Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe
This Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, featuring an irresistibly creamy butterscotch coating that transforms crunchy Chex cereal into sweet, handheld perfection. Each bite is a nostalgic bite of comfort with a decadent golden glow, dusted with snowy powdered sugar. Whether you’re preparing a batch for family movie night, holiday gifting, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this quick, easy treat packs serious flavor and is basically impossible to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, every component in this recipe pulls double duty, providing either that signature crunch, creamy sweetness, or the magical dusting of sugar that sets the Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe apart from other snack mixes.
- Chex cereal: The classic base, providing structure and the perfect crunch to soak up all that sweet butterscotch coating.
- Butterscotch chips: These melt down into a rich, caramel-like sauce, giving every piece its gorgeous golden flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Softens the butterscotch chips and helps bind everything together, making the mixture extra luscious.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances all of the flavors and makes the butterscotch shine even more brightly.
- Powdered sugar: Finishes everything off with a snowy, sweet coating and keeps things from sticking into one big clump.
How to Make Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cereal
Begin by adding all your Chex cereal to a giant mixing bowl. Make sure you’re using a spacious bowl — there’s a lot of stirring ahead, and you’ll want room for the mix to move around. This is your sturdy base, and prepping it first makes assembly a breeze once your butterscotch mixture is ready.
Step 2: Melt the Butterscotch Mixture
In a large glass measuring cup or microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips and unsalted butter. Microwave them together on high for about 1 minute. You’ll see the chips soften and the butter start to melt; give everything a good stir. Then add the vanilla extract and continue stirring until the mixture is uniform and completely smooth. Don’t be surprised by the texture — it’ll be very thick and almost fudge-like rather than runny.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Spoon (or scrape) your thick butterscotch mixture into the waiting bowl of Chex. Now comes the fun, slightly messy part. Use clean hands to gently toss and massage the butterscotch into the cereal, breaking up big clumps as you go. Unlike other snack mixes, don’t expect the mixture to flow; the coating process is hands-on! But don’t worry — after a minute or two, the mixture will come together, evenly embracing the cereal.
Step 4: Powdered Sugar Shakedown
Transfer the coated cereal into a clean plastic bag (a gallon zip-top works great). Sprinkle in 1 1/2 cups of the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and get shaking! Toss vigorously so every piece gets its snowy coating. If you see sticky patches, sprinkle in the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and give another gentle toss. The Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe comes out gorgeously dusted, with each piece beautifully separated and ready to munch.
Step 5: Store and Savor
Once everything’s perfectly coated, pour your finished mix into an airtight container. Allow it to cool completely; then it’s ready for snacking, sharing, or gifting. The Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe will keep in your container for up to two weeks — if you can manage not to eat it all before then!
How to Serve Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe

Garnishes
Take your presentation up a notch with fun, simple garnishes! Try sprinkling in a handful of mini chocolate chips, a dusting of edible glitter, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt for that sweet-salty magic. You can also toss in festive sprinkles to match holidays or parties, making your Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe extra Instagram-worthy.
Side Dishes
This mix pairs perfectly with anything creamy or fresh. Serve alongside bowls of vanilla ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or a plate of plump berries for a contrast in texture. For parties, a platter of sliced fruit or marshmallows invites guests to mix and match flavors with every bite of the Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just serve in a basic bowl! Try packing servings into cute jars with a ribbon for gifting, or pile the mix into mini treat bags for party favors. For a fun dessert board, arrange the Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe with other snack mixes, cookies, and candies on a big platter for everyone to explore. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, however you serve it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any remaining Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crisp, fresh, and delicious for up to two weeks. Just be sure to store it away from direct sunlight and heat, and always use clean, dry hands or utensils when serving to maximize freshness.
Freezing
For even longer storage, the Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe can be frozen! Pop the thoroughly cooled mix into a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out any excess air. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes before serving, and it’ll taste as fresh as the day you made it.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Enjoy this snack mix straight from the container, whether you’ve stored it at room temperature or let it thaw from the freezer. If the powdered sugar ever seems faint or damp, simply toss the mix with a little extra sugar to restore its signature snowy look.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cereal?
Absolutely! While Chex is traditional for the Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe, you can experiment with Crispix or even bite-sized shredded wheat if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure whatever you use has a sturdy structure to hold up to the thick coating.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute a dairy-free butter alternative and use dairy-free butterscotch chips. Double check ingredients to ensure they’re truly dairy-free, and make the swap for an allergy-friendly version of the Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe.
Can I make the recipe with less sugar?
If you’d like to cut down on sugar, try reducing the amount of powdered sugar used for coating. The texture may be slightly less powdery, but the Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe will still taste amazing and hold together nicely.
Why does the butterscotch mixture come out so thick?
Butterscotch chips naturally melt into a thicker consistency than chocolate chips, especially when mixed with just a bit of butter. This is what makes the coating especially indulgent and satisfying in this recipe. Hands-on mixing is key for even distribution!
How long does the mix stay fresh?
Your Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe will stay delicious for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, keep it sealed tightly and away from humidity.
Final Thoughts
This Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe is pure joy in a bowl, perfect for sharing or sneaking by the handful. It’s easy, quick, and always a crowd favorite. Give it a try and watch it disappear at your next gathering — or just treat yourself to this golden, sweet crunch any day of the week!
Print
Butterscotch Muddy Buddy Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and addictive Butterscotch Muddy Buddy recipe. Crunchy Chex cereal coated in a rich butterscotch mixture and powdered sugar, creating a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main 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. 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 mix until smooth. The mixture will be thick and not pourable.
- Add the mixture to the cereal. Use clean hands to combine. Break up clumps of butterscotch. It will seem like it isn’t coming together at first.
- Pour the mixture into a clean plastic bag. Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar over the mixture and shake to combine. If needed, add the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and toss to combine.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Butterscotch Muddy Buddy, Chex cereal recipe, snack mix recipe