Vegan Muddy Buddies

These Vegan Muddy Buddies really take me back. I know there are other names for them - puppy dog chow, monkey munch, etc., but to me they have always been "Muddy Buddies." For those of you that don't know, muddy buddies are plain rice chex cereal smothered in a melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture and tossed in powdered sugar. Total snack perfection. Let's learn how to make it!

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Ingredients in Vegan Muddy Buddies

• Rice Chex Cereal (8 cups): The cereal provides the base and structure for the muddy buddies. It also adds a crunchy texture to the snack and many of these cereals are gluten-free, making the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Nondairy Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups): The chocolate melts to create a smooth and rich chocolate coating for the cereal. Further, the chips add sweetness and a decadent chocolate flavor.
• Peanut Butter (¾ cup): Peanut butter enhances the flavor profile with its nutty and savory notes, contributing to the smooth and creamy texture of the chocolate coating. It also acts as a binder, helping the powdered sugar adhere to the cereal.
• Vegan Butter (¼ cup): Vegan butter adds richness and a buttery flavor to the muddy buddies. Its oiliness assists in achieving a smooth and velvety consistency in the chocolate coating, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the snack.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla infuses a subtle, sweet aroma and flavor. The extract complements and enhances the other ingredients in the recipe by adding depth to the overall taste of the muddy buddies.
• Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Powdered sugar coats the chocolate-covered cereal, creating the signature powdered appearance. It also adds sweetness to balance the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter, providing a satisfying, powdery texture when combined with the other ingredients.

Steps to Make Vegan Muddy Buddies

1. Melt: Place rice chex cereal in a large bowl and set aside. Add chocolate chips, peanut butter and vegan butter to a small saucepan. Heat on the stove whisking continuously until the mixture is totally smooth. Remove from heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla extract.  
2. Stir: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top of the rice chex. Gently fold together using a rubber spatula until the cereal is evenly coated. If you’re struggling to stir feel free to toss the mixture using your hands. Be careful not to burn yourself as the chocolate may still be warm. Allow coated mixture to cool for 5 minutes before continuing.
3. Coat: Add powdered sugar to a sealable, disposable bag. Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag and seal tightly. Toss the cereal from end to end of the bag until the pieces are all coated in powdered sugar. If you don’t have a very large sealable bag you can use two gallon sized bags instead. Fill each with one cup of powdered sugar and distribute the cereal evenly between the bags before tossing.
4. Serve: Muddy Buddies can also be stored in the bags they were tossed in at room temperature. Place in individual bags or cups to serve.

Tips for Making Vegan Muddy Buddies

Making vegan muddy buddies is a straightforward process. Here are some tips to ensure a successful and tasty batch:

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for a high-quality nondairy chocolate chip and vegan butter to ensure a rich and flavorful chocolate coating.
2. Check Labels for Vegan and Gluten-Free Certification: Verify that all ingredients are certified as vegan and gluten-free to ensure they don't contain any animal-derived or wheat ingredients.
3. Use Creamy Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for achieving a smooth and consistent texture in the chocolate coating.
4. Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter Gently: Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and vegan butter over low heat or using a double boiler. This prevents burning or seizing of the chocolate, ensuring a smooth and velvety coating.
5. Stir Constantly While Melting: Stir the chocolate, peanut butter, and vegan butter constantly while melting to achieve a uniform consistency.
6. Add Vanilla Extract Off Heat: Stir in the vanilla extract once the chocolate mixture is off the heat. This preserves the delicate flavor of the vanilla without subjecting it to high temperatures.
7. Pour Gradually Over Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the rice Chex cereal gradually, stirring gently as you go. This ensures an even coating on all the cereal pieces.
8. Use a Large Bowl for Coating: Choose a large mixing bowl to make it easier to evenly coat the cereal with the chocolate mixture without making a mess.
9. Be Gentle When Coating: Gently fold and stir the chocolate-coated cereal with a spatula or spoon to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.
10. Let It Set Before Adding Powdered Sugar: Allow the chocolate-coated cereal to cool and set for a few minutes before adding the powdered sugar. This helps the sugar adhere to the cereal without completely melting into the chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a gluten-free alternative to Rice Chex cereal?

Yes, there are several gluten-free Chex cereal options available, such as rice or corn Chex, making the recipe gluten-free. Read ingredients carefully when purchasing.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?

Melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and vegan butter over low heat or using a double boiler, stirring constantly to prevent seizing. You should also avoid high heat.

Can I make muddy buddies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make muddy buddies ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.

Can I freeze vegan muddy buddies?

While it's possible, freezing may affect the texture. It's best to store them at room temperature in an airtight container for short-term storage.

How do I prevent the powdered sugar from clumping together?

Allow the chocolate-coated cereal to cool slightly before adding powdered sugar. Use a large sealable plastic bag to evenly coat the cereal without clumping.

How to Serve/Store Vegan Muddy Buddies

Serving Vegan Muddy Buddies

1. Party Snack: Vegan muddy buddies are perfect for parties, gatherings, or movie nights. Serve them in a large bowl or individual bowls for easy sharing.
2. Dessert Table: Include them on a dessert table for a sweet and crunchy addition to your spread.
3. Gifts: Package them in festive bags or containers for a delightful homemade gift during holidays or special occasions.
4. Ice Cream Topping: Sprinkle vegan muddy buddies over dairy-free ice cream for a delicious and crunchy topping.
5. Trail Mix: Mix them with other nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create a vegan trail mix for on-the-go snacking.

Storing Vegan Muddy Buddies

1. Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Also make sure the container is sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent the muddy buddies from becoming stale.
2. Cool, Dry Place: Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat can cause the chocolate coating to melt, and humidity may affect the texture.
3. Avoid Refrigeration: It's not necessary to refrigerate vegan muddy buddies. To explain, refrigeration can cause the chocolate to develop condensation, potentially affecting the texture.
4. Re-Sealable Bags: Store in large re-sealable plastic bags, removing excess air before sealing. This helps maintain their crunchiness.

Remember that the powdered sugar on the muddy buddies may absorb moisture over time, so storing them properly is crucial to preserving their texture and flavor. Enjoy your vegan muddy buddies!

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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