Spooktacularly Simple: The Ultimate Double Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies for Halloween
Transform your Halloween festivities with the ultimate treat: Double Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies! This irresistible snack features a delightful blend of chocolate and peanut butter Chex cereal, generously coated in a rich peanut butter and melted chocolate mixture, then playfully tossed with powdered sugar, festive sprinkles, candy corn, and spooky candy eyeballs. It’s a no-bake, easy-to-make recipe that promises to be a howling success at any October gathering. Get ready to indulge in this unbelievably addictive, perfectly sweet, and satisfyingly crunchy Halloween snack that every ghost and goblin will adore!
As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air gets crisp, there’s no better way to usher in the spooky season than with a batch of these extraordinary Halloween Double Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies. While October might still be a day away, why wait to share such a phenomenal recipe? Consider this your friendly head-start to planning the most delicious Halloween ever! If you’re already a fan of classic puppy chow and its glorious peanut butter and chocolate harmony, then prepare yourself—this double peanut butter variation is about to redefine your snack cravings.
This delightful recipe was crafted using products generously provided by Chex Cereal. Rest assured, all opinions expressed within this post are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine love for this incredible treat.
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While perfectly themed for Halloween, this versatile recipe isn’t limited to just one holiday. Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity! Swap out the traditional candy corn and Halloween sprinkles for an array of festive M&M’s candies, or for an extra punch of peanut butter goodness, toss in some Reese’s Pieces. Imagine adding seasonal fall spices like a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a cozy autumn vibe. You could even use different colored sprinkles to match other celebrations like birthdays, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to customize this delicious snack mix for any occasion that calls for a sweet, crunchy treat.
But today, our focus remains squarely on these enchanting, powdered sugar-dusted bites of peanut butter and chocolate bliss, complete with their charming candy corn and watchful candy eyeballs, creating an irresistible snack that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
The journey to this delightful recipe began unexpectedly. Earlier in July, after sharing my vibrant Lemonade Chex Mix on Instagram, Chex Cereal took notice. They kindly reached out, asking if they could re-share my creation and offered to send a small gift. Who doesn’t love receiving fun mail? A week later, a special box arrived, packed with all the ingredients and a recipe for their Double Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies. The moment I saw it, I was eager to grab my mixing bowl and start creating. However, I decided to hold off, knowing that this perfect combination of flavors and textures would make an absolutely fantastic Halloween snack mix. The anticipation only made the eventual creation even sweeter!
Muddy Buddies vs. Puppy Chow: What’s the Real Difference?
It’s a question many snack enthusiasts ponder: what’s the actual distinction between “Muddy Buddies” and “Puppy Chow”? Honestly, the difference primarily boils down to the name itself! Many of us, myself included, grew up affectionately calling this homemade cereal treat “Puppy Chow.” It typically consists of crispy cereal, most often Chex or Crispix, generously coated in a delectable mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then shaken until perfectly dusted with powdered sugar. The true origin of this beloved recipe remains a mystery, but legend has it that its “Puppy Chow” moniker stems from its uncanny resemblance to dry dog food. However, I can assure you, no dog food I’ve ever encountered has smelled or tasted anywhere near this good!
Beyond these two popular names, this versatile snack is also known by other charming aliases such as monkey munch, muddy munch, or even reindeer chow, particularly during the holiday season. It’s a time-honored tradition to serve this incredibly satisfying treat at festive gatherings, holiday parties, or while tailgating and watching your favorite sports events. Its universal appeal lies in its ease of preparation, delightful crunch, and the irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors that make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
I confess, I have a bit of an obsession with Rae Dunn. For those unfamiliar, her collection primarily features ceramic and glass items adorned with simple, iconic words. Over time, her brand has expanded significantly, now encompassing everything from stationery and office supplies to baby clothes and shower curtains. Her line of pet products is particularly charming, and it was there that I stumbled upon this adorable Rae Dunn “Howloween” Dog Bowl! I discovered it just before receiving my package of goodies from Chex. I instantly bought it, knowing full well my own pups wouldn’t get near it, but rather, I’d be filling it to the brim with festive Halloween Puppy Chow! Isn’t it absolutely perfect for serving this spooky snack?
Essential Ingredients for Halloween Double Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies:
Crafting this irresistible Halloween snack requires a few simple yet crucial ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture:
- Peanut Butter Chex Cereal & Chocolate Chex Cereal: The foundation of our muddy buddies. Using both varieties amplifies the “double” peanut butter and chocolate experience, providing a sturdy, crunchy base that holds the coating perfectly.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These melt down to form the rich, fudgy part of our coating, creating that classic chocolatey goodness. You can adjust the type of chocolate (milk, dark) to suit your preference.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Creamy peanut butter provides the smooth, nutty flavor that defines this treat. Make sure it’s a good-quality, stir-well brand for the best results.
- Butter: Essential for helping the chocolate and peanut butter mixture melt smoothly and coat the cereal evenly, adding a hint of richness.
- Powdered Sugar: The iconic finishing touch that gives muddy buddies their signature powdery, sweet, and slightly messy appearance. It’s what makes them so deliciously addictive!
- Halloween-Themed Mix-ins:
- Candy Corn: Adds a nostalgic touch of classic Halloween sweetness and distinct color.
- Festive Sprinkles: Instantly adds a vibrant pop of color and celebratory cheer, making the snack visually appealing for the holiday.
- Candy Eyeballs: The ultimate spooky addition! These whimsical candy eyeballs bring character and fun to your muddy buddies, perfect for Halloween.
Begin by gathering your large mixing bowl. Into this bowl, gently pour both the peanut butter Chex cereal and the chocolate Chex cereal. Handle the cereal with care to minimize breakage, as we want those crisp squares intact for the best texture.
Next, in a separate, microwave-safe bowl, combine your butter, creamy peanut butter, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave this mixture for one minute, then stir it thoroughly. If it’s not completely smooth and melted, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until you achieve a perfectly smooth, glossy, and well-combined coating. This ensures even distribution and maximum flavor.
Once your delicious chocolate-peanut butter mixture is ready, pour it evenly over the cereal in the large bowl. The key here is to coat every single piece without crushing the delicate cereal squares.
With a spatula or large spoon, gently stir the cereal until each piece is thoroughly coated in the rich, melted mixture. Patience is key here to maintain the cereal’s integrity. Once coated, transfer the cereal to either a large paper grocery bag or a sturdy 2-gallon ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar and half of your sprinkles, then shake vigorously until the cereal is completely coated with the sweet powder. This bagging method ensures an even, fluffy coating. Finally, add the remaining sprinkles, candy corn, and candy eyeballs, and give it another gentle shake to distribute them throughout the mix.
Spread your freshly coated Halloween Muddy Buddies onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Allow them to cool and set completely. This crucial step ensures the coating hardens, preventing stickiness and making them perfectly crisp. Once set, transfer the muddy buddies to an airtight container. Stored properly, they will maintain their freshness and delightful crunch for several days, making them a fantastic make-ahead party snack!
A little tip for the candy eyeballs: I recommend adding them after the powdered sugar coating, or at least being extra gentle when shaking. This way, their expressive features aren’t obscured by a dusting of sugar, allowing them to truly “look at you” with their spooky charm!
More Irresistible Puppy Chow and Muddy Buddy Recipes to Discover:
If you’ve fallen in love with the magic of muddy buddies, you’re in luck! The versatility of this simple snack means there are countless variations to explore. Here are some other beloved puppy chow and muddy buddy recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and become new favorites:
- Coconut Muddy Buddies: A tropical twist on the classic, perfect for coconut lovers.
- Puppy {love} Chow: Featuring the delightful combination of white chocolate and raspberry for a fruity, sweet treat.
- Peanut Butter Puppy Chow: A classic, comforting recipe focusing solely on the beloved peanut butter flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies: Embrace the flavors of fall with this aromatic, seasonal variation.
- Cake Batter Puppy Chow: A fun, whimsical recipe that tastes just like birthday cake!
Looking for an alternative or an additional snack mix to complement your Halloween spread? Be sure to check out my Halloween White Trash Mix. It’s another incredibly easy and incredibly satisfying treat that combines a variety of goodies coated in a sweet, crunchy layer, perfect for festive occasions.
If you can’t find something to love in my extensive collection of over 25 Popcorn & Snack Mixes, then you might not truly be hungry! I encourage you to explore this treasure trove of recipes and be sure to pin your favorites while you’re there. I’m constantly adding new and exciting mixes, so there’s always something fresh to discover for your next snack attack or party!
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive into this boo-tifully delicious recipe and create some spooky, sweet memories! 
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Print Recipe
Halloween Double Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies
Equipment
- Assorted Candy Eyeballs Box
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 5 cups Peanut Butter Chex Cereal
- 4 cups Chocolate Chex Cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups candy corn
- 1/3 cup sprinkles
- Candy Eyeballs
Instructions
- In a large, sturdy bowl, combine both the peanut butter Chex cereal and the chocolate Chex cereal. Set aside.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add the butter, creamy peanut butter, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir well until smooth. If not fully melted, continue microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir with a spatula or large spoon, ensuring all the cereal pieces are evenly coated without breaking them.
- Carefully transfer the coated cereal into a large paper grocery bag or a 2-gallon ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar and about half of the festive sprinkles. Seal the bag and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the cereal is thoroughly coated in powdered sugar.
- Open the bag and add the candy corn, candy eyeballs, and the remaining sprinkles. Gently shake again to mix everything in. Spread the entire mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper to allow it to cool and set completely. This may take 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or less if placed in the refrigerator.
- Once set and dry, store your Halloween Double Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.