Looking for a delicious dessert bar recipe that’s sure to be a hit? Check out these Muddy Buddy Bars that are packed full of delicious flavors!
Muddy Buddy Bars
If you love the classic muddy buddies (a.k.a. puppy chow, reindeer chow, or monkey munch, depending on who you ask), then get ready for an elevated, handheld version of this beloved treat: Muddy Buddy Bars! These tasty muddy buddy bars are like the older, cooler sister of the classic snack mix—chewy, crunchy, chocolatey, and completely addictive. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. This tasty creation will be a hit whenever you make them. You can even double up on the recipe because they’ll be gone quickly!
Whether you need an easy dessert for a party, a sweet treat for the kids after school, or something to satisfy your own sweet tooth, this muddy buddy bars recipe will hit the spot. It combines the flavors of chex cereal, creamy peanut butter, and gooey marshmallows, all pressed into chewy dessert bars that are totally irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This great recipe checks all the boxes—it’s no-bake, made with simple pantry staples, and comes together in just about 30 minutes. It’s also the perfect way to use up leftover rice Chex, marshmallows, or even that half-used bag of M&M’s hiding in the back of your snack drawer.
Plus, it’s fun to make! With simple steps like melting ingredients over medium heat, stirring in crunchy cereal, and pressing into a baking pan, this is a recipe kids love helping with (and sneaking bites of along the way!).
Ingredients You’ll Need to make Puppy Chow bars
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½ cup butter
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1 (10 oz) package marshmallows
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⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
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4 cups corn Chex
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1 (10.5 oz) bag of peanut butter and chocolate Muddy Buddies (or 3 cups classic puppy chow)
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½ cup M&M’s
How to Make Muddy Buddy Bars
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In a large mixing bowl or very large microwavable bowl, microwave butter until melted. Add marshmallows and peanut butter. Stir and continue heating in 30-second increments until smooth.
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Remove from heat. Stir in corn Chex cereal, then add in most of the Muddy Buddies (reserving a cup for the topping).
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Spread the sticky cereal mixture into a 9-inch pan or baking dish lined with parchment paper and lightly greased with cooking spray. Press into an even layer.
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Top with remaining Muddy Buddies and M&Ms, pressing gently so they stick.
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Let bars cool at room temperature, then cut into squares and enjoy!
These bars are seriously the perfect dessert for all kinds of occasions—from game days and potlucks to birthday parties and office treats. And if you’re planning to bring them to a gathering, be prepared for rave reviews and recipe requests!
Storage Tips for Puppy Chow Bars
Store your delicious muddy buddy bars in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. If you’re making them in advance, you can wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and stash them in ziplock bags for easy grab-and-go snacking. These are also great to freeze—just thaw for a few minutes before serving.
Fun Twists to Try
Want to put your own spin on these cereal bars? Here are some great options:
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Swap corn Chex for rice Chex or crunchy cereal like rice krispies.
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Stir in dark chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even mini marshmallows for more texture.
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Add crushed pretzels or bell peppers (kidding! just checking if you’re still with me 😉) for a salty-sweet combo.
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Sprinkle the top of the bars with powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate mixture for extra flair.
If you’re a cheese lover, don’t worry—we have other snacks for you. But for anyone craving a sweet treat with crunch, chew, and ooey-gooey marshmallow goodness, this is the snack of your dreams.
Why Muddy Buddy Bars Are the Ultimate Appetizer (Yes, Really!)
Okay, maybe calling them an “easy appetizer” is a bit of a stretch, but serve these up at your next party and watch them disappear before the chips and dip! Just like spinach artichoke dip or blt dip, these bars bring people together, sharing smiles and sticky fingers.
This fun twist on a classic muddy buddy recipe is also super adaptable. Whether you want to make mini dill pickle cheese balls for your savory spread or these bars for dessert, you’re building a buffet of irresistible dips and tasty appetizers that your guests will love.
So the next time you’re looking for something that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious, give these muddy buddy bars a try. They’re quick to throw together, perfect for a crowd, and taste like nostalgia in every bite.
Don’t forget to save this recipe card, share it on social media, and maybe even pair it with your favorite lemon bar or other classic snack mix to make your dessert spread really shine.
Looking for another fun Cereal Bar recipe? Check out these Cinnamon Toast Crunch bars!
Muddy Buddy Bars
These delicious Muddy Buddy Bars are a fun take on an old classic treat. This cereal bar dessert will be a huge hit!
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 10-ounce package marshmallows
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups corn Chex
- 1 10.5-ounce bag peanut butter and chocolate Chex Mix Muddy Buddies (or 3 cups prepared muddy buddies)
- ½ cup M&Ms
Instructions
Melt the butter in a large stock pot over medium low heat. Add the marshmallows and peanut butter and
continue cooking until melted, stirring constantly.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the corn Chex. Reserve one cup of Muddy Buddies mix and add the remaining mix to the pan. Stir until all the cereal is coated with marshmallow mixture.
Press the cereal into a 9x13 baking dish. Top with remaining Muddy Buddies and M&Ms. Carefully press the cereal and candy into the bars until they stick.
Allow the mixture to cool completely, then cut into 12 bars and serve
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 448Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 271mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 4gSugar: 24gProtein: 10g
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