Name: Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies: The Ultimate Sweet and Salty Snack
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 cups Rice Chex cereal; 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips; 1 cup mini Rolo candies, halved; 1/4 cup salted caramel topping; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow, have long been a favorite among snack lovers for their addictive crunch and irresistible sweetness. But this version—Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies—takes the classic treat to a whole new level. By blending rich dark chocolate with gooey salted caramel and chewy Mini Rolos, you’re left with a snack that’s both indulgent and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re prepping for a party, planning a movie night, or just want something sweet and satisfying to nibble on, this recipe checks all the boxes.

The contrasting textures and flavors of this snack are what truly make it shine. The crispy cereal provides the ideal base to hold the smooth, melted chocolate, while powdered sugar coats each piece in a snowy, sweet dusting. The magic, however, lies in the salted caramel—its deep, buttery flavor elevates the entire mix, while a handful of Mini Rolo candies introduces a fun surprise in every bite. It’s an easy, no-bake recipe that comes together in minutes and will disappear even faster. Be warned: once you start snacking, it’s hard to stop!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Salty Flavor: The perfect combination of dark chocolate and salted caramel creates a rich, balanced taste.
No-Bake Simplicity: This recipe is quick and easy to prepare without needing to turn on the oven.
Perfect for Parties: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, it makes a fun and portable treat for any event.
Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Addictively Crunchy: The Chex cereal provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Ingredients

Chex rice cereal
Dark chocolate chips
Powdered sugar
Mini Rolo candies (cut in half)
Salted caramel topping

Variations

Chocolate Swap

Use milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a lighter flavor.

Nutty Delight

Add chopped pecans or almonds for an extra crunch and nutty richness.

Peanut Butter Twist

Stir in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter with the melted chocolate for a creamy, salty kick.

Candy Explosion

Mix in M&M’s, toffee bits, or peanut butter cups for a more decadent treat.

Gluten-Free Option

Ensure the Chex cereal and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Pour the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Step 2

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

Step 3

Stir the salted caramel topping into the melted chocolate until well combined.

Step 4

Pour the chocolate-caramel mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently fold to coat all the cereal pieces evenly.

Step 5

Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar and shake until all pieces are well coated.

Step 6

Add the halved Mini Rolo candies and toss to combine.

Step 7

Let the mixture cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a large mixing bowl to avoid spilling cereal while coating it.
Don’t overheat the chocolate; it can seize and become grainy.
Work quickly once the chocolate is mixed in to prevent clumping.
Shake the cereal and powdered sugar in batches for more even coating.
Let the muddy buddies cool fully so they don’t become sticky in storage.

How to Serve

Serve Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies in a large bowl at parties, package them into gift bags for holiday treats, or portion them into snack-sized containers for on-the-go munching. They pair especially well with coffee or milk and make an excellent addition to dessert tables or movie night spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from becoming stale.

Freezing

You can freeze the muddy buddies for up to 2 months. Place in a zip-top freezer bag and press out as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary—just let frozen muddy buddies sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter flavor, but it may be less rich than dark chocolate.

2. What kind of caramel topping should I use?

Use a thick, salted caramel topping to enhance the sweet and salty contrast in the recipe.

3. Can I use homemade caramel?

Absolutely! Homemade salted caramel works great if you want a more artisanal touch.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—just make sure all your ingredients (especially the cereal and candies) are labeled gluten-free.

5. How long do muddy buddies last?

They stay fresh for about 5–7 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

6. Can I make this in advance for a party?

Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead snack that stays fresh for several days.

7. Do I have to cut the Mini Rolos in half?

Cutting them helps distribute the caramel-chocolate bites more evenly, but you can leave them whole if preferred.

8. Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely! This no-bake recipe is kid-friendly and great for little hands to help with shaking and mixing.

9. What can I use instead of powdered sugar?

You can try finely ground coconut sugar or a powdered sugar substitute, though the texture and taste will vary.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure to use a large enough bowl and split the mixture into batches for coating and shaking.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are a deliciously addictive twist on the traditional snack mix, offering the ideal balance of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy. With only a few ingredients and no baking required, this recipe is both beginner-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a quick treat, this easy-to-make snack will become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re satisfying a late-night craving or packing treats for a gathering, Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies deliver on all fronts—flavor, texture, and convenience.