Name: Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups Chex cereal; 1 cup white chocolate chips (or melting wafers); 0.8 ounces freeze-dried strawberries; 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

Jump to Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a treat that’s both fun and utterly addictive, then you are going to adore this recipe for Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow). This snack is a delightful twist on the classic puppy chow, swapping out the usual chocolate and peanut butter for a bright, fruity flair thanks to white chocolate and freeze-dried strawberries. The result is a crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s powdery, sweet, and impossibly easy to make. Whether you’re prepping for a party, craving an afternoon pick-me-up, or gifting a homemade surprise, Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) will steal the show every time.

Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a perfect balance of texture, color, and flavor. Each component is essential, whether it’s providing the crispy cereal base, sweet creamy coating, or that gorgeous strawberry powder that makes this treat pop.

4 cups Chex cereal: The crunchy foundation that soaks up the coating without getting soggy.
1 cup white chocolate chips (or melting wafers): White chocolate adds creamy sweetness and binds the cereal coating together beautifully.
0.8 ounces freeze-dried strawberries: These give a natural strawberry flavor and vibrant pink color once ground into powder.
1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar: For that classic muddy buddies’ dusting that adds sweetness and keeps each piece perfectly coated.

How to Make Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)

Step 1: Prep the Cereal

Start by pouring 4 cups of Chex cereal into a large bowl. This crisp and sturdy cereal is perfect for holding onto that delicious coating without crumbling. Setting it aside now means you’re ready once the coating is melted and mixed.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

Place 1 cup of white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Keep microwaving in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. This gentle melting approach makes the coating luscious and easy to work with.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal. Stir carefully with a spatula or spoon to coat every square without breaking them. The goal is a perfect, even glazing that’s just enough to treat each piece without making it mushy.

Step 4: Grind the Freeze-Dried Strawberries

Using a spice grinder or food processor, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries until they become a fine powder. This powder is what transforms your puppy chow into the spectacular Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) with its beautiful pink hue and bright berry flavor.

Step 5: Toss with Strawberry Powder and Sugar

Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon-size plastic bag. Add the ground strawberry powder and 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar. Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously until every piece is evenly coated with that signature dusty pink powder.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Pour the cereal mixture out evenly in a single layer. Pop the tray into the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to let the white chocolate coating harden perfectly before serving or storing.

How to Serve Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)

Garnishes

While Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) are practically perfect on their own, a sprinkle of extra freeze-dried strawberry powder on top before serving adds a gorgeous pop of color and an extra burst of flavor. You can also add mini white chocolate chips or tiny fresh strawberry slices for a festive touch.

Side Dishes

This snack pairs wonderfully with a simple glass of cold milk or a refreshing cup of strawberry lemonade. It’s also a great companion to lighter snacks like fresh fruit or creamy yogurt for a balanced flavor combo during parties or snack times.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or a party platter, try serving Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) in colorful mini paper cones or clear cellophane bags tied with a fun ribbon. Layering it in a pretty glass jar with alternating layers of strawberry powder and puppy chow makes a beautiful edible gift. It’s perfect for sharing the love with friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep your Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) crisp and flavorful for up to a week—perfect for snacking all week long without losing any of that special strawberry charm.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these puppy chow treats freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy the same delightful texture and flavor.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) since they’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you find they get a little soft, simply spread them out on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the white chocolate chips with something else?

Absolutely! You can use white melting wafers or even add a mix of white and milk chocolate chips for a slightly different flavor. Just make sure whatever you use melts smoothly to coat the cereal well.

What if I can’t find freeze-dried strawberries?

If freeze-dried strawberries aren’t available, you can carefully use strawberry powder from the baking aisle or crush freeze-dried raspberries for a similar effect. Fresh strawberries won’t work since they have too much moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free Chex cereal as some varieties contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How long will Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this snack should stay delicious for up to one week at room temperature, perfect for keeping on hand for snack attacks.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a sprinkle of coconut flakes can add a fun twist. Just toss them in with the cereal before coating for even distribution.

Final Thoughts

Making Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) is like creating a little batch of joy—sweet, colorful, and utterly irresistible. This recipe is a fantastic way to mix up the classic puppy chow with fresh, fruity vibes that will have everyone reaching for more. Once you try it, this delightful snack will quickly become one of your go-to favorites to share with family and friends. Give it a whirl and watch the smiles grow!

Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Strawberry Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow) is a delightful twist on the classic snack, featuring crispy Chex cereal coated in smooth white chocolate and dusted with a sweet blend of freeze-dried strawberry powder and confectioner’s sugar. This treat offers a perfect balance of crunchy texture and fruity sweetness, making it an irresistible snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cereal

4 cups Chex cereal

Chocolate Coating

1 cup white chocolate chips (or melting wafers)

Strawberry Powder Mix

0.8 ounces freeze-dried strawberries
1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

Instructions

Prepare the cereal: In a large bowl, add 4 cups of Chex cereal and set aside to be coated later.
Melt the chocolate: Place 1 cup of white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth without lumps.
Coat the cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate over the Chex cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir to evenly coat the cereal pieces while being careful not to break them.
Grind the strawberries: Using a spice grinder or food processor, grind 0.8 ounces of freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder to create the flavor-packed strawberry dust.
Combine coating mix: Pour the ground strawberry powder along with 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar over the chocolate-coated cereal. Transfer the mixture into a large gallon-size plastic bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously to ensure even coverage of the sweet and fruity mixture on every piece.
Set and store: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Spread the coated cereal mixture out into a single layer to allow it to set. Place the sheet in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes or until the white chocolate has fully hardened. Store the finished Strawberry Muddy Buddies in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Notes

Use white chocolate melting wafers as an alternative to white chocolate chips for a smoother melt.
Be gentle when stirring the cereal with melted chocolate to keep the pieces intact.
Freeze-dried strawberries add intense berry flavor without moisture; do not substitute with fresh strawberries.
Store the finished snack in a cool, dry place to maintain crunchiness.
For a more intense strawberry flavor, adjust the amount of freeze-dried strawberries in the powder mix.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No-Bake, Microwave
Cuisine: American