Name: Muddy Buddy Bars for Supper
Yield: 24

Muddy Buddy Bars are a no-bake twist on classic snack mix, made with Chex cereal and a creamy, chocolatey, peanut buttery coating.

Muddy Buddies, In Bar Form!

If you’re a fan of the classic snack mix, Muddy Buddies (also called Puppy Chow), these bars are a must-try!

These bars mix sweet and peanut butter-y flavors with crispy Chex cereal covered in melted chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallows. Reese’s chips and mini Reese’s add extra peanut butter goodness, while powdered sugar gives a sweet finish. No baking needed, making this an straightforward, tasty treat.

Ingredient shot-- image of all the ingredients used in this recipe

Muddy Buddy Bars Ingredients

Unsalted butter: Gives smoothness and texture, while controlling the salt.
Rice and Corn Chex cereal: Adds crunch; we like a mix, but Corn Chex works too.
Marshmallows: Use fresh, soft marshmallows for chewier and tastier bars. Stale marshmallows won’t melt properly. To find the softest one, press on the marshmallow bags at the store.
Vanilla extract: Adds a light sweet flavor.

Process shots of Muddy Buddy Bars-- images of the butter, corn syrup, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and salt being added to a pot

Ingredients, Continued

Fine sea salt: A pinch enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Quality chips like Ghirardelli® or Guittard® melt better and taste richer.
Peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture; Skippy® is our top choice.
Corn syrup: Light corn syrup keeps the bars together—avoid dark corn syrup.

Process shots-- images of the chocolate peanut butter mixture being combined with the cereal

Muddy Buddy Bars Additions

(skippable) Reese’s peanut butter baking chips: These chips add a burst of peanut butter flavor to the bars. You can find them in the baking aisle of the grocery store. They have the same classic taste as the peanut butter layer in Reese’s candies.
Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups: These add even more peanut butter and chocolate flavor to the bars. If you can’t find the mini cups, you can chop up larger peanut butter cups instead.
Powdered sugar: This is used to give the bars a sweet finish and the classic powdered sugar sprinkling from Muddy Buddies. Use a fine-mesh sieve to sprinkle it evenly on top of the bars.

Process shots of Muddy Buddy Bars-- images of the mix-ins being added and it all being tossed together

Muddy Buddy Bars Tips

Line the pan: Line the pan with parchment/foil for straightforward removal.
Don’t press too hard: Lightly press the mix down in the pan to avoid tough bars.
Keep heat low: Melt the marshmallows on a low burner to get a smooth melt. Stir constantly.
Mix gently: Add the cereal to the chocolate and stir gently to avoid crushing anything.
Let bars cool: Let them cool completely before cutting to avoid them falling apart.

Overhead image of the bars being pressed into the 9x13-inch pan

Storage

These Muddy Buddy Bars are best enjoyed fresh the day they’re made. If needed, store in an airtight container at room temp—avoid the fridge or freezer, as it affects texture and flavor.