide a nut-free option. If you need to go that route, just be sure your chosen add-ins are also nut-free. I personally would not recommend using chunky peanut butter as it will change the texture.
Butter – You can use vegan butter or coconut oil.
Powdered Sugar – For a lower sugar option, use 1/2 powdered sugar and 1/2 powdered monk fruit.

Melting White Chocolate

Double Boiler – Place white chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl sitting on top of a pot of simmering water, being careful that the bottom of the bowl does not actually touch the boiling water. Add peanut butter and butter to the double boiler, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat as soon the white chocolate chips are melted to avoid scorching.
Microwave – Place white chocolate chips in a microwavable bowl. Add peanut butter and butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval.
General Notes – Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate to prevent it from seizing up. In the event the chocolate does seize up, add some more butter, or oil (coconut or avocado oil) in small increments. Gently heat and stir frequently until silky consistency is re-achieved.

Storage

Refrigerator:

Place in airtight container or zip close bag for up to 1 month.
Note: Pretzels may lose crispness over time.

Freezer:

For longer storage, muddy buddies freeze well for 2-3 months.
Spread mix out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to zip close freezer bags or airtight containers.
Make sure there is little air space in bags/containers for best quality.
Let thaw at room temperature or overnight in refrigerator before serving.
Note: Pretzels may lose crispness over time.