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    Home » Desserts

    Gluten Free Muddy Buddies

    Published: Apr 4, 2022 · Modified: Jan 11, 2025 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Can you eat just one handful? Melted chocolate and peanut butter are mixed together with rice cereal then coated in a bed of powdered sugar. These gluten free muddy buddies are the original version and most people don't even know they are naturally gluten free. Enjoy this recipe as a snack or dessert! And we even show you some substitutions for a vegan and dairy free version too!

    A pile of chocolate and peanut butter gluten free muddy buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, on a white plate. The snack mix is made with cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar.

 1  The plate is on a gray surface with a bowl of cereal, a bowl of chocolate chips, and a jar of peanut butter in the background.

    Enjoying gluten free muddy buddies

    I love having some of these on hand to eat and enjoy for games, snacks, or dessert. Some of my other favorite snack type recipes like this are a nice hummus snack board, some guacamole and chips, or cheese and bacon flavored crackers.

    Jump to:
    • Enjoying gluten free muddy buddies
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Storage
    • Tips
    • FAQ
    • Gluten free muddy buddies recipe

    Ingredients

    Guess what? This is one of the fastest and easiest muddy buddies recipe to make! All you need is:

    • Rice Cereal like Chex
    • Peanut Butter
    • Chocolate Chips
    • Butter
    • Powdered Sugar

    Instructions

    • In a microwave bowl, melt the peanut butter, chocolate chips and butter for one minute. Stir until smooth.
    • Pour the melted mixture over the rice cereal and toss the cereal in the mixture until completely coated.
    • add the powdered sugar to a ziploc bag. add the cereal mixture, seal the bag and shake until full coated. Pour into an airtight container to store.

    Substitutions

    There are some easy substitutions to make in this recipe!

    • Rice cereal: already gluten free so you are good here!
    • Nut free: you can always substitute a nut free butter for peanut butter
    • Dairy free and vegan: Substitute dairy free or plant based butter and dairy free or vegan chocolate chips.

    Storage

    • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
    • Refrigeration: If your home is warm, you can refrigerate the muddy buddies for up to two weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
    • Freezing: Muddy buddies can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

    Tips

    • Work in Batches: If you’re doubling the recipe, work in smaller batches to ensure the cereal is evenly coated.
    • Use a Large Mixing Bowl: This prevents the cereal from spilling while mixing.

    FAQ

    Is all Chex cereal gluten-free?

    No, not all Chex cereals are gluten-free. The corn and rice varieties are certified gluten-free, but wheat Chex and some flavored versions contain gluten. Always check the label for the gluten-free certification.

    Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

    Yes! Almond butter or any other nut butter can be used as a substitute.

    Why are my muddy buddies clumping together?

    If the chocolate mixture isn’t evenly distributed, the cereal pieces can stick together. Be sure to mix thoroughly and shake well when adding powdered sugar.

    A pile of chocolate and peanut butter gluten free muddy buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, on a white plate. The snack mix is made with cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar. 1 The plate is on a gray surface with a bowl of cereal, a bowl of chocolate chips, and a jar of peanut butter in the background.

    Gluten free muddy buddies recipe

    Traci Wennerholm
    Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging solo, these delicious gluten free muddy buddies will be a hit! Enjoy melted chocolate, peanut butter, rice cereal and a top a bed of powdered sugar.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 18 servings
    Calories 213 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large mixing bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • 9 cups rice cereal chex
    • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
    • ½ cup peanut butter
    • ¼ cup butter
    • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

    Instructions
     

    • Microwave peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter together for 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
    • Pour the melted mixture over rice cereal and toss to coat.
    • Add powdered sugar to a ziploc bag. Add the cereal mixture, seal, and shake until well-coated.
    • Store in an airtight container.

    Video

    Notes

    There are some easy substitutions to make in this recipe!
    • Rice cereal: already gluten free so you are good here!
    • Peanut butter: you can always substitute nut butter for peanut butter
    • Chocolate chips: I use dairy free chocolate chips
    • Butter: You can substitute dairy free butter. 
    • Butter: Feel free to substitute dairy free butter
    • Powdered sugar: You can substitute low or zero calorie powdered sugar but I'm not a fan of the taste.
    Storage: 
    Muddy Buddies can stay fresh in an airtight container for up to one week.
    You can also freeze muddy buddies for up to two months in an airtight container. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 161mgPotassium: 123mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 334IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword gluten free muddy buddies, muddy buddies, muddy buddies recipe
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