Mud But Crunch

Call it muddy buddies, call it puppy chow, just don’t expect the bowl to last long. This is the no-bake snack mix that vanishes at parties: crunchy Chex cereal cloaked in melted chocolate and peanut butter, then tumbled in powdered sugar until every piece looks dusted with snow.

The whole thing happens in the microwave and a couple of bowls. You melt the chips, peanut butter, and butter together, pour it over the cereal, and toss until each piece is coated.

The clever part is the powdered sugar. Dumping the coated cereal into a bag with the sugar and shaking it coats everything evenly without your hands turning sticky, and without crushing the delicate cereal. Spread it on a sheet to cool and you have a crunchy, chocolatey, peanut-buttery snack in about 15 minutes.

Kitchen Tips

• Melt the chocolate mixture in short bursts and stir between them so it stays smooth and doesn’t scorch.
• Shake the cereal and powdered sugar together in a bag for an even coat without crushing the Chex.
• Spread it on a baking sheet to cool so it doesn’t clump into one solid block.

Variations

• Stir in M&Ms, pretzels, or Reese’s Pieces once it cools for more crunch and color.
• Use crunchy peanut butter, or swap in cookie butter or almond butter for a different spin.