Butterfinger Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) – The Ultimate No-Bake Party Snack
If you love that classic chocolate-peanut butter puppy chow but want to take it to the next level, this Butterfinger Muddy Buddies recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s crunchy, sweet, chocolatey, and packed with crushed Butterfinger candy in every single bite. Best of all? It’s completely no-bake and comes together in minutes.
I’ve made this for birthday parties, holiday platters, movie nights, and even packed it into gift bags. Every single time, it disappears faster than I expect. That crispy cereal coated in silky chocolate peanut butter and dusted in powdered sugar? Irresistible. Add Butterfinger crunch, and it’s game over.
Let’s make it.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this recipe stays on repeat in my kitchen:
- It’s no-bake and ready in about 30 minutes.
- It feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
- It stores beautifully for parties and gifting.
- It’s customizable with mix-ins and toppings.
- The Butterfinger adds an unbeatable crunchy caramelized peanut butter flavor.
If you love quick treats like my This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert for Instant Chocolate Cravings or This S’mores Bark Is My Favorite No-Campfire Treat for Anytime Cravings, this recipe will absolutely be your style.
Ingredients
- 7 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 18 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars (15 crushed, 3 roughly chopped for garnish)
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Cereal: Corn Chex works well too, but Rice Chex stays a little lighter and crispier.
- Peanut Butter: Stick with creamy traditional peanut butter for best texture. Natural peanut butter can separate.
- Chocolate: Semi-sweet balances the sweetness. Milk chocolate will make it sweeter; dark chocolate will add depth.
- Candy Swap: Try Reese’s Pieces, chopped peanut butter cups, or crushed pretzels for a salty twist.
- Powdered Sugar: Sifting prevents clumps and ensures that signature snowy coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Base
Pour the Rice Chex cereal into an extra-large mixing bowl. Make sure you have plenty of room to gently toss everything without crushing the cereal.
2. Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir well. Continue heating in 15–20 second bursts, stirring each time, until completely smooth and glossy.
3. Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract while the mixture is warm. This enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
4. Coat the Cereal
Slowly drizzle the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Using a large spatula, gently fold and turn the cereal until evenly coated. Work carefully to avoid breaking the pieces.
5. Add the Crunch
Stir in the 15 crushed Butterfinger bars. The candy bits will cling beautifully to the warm coating.
6. Powdered Sugar Magic
Sprinkle powdered sugar over the mixture and gently stir — or transfer everything to a large 2-gallon zip-top bag, seal, and shake until fully coated. The bag method coats every piece evenly and keeps cleanup simple.
7. Let It Set
Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Let it rest for about 20 minutes to dry and prevent clumping.
8. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle the remaining chopped Butterfinger pieces over the top just before serving for extra crunch and candy texture.
Tips for Success
- Crush Butterfingers in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin for easy cleanup.
- Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before coating to avoid soggy cereal.
- Don’t skip spreading it out to dry — this keeps it crisp and prevents sticking.
- For an even coating, use the shake-in-a-bag method.
- Want a fun twist? Add M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This snack is perfect for:
- Holiday dessert tables
- Birthday party treat bags
- Game day snack spreads
- Movie nights
Pair it with a refreshing drink like This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert for a full dessert spread, or serve alongside These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime for a cookie-and-crunch combo platter.
For snackable options that travel well, you’ll also love These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Serves: 12
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 5g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- If it clumps together, gently break apart before serving.
This also makes a fantastic make-ahead treat for parties and gifting.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy quick, sweet treats like this Butterfinger Muddy Buddies, don’t miss:
- This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert for Instant Chocolate Cravings
- These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand
- This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime
- This S’mores Bark Is My Favorite No-Campfire Treat for Anytime Cravings
Final Thoughts
This Butterfinger Muddy Buddies recipe takes a nostalgic favorite and turns it into something extra special. It’s crunchy, chocolatey, sweet, and dangerously snackable. Whether you’re making it for a holiday tray, a party, or just because you’re craving something sweet, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your twist on it, and don’t forget to follow along for more crave-worthy recipes.
Happy snacking!
— Jason Griffith
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