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Butterscotch Muddy Buddies

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posted: 02/20/24

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Butterscotch Muddy Buddies are a simple twist on your favorite puppy chow treat! If you love the flavor of butterscotch, these are going to be your new favorite party snack.

Bowl of Butterscotch Muddy Buddies

Muddy Buddies are my absolutely number one weakness. In fact when I made this recipe, I told my neighbors they had to take some before I ate them all. But then . . . I ate them all before I sent them off. Good thing I have forgiving neighbors!

Whether you call them puppy chow or muddy buddies, this is a snack that is sure to please crowds. And though the original Muddy Buddy recipe is a true gem, I love making different variations on it. If you are a fan of butterscotch, you are going to adore this easy treat.

Muddy Buddies Recipe

This is the delicious treat that everyone loves! Perfect for parties and great for gifting, this is a snack you won’t be able to get enough of.
a blue detailed bowl against a dark surface overflowing with a puppy chow recipe

Butterscotch Muddy Buddies Ingredients

Only five ingredients are needed to make this quick and easy treat. For the full list of ingredients and their measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Chex cereal: The base for all puppy chow recipes, this cereal holds all of the butterscotch coating in each bite. Another bonus is that you can easily find Chex cereal in gluten-free varieties.
  • Butterscotch chips: While classic puppy chow uses chocolate chips, this is where we add the butterscotch flavor! Read more on finding this ingredient below.
  • Butter: Salted or unsalted butter can be used in this recipe. I usually have unsalted on hand so that is what I use.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a flavor profile to the mix.
  • Powdered sugar: Coats the butterscotch pieces. I recommend starting with 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and only adding the last 1/2 cup if necessary.
Overhead view of a bowl of Butterscotch Muddy Buddies on a serving platter

Butterscotch Chips

According to my friends overseas (my kind readers in Australia and the UK) it can be really hard (or impossible) to find butterscotch chips. In the U.S. you can readily find them in the grocery store near the chocolate chips in the baking aisle.

If you want your muddy buddies to look like mine in the photos, sprinkle some additional butterscotch chips on top after you’ve combined the powdered sugar.

How to Make Butterscotch Muddy Buddies

Here is a brief overview of how this delicious butterscotch puppy chow recipe comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  1. Put your cereal in a large bowl. Pick a very large bowl for easy mixing. If the bowl has a lid and is sealable, you can shake it up with the powdered sugar right in the bowl. Add the cereal and set aside.
  2. Make the butterscotch coating. Microwave the butterscotch chips and butter together to melt. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue stirring the mixture until smooth. It will be very thick.
  3. Add the mixture to the cereal. Since the mixture is so thick, you will need to work it into the cereal with clean hands, breaking up clumps of butterscotch.
  4. Coat with powdered sugar. Transfer the mixture to a clean bag (unless your bowl has a lid) and pour the powdered sugar over the mixture. Shake to combine. If needed, add more powdered sugar to coat.
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Overhead photo of Butterscotch Muddy Buddies

Chex for Muddy Buddies

As I said above, a great part about using Chex is that you can use different varieties to suit your needs! I recommend using Rice Chex or Corn Chex for the texture, and avoiding using Wheat Chex. That said, you can play around with different varieties and use one that is gluten-free if that’s what you’re looking for.

Storing Muddy Buddies

This yummy treat can be enjoyed right away or kept in an airtight container for up to two weeks. It does not need to be kept in the refrigerator, but making sure the container or bag is sealed will help it stay fresh longer.

It is also great to freeze! It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months and is delicious to eat right out of the freezer while it is frozen.

Butterscotch Muddy Buddies

Other Muddy Buddy Variations

Of course there is the Classic Muddy Buddies Recipe, but I’ve got many great variations for you to try!

If you make this butterscotch muddy buddy recipe or any of my other recipes, please let me know what you think by leaving a comment. I love hearing from you!

Butterscotch Muddy Buddies
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Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe

Serves: 20 servings
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Butterscotch Muddy Buddies are a simple twist on your favorite puppy chow treat! If you love the flavor of butterscotch, these are going to be your new favorite party snack.

Ingredients

  • 9 cups Chex cereal (282 grams)
  • 2 cups butterscotch chips (367 grams)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56.6 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (227 grams) divided

Instructions

  • Add the cereal to a large bowl.
    9 cups Chex cereal
  • In a large measuring cup, melt the butterscotch chips and butter together on high for 1 minute. Stir together. Stir in the vanilla extract and stir the mixture until smooth. The mixture will be extremely thick and not pourable.
    2 cups butterscotch chips, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Add the mixture to the cereal. Use clean hands to combine. In traditional puppy chow, the mixture can be stirred to coat the cereal. Here the mixture is so thick that you will need to work it into the cereal with clean hands, breaking up clumps of butterscotch. It will seem like it isn't coming together and then it will.
    2 cups powdered sugar
  • Pour the mixture into a clean plastic bag. Pour 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar over the mixture and shake to combine. If necessary add the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar into the bag and toss to combine.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Serving: 0.5cup Calories: 230kcal (12%) Carbohydrates: 50g (17%) Protein: 3g (6%) Fat: 3g (5%) Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 8mg (3%) Sodium: 226mg (10%) Potassium: 105mg (3%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 28g (31%) Vitamin A: 385IU (8%) Vitamin C: 4mg (5%) Calcium: 61mg (6%) Iron: 9mg (50%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Butterscotch Muddy Buddies

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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