Name: Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups chex cereal; 1 cup white chocolate chips (or melting wafers); 0.8 ounces freeze-dried strawberries; 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

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Get ready to fall head over heels for this sweet, fruity twist on a classic party snack! Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) swap out the usual chocolate-peanut butter combo for a light, tangy strawberry burst with every bite. Chex cereal gets hugged by creamy white chocolate, covered in a gorgeous pink coat of sweet strawberry-sugar dust, and transformed into an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Whether you’re making this for a picnic, movie night, or just because, Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that look as beautiful as they taste.

Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) is how a few simple ingredients come together into something so delicious and eye-catching. Each ingredient truly shines, bringing out the perfect mix of crunch, color, and creamy sweetness.

Chex cereal: The classic base! Its crunch holds up to all the chocolatey, berry goodness and soaks in all the flavor without falling apart.
White chocolate chips (or melting wafers): These melt into a silky coating that acts as the perfect canvas for the strawberry flavor and blush-pink color.
Freeze-dried strawberries: Crushing these turns them into a magical, real-fruit powder that gives the snack its signature bright flavor and beautiful color.
Confectioner’s sugar: Gives every piece that nostalgic, powdery finish and makes the strawberry flavor pop with a gentle sweetness.

How to Make Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)

Step 1: Prepare Your Cereal Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and add the Chex cereal. You want to start with a stable, roomy bowl because once the fun begins, things can get a little messy. Set the cereal aside, ready to be coated in melty goodness.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

Pop your white chocolate chips (or melting wafers) into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and creamy. Be patient—rushed chocolate gets lumpy! The smooth chocolate will help every piece of cereal get a luscious coating.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the melted white chocolate over the Chex cereal. Use a big spoon or spatula to gently stir everything together. Take your time! You want to coat every nook and cranny without crushing the cereal squares. Once everything’s glossy, pour the cereal into a large gallon-sized plastic bag.

Step 4: Make Strawberry Powder

In a spice grinder or food processor, blitz the freeze-dried strawberries until they’re a fine powder. The real fruit flavor and brilliant color in this step make these Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) irresistible and extra fun!

Step 5: Shake with Strawberry Sugar

Add the strawberry powder and confectioner’s sugar to the bag of chocolate-coated cereal, then seal it well. Now, the fun part—shake, shake, shake! Coat every cereal square in that tangy, sweet strawberry powder until they’re all blushing pink.

Step 6: Set and Store

Pour the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Spread it out in a single layer, and pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to set. Once the chocolate is firm and the coating has set, your Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) are ready to enjoy or store for later snacking!

How to Serve Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra powdered strawberry or a handful of mini white chocolate chips on top takes these over the top. If you’re serving at a party, add a few extra freeze-dried strawberry pieces for extra color and crunch.

Side Dishes

These pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, fresh strawberries, or a vibrant fruit salad. For a snack buffet, set them alongside salty pretzels, popcorn, or other sweet treats to balance the flavors and keep everyone coming back for more.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the bowl! Pour Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) into colorful paper cups, little mason jars, or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for easy gifts and party favors. Layer them in clear jars with chocolate muddy buddies for a stunning, two-tone effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep that signature crunch and fresh strawberry flavor, store Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If your kitchen is warm, stash them in the fridge to keep the chocolate from getting melty.

Freezing

Need to prep in advance? These freeze beautifully! Place Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) in a freezer-safe zip bag or container, squeeze out as much air as you can, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temp before serving—easy peasy!

Reheating

No reheating needed for this treat! If they’ve been frozen or chilled, just let them sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. They’ll crisp up and taste just as delicious as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Sure! The strawberry flavor pairs best with white chocolate because it keeps the color bright, but milk or dark chocolate will still give you an entirely yummy, cocoa-berry twist—just know the final color will be a bit different.

Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Freeze-dried strawberries are key here, since they grind easily into powder and don’t add any moisture. Fresh or frozen berries will make the mix soggy. If you can’t find freeze-dried, check the snack or natural foods aisle!

Are Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) gluten free?

Absolutely! Just double-check the Chex cereal label (most rice and corn varieties are gluten free), and make sure your white chocolate and other ingredients are, too.

How can I make these vegan or dairy free?

Swap in your favorite dairy-free white chocolate and confirm the Chex cereal is vegan, and you’re good to go! There are several vegan white chocolate options available online or in natural grocers.

Why is it called “puppy chow”?

While dogs shouldn’t eat this snack, it’s called puppy chow because its crumbly, coated texture looks a bit like actual dog food. Thankfully, Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) are all sweet treat, no kibble!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as smitten with these Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) as I am! They come together in a snap, look like a dreamy bowl of spring, and deliver a flavor punch that’s totally addictive. Gather your ingredients, call your favorite snack buddies, and give this playful twist on classic muddy buddies a try—you won’t regret it!

Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) recipe that combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the tangy flavor of freeze-dried strawberries. A perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Muddy Buddies:

4 cups chex cereal
1 cup white chocolate chips (or melting wafers)

For the Strawberry Coating:

0.8 ounces freeze-dried strawberries
1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Muddy Buddies: In a large bowl, add cereal. Set aside.

In a small bowl, microwave white chocolate chips for 30 seconds, stir. Microwave for additional 30 second increments until chips are melted and smooth. Pour chocolate over cereal and stir carefully to fully cover but not break the cereal. Pour cereal mixture into a large gallon size plastic bag.

Prepare the Strawberry Coating: In a spice grinder or food processor, grind freeze dried strawberries into a powder.

Pour ground strawberry powder and confectioner’s sugar over cereal and seal bag. Shake to evenly coat cereal.

Chill and Serve: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and pour cereal mixture into a single layer. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes (or until chocolate has hardened). Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Notes

Make sure the chocolate is completely melted and smooth before pouring over the cereal.
For a stronger strawberry flavor, increase the amount of freeze-dried strawberries.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Category: Snack/Dessert
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American