Healthier, tastier, Muddy Buddies

People have been asking me for this recipe for a healthier version of peppermint Muddy Buddies (also called Puppy Chow). So even though I posted it last year, I’m sharing it again.

I used wheat Chex cereal instead of rice or corn Chex to significantly up the fiber. No one will know if you’re worried about the taste. If you want this treat to be high fiber and gluten-free or just want a change, use popcorn instead of Chex’s cereal. I love the popcorn switch, especially with this peppermint version. Swipe to see both versions. Or use half cereal and half popcorn. 🍿

Don’t be surprised if this peppermint, high fiber, high protein, lower sugar treat becomes your new standard holiday fun!

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Peppermint Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)

Author: Judes Draughon

People have been asking me for this recipe for a healthier version of peppermint Muddy Buddies (also called Puppy Chow). So even though I posted it last year, I’m sharing it again.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-oz) box of wheat Chex or about 11 cups of lightly salted popcorn (not buttered)
• 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (about 60% cacao)
• ½ to ¾ cup natural creamy peanut butter (or almond butter, sunflower seed butter, etc.)
• ½ tsp peppermint or 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ to 1 cup pure maple syrup (depending on sweetness level desired)
• Dusting of confectioners’ sugar (to finish)
• 10 small candy canes, crushed

Instructions

1. Place the cereal and/or popcorn in a large bowl. Melt the chocolate and nut butter together in the same pan or bowl on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave using 30-second intervals.
2. Remove mixture from the heat and stir in peppermint extract. If making a non-peppermint version, use vanilla extract instead.
3. Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture and maple syrup over the cereal or popcorn and stir to coat. Let mixture cool. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to cool.
4. Spread the cooled mixture in an even layer on a sheet pan. Then, using a fine-mesh sieve, sprinkle enough powdered sugar over the mixture to finish.
5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days, or in the fridge for a couple of weeks, and in the freezer for a few months. Reapply powdered sugar just before serving if there is no powdered sugar visible.