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This irresistible Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies treat combines everyone's favorite cereal with the classic chocolate-peanut butter combo that makes traditional puppy chow so addictive. I created this fusion dessert when my kids couldn't decide between Rice Krispies treats and Muddy Buddies for a school bake sale, and now it's the most requested sweet treat in our household.
I first made these on a rainy afternoon when we were stuck indoors, and the kids were going stir-crazy. They loved helping shake the powdered sugar bag, and now it's our special rainy day tradition that always brings smiles.
Ingredients
- Rice Krispies cereal creates the perfect light and crunchy base that holds its texture even when coated
- Chocolate chips provide rich flavor look for high quality chips that melt smoothly
- Creamy peanut butter adds that classic nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate
- Unsalted butter creates richness and helps bind everything together
- Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile with subtle warmth
- Powdered sugar gives that signature sweet coating and pretty finish
How To Make Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies
- Prepare ingredients
- Measure all ingredients before starting. This ensures the process goes smoothly once the chocolate is melted. Make sure your Rice Krispies are fresh for maximum crunchiness.
- Create chocolate mixture
- In a microwave safe bowl combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in 30 second intervals stirring between each until completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 90 seconds total. Be careful not to overheat.
- Add remaining wet ingredients
- Stir the melted butter and vanilla extract into the chocolate peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated. The butter adds richness while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Coat the cereal
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the Rice Krispies in a large bowl. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together ensuring each piece of cereal gets evenly coated without crushing them.
- Cool and set
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet or into a greased pan. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until firm enough to cut. This takes about 30 minutes.
- Add the signature coating
- Place cut squares in a large ziplock bag with powdered sugar. Gently shake until all pieces are coated. Alternatively sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the top for a more elegant presentation.
The secret to these treats is the quality of your peanut butter. I once tried using natural peanut butter with the oil separated, and the texture was completely off. My daughter still reminds me of this kitchen fail and insists on helping stir the chocolate mixture "so Mom doesn't mess it up again."
Make-Ahead Options
These Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If making for a party or bake sale, I recommend adding the powdered sugar coating just before serving for the freshest appearance.
Flavor Variations
The basic recipe is incredibly versatile. Try substituting white chocolate chips for regular chocolate and adding crushed Oreos for a cookies and cream version. Another family favorite is using almond butter instead of peanut butter and adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for a snickerdoodle twist. During the holidays, I add crushed candy canes or colored sprinkles to make them festive.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet treats pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for kids or a hot cup of coffee for adults. For an extra special dessert, crumble the treats over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with additional melted chocolate. They also make excellent additions to dessert charcuterie boards paired with fresh fruit and other bite sized sweets.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?
Yes! While Rice Krispies provide the classic texture, you can experiment with Chex, Corn Flakes, or even a combination of cereals. Just maintain the same total volume (6 cups) to ensure the chocolate-peanut butter mixture coats everything properly.
- → How long do Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats stay fresh for 3-5 days. For extended freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration may slightly affect the texture.
- → Can I freeze these treats?
Yes! These treats freeze well for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- → Can I make these without peanut butter?
Absolutely. You can substitute the peanut butter with other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. For nut-free versions, try sunflower seed butter or cookie butter, though these alternatives will slightly change the flavor profile.
- → Why are my treats too hard or too soft?
If your treats are too hard, you might have overheated the chocolate mixture or pressed them too firmly into the pan. For softer treats, use a bit more butter or don't compact them as much when spreading them out. The key is gentle folding and minimal pressing.
- → What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended for balanced sweetness, but you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter treat or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor. White chocolate also works but creates a different flavor profile.