The Irresistible Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Recipe

Munching on salty and sweet salted caramel muddy buddies creates an irresistible snack that instantly sparks joy.

Crunchy cereal pieces coated in rich caramel deliver a delightful texture you cannot resist.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this treat perfect for afternoon snacking or movie night celebrations.

Powdered sugar dusting adds a playful touch to these addictive morsels.

Whipping up this simple recipe takes mere minutes and guarantees smiles all around.

Kids and adults will devour these delectable bites faster than you can prepare them.

Grab a handful and watch them disappear in record time.

What Makes Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Popular

• This lightning-fast snack takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Children can easily help mix ingredients and coat cereal, making it an interactive and enjoyable family cooking experience that builds culinary confidence.
• Transforms simple Rice Chex into a decadent treat with minimal ingredients, delivering rich salted caramel flavor that appeals to both kids and adults at parties, movie nights, or potlucks.
• Requires zero cooking skills and no oven time, allowing even novice cooks to create a delicious snack without complex techniques or specialized equipment.

What You’ll Need for Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

• Rice Chex Cereal: Crispy base that provides a light and crunchy texture for the muddy buddies, perfect for coating with sweet and salty caramel.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Rich, deep caramel flavor that creates a luscious coating with a warm, complex sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness and adding depth to the caramel.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides a soft, sweet exterior and helps prevent the muddy buddies from sticking together, creating a classic powdery finish.

How to Make Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

Step 1: Prepare Chex Base

Pour Rice Chex cereal into a spacious mixing bowl. Spread out a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray, creating a landing spot for your delicious treats.

Step 2: Melt Caramel Goodness

• Butter
• Caramel chips
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Salt

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy caramel sauce that looks like liquid gold.

Step 3: Create Caramel Coating

Drizzle the warm caramel mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently fold and toss the cereal, ensuring each piece gets a luscious caramel embrace.

Step 4: Dust with Sweet Magic

• Powdered sugar
• Cinnamon (optional)

Sprinkle powdered sugar generously over the caramel-coated cereal. Add a whisper of cinnamon for an extra flavor kick if desired. Toss until every piece is beautifully glazed.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Spread the coated Chex on the prepared parchment paper. Let them cool and set at room temperature, allowing the caramel to create a delightful crispy shell.

Step 6: Store and Enjoy

Transfer the Muddy Buddies to an airtight container. These addictive treats will stay fresh for several days- if they last that long!

Tips That Improve Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

• Prep Your Bowl: Choose a spacious mixing bowl to easily toss the cereal without spilling any pieces.
• Use Fresh Cereal: Select crisp, crunchy Rice Chex for the best texture and maximum caramel coating.
• Parchment Paper Trick: Line the baking sheet completely to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Gentle Mixing Strategy: Fold the caramel mixture gently to avoid breaking the delicate cereal pieces.
• Storage Secret: Keep Muddy Buddies in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness for up to a week.

Keeping Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Tasty Later

• Store leftover Muddy Buddies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them crisp and fresh in the cool environment.
• Keep the treats at room temperature in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat, to maintain their crunchy texture.
• Spread the Muddy Buddies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage up to 2 months.
• No need to reheat; enjoy the snack straight from the container at room temperature for the best taste and crunch.

What Goes Well With Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

• Pair these Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies with a chilled glass of cold milk for a classic, creamy complement that balances the rich caramel flavor.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a decadent treat that amplifies the sweet and salty notes of the muddy buddies.
• Brew a hot cappuccino or latte to provide a warm, coffee-infused contrast that cuts through the sugary coating and adds depth to the snack.
• Mix in some fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to introduce a bright, tangy element that cleanses the palate between bites of the sweet snack.

Creative Changes for Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

• Gluten-Free Guardian: Swap Rice Chex for gluten-free certified corn Chex, ensuring those with celiac disease can enjoy this sweet treat without worry.
• Nut-Free Nostalgia: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a school-friendly version that's safe for those with nut allergies.
• Vegan Velvet Crunch: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut oil instead of butter, and replace milk chocolate with dark vegan chocolate for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Lifestyle: Substitute traditional caramel with a sugar-free caramel syrup and use monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content for health-conscious snackers.

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies FAQs

• What are Muddy Buddies?

Muddy Buddies are a sweet snack made by coating cereal with melted chocolate and powdered sugar, creating a deliciously crunchy treat that’s easy to make and fun to eat.

• Can I use a different type of cereal?

While Rice Chex is traditional, you can substitute with other crispy cereals like Corn Chex or Wheat Chex to create your own version of this snack.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Muddy Buddies are a super easy no-bake recipe that kids can help make, and they love the sweet, chocolatey coating that makes the cereal irresistible.

• How long do Muddy Buddies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Muddy Buddies will stay crisp and delicious for about 3-5 days, making them perfect for snacking or sharing.

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible salted caramel muddy buddies blend sweet and salty notes into an addictive snack mix that promises pure indulgence. Chocolate-coated cereal pieces tossed with caramel and sea salt create a crunchy treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 9 cups (270 g) rice chex cereal
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) water
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, warmed
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Transfer the Rice Chex cereal into a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring ample room for coating and stirring.
2. Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, pausing to stir at 30-second intervals until smooth and fully integrated.
3. Incorporate the caramel sauce into the melted chocolate mixture, whisking thoroughly to create a uniform, glossy blend.
4. Gently pour the warm chocolate-caramel mixture over the cereal, using a spatula to carefully fold and coat each piece evenly.
5. Sprinkle the powdered sugar and sea salt over the coated cereal, tossing gently to ensure complete and consistent coverage.
6. Spread the caramel-chocolate covered cereal onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a single layer to prevent clumping.
7. Allow the muddy buddies to cool and set at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes, permitting the chocolate coating to solidify.
8. Once fully cooled and crisp, break apart any clustered pieces and transfer to an airtight storage container for serving or preservation.

Notes

• Swap regular Chex for gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste or texture.
• Toast the cereal briefly in a dry skillet to enhance its nutty flavor and add a subtle crunch before coating.
• Use coarse sea salt when sprinkling to create delightful salty-sweet bursts that elevate the caramel’s richness.
• Allow the caramel mixture to cool slightly before pouring over cereal to prevent soggy breakdown and ensure even coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 288
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 127 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg