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Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive, fun, and downright addictive treat to make this spooky season, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe. It’s perfect for sharing at parties, handing out to trick-or-treaters, or just sneaking bites when no one’s looking. Trust me, this recipe turns out fabulously every time, and you’ll love how that sweet and salty combo comes together with festive colors that scream Halloween!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry, and the candy adds that perfect Halloween twist.
  • Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed, just a microwave and a couple of bowls – perfect for busy days.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun: This recipe is great to make with kids, especially adding the colorful candies at the end.
  • Deliciously Festive: The mix of chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and candy makes it absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe uses a blend of classic and festive ingredients that work so well together. From creamy peanut butter to crunchy Chex cereal and colorful candies, each bite is a delightful experience. Pro tip: For the candy pieces, choose ones that hold their shape well so they don’t melt into the chocolatey mix.

  • Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for the perfect melting texture and flavor balance.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter melts smoothly, making it easy to coat the cereal.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky coating.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the overall flavor and brings warmth.
  • Chex Cereal: Corn or rice Chex both work well, providing that light crunch crucial for Muddy Buddies.
  • Powdered Sugar: This is what gives the Muddy Buddies their signature sweet, powdery finish.
  • Candy Corn: A Halloween classic that adds color and a subtle waxy crunch.
  • Candy Pumpkins: Adds chewiness and a festive touch that your guests will love.
  • Reese’s Pieces: Brings bursts of peanut buttery sweetness and vibrant color.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe depending on who’s coming over or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to swap candies, add nuts, or even try different chocolate types. It’s your playground!

  • No-Peanut Version: I once made this for a school event where kids had peanut allergies; swapping peanut butter for sunflower seed butter worked like a charm.
  • More Chocolate: For the serious chocoholics in my house, adding white chocolate drizzle on top takes it over the moon.
  • Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the powdered sugar for extra Halloween vibes.
  • Nutty Boost: Chopped roasted almonds or pecans mix in wonderfully if you’re looking for a crunch upgrade.

How to Make Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Chocolatey Goodness

Start by combining the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir well. If it’s not quite smooth, pop it back in for 30 seconds more. You want a glossy, smooth mixture without any lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract last – this little step brings all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 2: Coat That Chex Cereal

Pour 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Gently pour your melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and use a spatula to stir carefully, making sure each piece gets coated. Be gentle here so you don’t crush the cereal.

Step 3: Sugar It Up

Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon-sized Ziplock bag, then add the powdered sugar. Seal the bag tightly and shake, shake, shake until every piece is magically dusted. This sugary coating is what makes Muddy Buddies so addicting!

Step 4: Mix in the Festive Candies

Pour your snowy cereal into a clean bowl and fold in your candy corn, candy pumpkins, and Reese’s Pieces. This colorful mix makes the treat super festive and a little extra special. You’ll find your family won’t be able to stop nibbling.

Step 5: Let It Set

Spread your Muddy Buddies out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer and let them rest for about 20 minutes. This helps everything set perfectly so the pieces don’t stick together in one big clump.

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Pro Tips for Making Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe

  • Microwave in Intervals: Heating the chocolate mixture gradually helps avoid burning and makes it silky smooth.
  • Use a Big Ziplock Bag: Gives you plenty of room to shake and evenly coat the cereal with sugar without the bag breaking.
  • Add Candies Last: Folding them in at the end ensures they don’t get crushed or lose their bright colors.
  • Spread Out to Set: Don’t skip this step; it prevents giant clumps and keeps the Muddy Buddies perfectly crunchy.

How to Serve Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe

A white bowl filled with several layers of snack mix. The bottom layer consists of light brown, square, crunchy cereal pieces dusted with white powder. Scattered on top are small, round candies in bright yellow, orange, and brown colors. Mixed throughout are small orange pumpkin-shaped candies with green tops, and there are also some small candy corns in shades of white, orange, and yellow. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with more small orange pumpkin candies and round colored candies spread around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces or candy pumpkins on top just before serving for that irresistible last-minute pop of color and sweetness. Sometimes, I toss in a few Halloween-themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch that kids adore.

Side Dishes

Pair this treat with some warm apple cider or a cozy cup of hot chocolate to balance the sweetness. For a Halloween party, I often put out bowls of fresh popcorn or roasted pumpkin seeds alongside—something salty and crunchy to complement the Muddy Buddies.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve the Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe in clear mason jars decorated with Halloween ribbon and tags. For gift-giving, cute treat bags with a handmade label add a personal touch that friends and neighbors appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found they stay fresh for up to a week without losing their crunch, which is great because my family can slowly nibble throughout the week without it going stale.

Freezing

While I haven’t personally frozen Muddy Buddies often, you can freeze them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving to get back that lovely crunch.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! This treat is meant to be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled if you prefer. If you find any pieces sticking together, gently break them apart with your fingers before serving.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of cereal for this Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe?

    Absolutely! While Chex cereal is classic because of its lightness and shape that holds the coating well, you can experiment with other cereals like crispy rice or corn flakes. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

  2. How do I prevent the chocolate mixture from burning in the microwave?

    Microwave in short bursts, like 30-60 seconds at a time, stirring thoroughly between each to evenly distribute heat. This keeps the chocolate smooth and prevents scorching.

  3. Can I make this Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe nut-free?

    Yes! Simply replace the peanut butter with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious and safe for those with nut allergies.

  4. How long does this Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe stay fresh?

    When stored properly in an airtight container, this snack stays fresh and crunchy for about a week at room temperature. If you’re not sure you’ll finish it that quickly, consider freezing portions.

  5. Can I add other candies to this recipe?

    Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite Halloween treats like mini M&Ms, Halloween-themed sprinkles, or chopped candy bars. Just add them after the powdered sugar coating to keep them intact.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe brings everyone together — from the kiddos marveling at the candy colors to adults enjoying that perfect balance of salty and sweet. When I first tried making it, I was amazed at how fast it disappears (and how easy it is!). You’ll find it’s a fantastic treat to have on hand this season, whether for parties, gifts, or a cozy night at home. Go ahead, try it out—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print
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Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 94 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 18 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 18 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Microwaving and No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delicious and festive Halloween Muddy Buddies featuring a chocolaty peanut butter coating tossed with Chex cereal, powdered sugar, candy corn, candy pumpkins, and Reese’s Pieces. Perfect for a spooky party snack or treat!


Ingredients

Chocolate Coating

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cereal Mix

  • 9 cups Chex Cereal
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Candy Mix-ins

  • 1 cup candy corn
  • 1 cup candy pumpkins
  • 1 cup Reese’s Pieces


Instructions

  1. Melt Chocolate Mixture: Combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. If not smooth, microwave an additional 30 seconds and stir until fully melted and blended.
  2. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly into the melted chocolate mixture.
  3. Prepare Cereal: Place the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl ready for coating.
  4. Coat Cereal: Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently stir to coat all the cereal pieces evenly without crushing them.
  5. Sugar Coat: Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon-sized Ziplock bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated.
  6. Add Candy Mix-ins: Pour the coated muddy buddies into a clean bowl. Stir in the candy corn, candy pumpkins, and Reese’s Pieces until evenly distributed.
  7. Set and Cool: Spread the muddy buddies onto one or two parchment-lined baking sheets. Let rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to allow the coating to firm up and candies to settle.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  • Be gentle when stirring to avoid crushing the cereal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
  • Microwave times may vary depending on your appliance; melt chocolate mixture until smooth but avoid overheating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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