If you’re craving that magical combination of salty and sweet, crunchy and creamy, Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies are about to become your new go-to snack. This irresistible treat blends crispy Rice Chex cereal with lightly crushed pretzels, all wrapped up in a dreamy, peanut buttery chocolate coating and finished with a generous snowstorm of powdered sugar. Whether you’re hosting a party, heading out for a picnic, or just hoping to treat yourself to a nostalgic favorite, these muddy buddies promise maximum flavor payoff with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies lies in its lineup of everyday ingredients, each bringing a vital element to the mix. Simple as they are, every component plays an irreplaceable role in crafting that delightful balance of salty crunch, sticky sweetness, and melt-in-your-mouth magic.
- Rice Chex cereal (6 cups): This is your crunchy canvas! Chex’s airy pockets hold the chocolate-peanut butter coating perfectly, ensuring every bite is wonderfully textured.
- Mini pretzels, lightly crushed (2 cups): They add salt and crunch, breaking up the traditional muddy buddy texture in the best way possible.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star flavor here, peanut butter adds rich, nutty creaminess and helps the chocolate stick smoothly.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Just the right level of chocolatey depth, their sweetness pairs perfectly with the salty pretzel and peanut butter.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Butter smooths out the mix and melds flavors together for that irresistibly silky coating.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): It’s subtle but essential—vanilla rounds out and brightens all the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): This final snowy layer isn’t just for sweetening—it helps keep the pieces from sticking together and gives that classic “puppy chow” touch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies
Step 1: Mix the Cereal and Pretzels
Grab your biggest mixing bowl, and combine the Rice Chex cereal and your gently crushed mini pretzels. Mixing them dry at this stage helps each piece stay crisp and ready for that decadent chocolate-peanut butter bath. The pretzels add texture and an extra dash of salt that gets into every nook and cranny.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, pile in the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly each time, until the mixture is perfectly smooth and glossy. Take a second to inhale—the aroma is your first reward!
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir the vanilla extract into your warm, melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture. This little splash makes the flavors pop and gives an extra layer of comfort to every bite.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal and Pretzels
Pour the melted mixture over your cereal and pretzels. Gently fold everything together with a spatula, taking care not to crush the cereal but ensuring every piece is lavishly coated. You want that luscious chocolate-peanut butter blend to cling to every crunchy crevice!
Step 5: Shake with Powdered Sugar
Transfer the coated mix to a large zip-top bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the container, and then shake, shake, shake! The powdered sugar coats every piece, keeping them from sticking and giving that iconic look and finish that all Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies deserve.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Spread the muddy buddies onto a baking sheet or parchment paper, letting them cool completely. This step guarantees everything stays crisp and the coating sets up just right—plus, it makes sneaking a handful (or two) all the more tempting!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra powdered sugar is always welcome, especially if you’re presenting this at a party. For a pop of color and more crunch, toss in some mini M&M’s, peanut butter chips, or even chopped peanuts right after coating. These little embellishments not only make your Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies look irresistible but also give each bite a surprise twist.
Side Dishes
Serve these sweet bites alongside a cold glass of milk, creamy hot chocolate, or a fresh cup of coffee—the pairing is old-school comfort at its finest. If you’re going for a party platter, pair them with fresh fruit or a bowl of popcorn for an unbeatable sweet-and-salty snack spread everyone will devour.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies into cute mason jars or cellophane treat bags tied with a ribbon—perfect for party favors or homemade gifts. For a kid-friendly treat bar, set out bowls of the mix with little scoops and extras like chocolate chips to customize. On movie night, tuck them into paper snack cones or popcorn tubs for a playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies stay fresh for up to a week when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure the lid is snug to keep your snack crunchy, and stash it somewhere cool and dry—though honestly, they never last that long!
Freezing
Need to prep ahead or want to save some for later? Freeze the muddy buddies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy them cold for an extra-crunchy, refreshing treat—it’s a hidden summertime secret.
Reheating
There’s actually no need to reheat Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies, as this treat is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. If they seem a bit soft from humidity, just lay them out on a baking sheet for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
FAQs
Can I make Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in gluten-free pretzels and double-check your Rice Chex are labeled gluten-free. The result is just as delicious, safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to crush the pretzels?
Pour them into a zip-top bag and press gently with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass—aim for bite-sized pieces, not crumbs, so you get optimum crunch in every handful.
Can I use a different type Snack
Definitely! While Rice Chex is classic, Corn or Wheat Chex, or even Crispix, work wonderfully here. Each brings its own spin, so feel free to experiment with what you love or have on hand.
How can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Get creative! Stir in mini M&M’s, chopped peanuts, peanut butter chips, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt after coating with powdered sugar for added crunch, sweetness, or a burst of color.
How long do Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they taste best within a week, though they’re usually too tempting to last that long in most households!
Final Thoughts
It’s nearly impossible to stop at just one handful of Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies. They’re every bit as fun to make as they are to eat, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Whip up a batch soon and let that sweet-salty crunch become your new snack obsession!
Print
Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy with these Peanut Butter Pretzel Muddy Buddies. A quick and easy no-bake snack mix that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Rice Chex Cereal:
6 cups
Mini Pretzels (lightly crushed):
2 cups
Creamy Peanut Butter:
1/2 cup
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:
1 cup
Unsalted Butter:
1/4 cup
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Powdered Sugar:
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
- Combine Cereal and Pretzels: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal and crushed mini pretzels.
- Melt Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat Cereal Mix: Pour the peanut butter-chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzels, folding gently until coated.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer mixture to a bag, add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until well-coated.
- Cool and Store: Spread muddy buddies out to cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Add M&Ms, peanut butter chips, or chopped peanuts for extra flavor.
- Make it gluten-free by using GF pretzels and certified GF Chex.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
