These Dairy Free Muddy Buddies are so easy, quick and make the perfect snack. Crunchy, sweet, full of chocolate and peanut butter and irresistible. Gluten free, vegan, and can be made with any nut butter.
I grew up on Muddy Buddies (also known as Puppy Chow) and they are definitely a favorite of mine. Looking back I think one of the reasons my mom made them so often was because how easy they are. No oven or stove needed- just 1 minute of microwaving and some stirring. I have made them more times than I can count, but this is the first time making them with coconut oil and I love how they turned out!
The recipe on the Chex box is good, but I must say, this one is better. Why? Because with this recipe, every Chex square is completely covered in the chocolate/peanut butter mixture and completely covered in powdered sugar. That was one thing I didn't like about the original recipe- too many naked Chex 🙂 I upped the chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, guaranteeing every piece of cereal is covered and delicious.
Gluten Free and Dairy Free
Another thing I did different is I switched out the butter for coconut oil and the butter is not missed at all! No, it does not make them taste like coconut, a question I often get when using coconut oil in place of butter. They taste like chocolate and peanut butter- just like the original. Making this easy switch makes them dairy free (as long as you use dairy free chocolate) and vegan! I also made a batch with almond butter and it came out great. I’m sure any other nut butter would work as well.
You will love how easy and delicious these are! Crunchy, sweet, and a little messy. You won’t be able to quit snacking on these.
Dangerous tip: try them straight from the freezer. ADDICTING!
Here are some more peanut butter/chocolate recipes to try:
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Dairy Free Muddy Buddies (Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 9 cups rice Chex
- 2 cups dairy free chocolate chips
- ⅔ cup peanut butter or other nut butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Measure the Chex into a very large bowl.
- Measure the powdered sugar into a medium bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and coconut oil.
- Microwave for 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth. If it’s not smooth after 1 minute, continue microwaving in 10 second intervals stirring in-between each one.
- Pour chocolate mixture oven the Chex and carefully mix. I like to use a spatula and fold the cereal from the bottom until all the cereal is covered. Be patient and try not to crush the cereal.
- Add the powdered sugar and gently stir again. Continue mixing until all the cereal is covered. Store in an airtight container at room temperate or in the freezer.
Margarete says
We make these every Christmas. My daughter just made these last night, put them in baggies and into the stockings. We use Earth Balance and Enjoy Life Choc. Chips. I have already made them without the "butter" requirement. These can be made ahead and frozen in freezer bags. Merry Christmas.
Jessica DeMay says
What a great stocking stuffer! Yes- eaten straight from the freezer is also delicious! Merry (belated) Christmas to you, Margarete!
Tara says
Would ghee work instead of coconut oil?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Tara- yes, definitely! Even grass-fed butter if you tolerate that. I hope you enjoy!
K. Richardson says
Why go though the effort of using good ingredients just to microwave it and make it carcinogenic?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi K- feel free to melt it on the stove top 🙂
Mommaof2 says
I love mud puppies, but since going dairy and gluten free have not had any. Due to personal reasons I can't have rice chex because they're fortified with folic acid which is a no-no for those with the MTHFR mutation. Do you have any recommendations on something else I could use?
Jessica DeMay says
Hmmm- I'm not totally sure. Do you have a favorite cereal that is kind of plain? My suggestion would be to use a cereal you know if safe. I hope that helps!
Icela says
The original chex is vegan according to peta but not confectioners sugar aka powdered sugar but there are vegan brands such as wholesome which is sold at whole foods.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for that info, Icela!
Kate says
Just made these last night! Used natural peanut butter and good life chocolate to go along with the allergies in the house. As well as the rice Chex. Delicious! I halfed the recipe as I only have 1 cup of chips and seemed to need a couple more Chex and a little less sugar.
Thanks for the recipe
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying them, Kate! You're welcome- glad you like them!
Stacy says
Hi! I thought I read an article saying that the vitamin D in Chex was D2, not D3 and that D2 came from sheep lanolin?? I was devastated. If this is incorrect and il able to make these I would do cartwheels!!???
Jessica DeMay says
Oh no! I have not heard that! I did lots of googling to make sure I am giving correct info and every site I found said Chex is considered vegan.
Dee says
Powdered sugar isn't vegan. It's refined with animal bone char, but I like the coconut oil part.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Dee- do you have a resource for that? I googled it extensively to make sure I was giving correct info and every site I found said it was vegan. All it is is sugar and cornstarch.
Joanna says
I saw where you can put regular sugar in a blender to make powdered sugar
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Joanna- yes, that should work. Thanks!
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says
LOVE me some muddy buddies! Such a great idea to use coconut oil instead of butter!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Bethany! I love that you know what they are- a lot of people don't. 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I'm embarassed to say, I've never tried a muddy buddy Jessica! But these look so delicious I'll have to give them a go!
Jessica DeMay says
Oh, they are so good Mary Ann! Your boys would love them and they're so easy!