Chocolate Peanut Butter Muddy Buddy Bars

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Muddy Buddy Bars are absolutely one of the most flavorful and delicious dessert snacks to make. Made with just 4 ingredients, they’re a gluten-free, no-bake recipe for the whole family to enjoy.

If you love classic Muddy Buddies (or Puppy Chow), you’re going to be obsessed with these Muddy Buddy Bars! This easy no-bake treat transforms all the flavors of the beloved snack into a delicious, sliceable dessert bar. With a perfect balance of chocolate, peanut butter, and crunch, these bars are a must-make for any occasion. Let’s dive into each ingredient and how they contribute to making this indulgent yet simple recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Muddy Buddy Bars

• No-Bake and Easy to Make: Perfect for when you need a quick and delicious dessert without turning on the oven.

• Great for Sharing: These bars are ideal for parties, potlucks, or as a sweet snack to share with friends and family.

• Customizable: Switch up the cereal, try different nut butters, or add mix-ins like chopped nuts or mini marshmallows for a fun twist.

• Chocolate and Peanut Butter Perfection: The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is a classic that never gets old.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Muddy Buddy Bars plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Dark Chocolate Chips or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips –  Chocolate is the heart of this recipe, giving these bars their rich, indulgent flavor. Dark chocolate chips provide a deeper, slightly bitter taste that balances the sweetness of the peanut butter and powdered sugar. If you prefer a milder chocolate taste, semi-sweet chocolate chips work perfectly as well. Chocolate not only adds flavor but also helps bind the ingredients together when melted.
• Creamy Peanut Butter – Peanut butter is a staple ingredient in Muddy Buddy recipes, bringing a smooth, nutty richness to the bars. Creamy peanut butter coats the cereal, giving it a velvety texture and enhancing its flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – Unsalted butter is used to add extra richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the bars. It helps melt and blend the chocolate and peanut butter together into a silky mixture.
• Cereal of Choice – The cereal is what gives these bars their signature crunch. You can use classic rice or corn-based cereals, such as Chex or Crispix, to maintain the traditional Muddy Buddy texture. However, if you want to get creative, you could try puffed rice cereal, oat-based cereals, or even a chocolate-flavored cereal for an extra chocolatey twist. 
• Powdered Sugar for Topping – Powdered sugar is the finishing touch on these bars, providing a light sweetness and a classic Muddy Buddy appearance. The sugar adheres to the chocolate coating, giving it a beautiful, dusted look. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Line a 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside
2. In a heat-proof bowl, add the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter to microwave and warm in 30 second increments until melted, stirring frequently
3. Add the cereal to a large bowl then pour the chocolate mixture on top and mix together until the cereal is completely coated with chocolate
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and gently spread into an evenly layer
5. Place the pan into the freezer for at least 30 minutes so the bars set and are firm
6. Sift the powdered sugar on top of the bars then cut and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Muddy Buddy Bars

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor. Opt for high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best results.

• Avoid Overheating the Chocolate: Melting chocolate too quickly can cause it to seize up. Stir frequently and heat in short bursts to ensure a smooth texture.

• Press Gently but Firmly: When spreading the mixture in the pan, press it down just enough to help it hold together, but not too much that it loses its light, crispy texture.

• Customize the Cereal Choice: While Chex is the traditional cereal for Muddy Buddies, feel free to experiment with other types to find your favorite variation.

• Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

Muddy Buddy Bars take everything you love about the traditional snack mix and turn it into a convenient, easy-to-eat bar. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistible bars ready in no time. Try them out and let us know your favorite way to enjoy this delicious dessert!

A Few Other Chocolate Peanut Butter Recipes to Make:

3-ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Delicious Twix Cookie Cups! (gluten-free)

Peanut Butter Cup Cereal Bars

The BEST Healthy Snickers Recipe (gluten-free)