Cute + Yummy Easter Muddy Buddies : Heart's Content Farmhouse

Name: Easter Muddy Buddies
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 9 cups Rice Chex cereal; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; ½ cup creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup butter; 1¾ cups powdered sugar; 2 cups Easter M&Ms or mini Cadbury Eggs; 2 cups frosted animal crackers

These are a quick and easy snack perfect for celebrating the spring season. Easter Muddy Buddies take just 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute party planning or a fun cooking activity with kids. With a mix of crunchy Rice Chex cereal, melted chocolate, and peanut butter, the only thing you need to add are fun Easter candies.

Easter Muddy Buddies

Fun, sweet, and colorful. Frosted animal crackers make these extra delicious.

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Serving Size servings

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
large plastic bag

Ingredients

9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup butter
1¾ cups powdered sugar
2 cups Easter M&Ms or mini Cadbury Eggs
2 cups frosted animal crackers

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Instructions

Measure cereal into a very large bowl and set it aside.
Make coating. In a microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter for 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring well until evenly coated.
Measure powdered sugar into a very large (2 gallon or larger) plastic bag and shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool.
Add animal crackers and cand to coated cereal and shake again. Serve in a clean bowl or directly out of the bag.

Notes

Don’t have a 2-gallon bag? Just split the cereal roughly in half for the shaking portion.

I’ve got to say, this Easter Muddy Buddies recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s become a bit of a tradition in our house around Easter time. There’s something about the ritual of making it that feels just as festive as the holiday itself. Last year, I remember the kids were eagerly waiting by the microwave, counting down the seconds until the chocolate and peanut butter were perfectly melted. We all took turns shaking the big plastic bag full of cereal and powdered sugar, laughing as we made a glorious mess. It’s one of those rare recipes that’s not just about the eating—it’s about the fun of making it together. And let’s not forget the secret ingredient—my sheer love for those little bursts of chocolate and peanut butter coated cereal. Every bite takes me back to those moments, surrounded by my family, covered in powdered sugar, and feeling utterly content.

The kids, usually not big fans of anything too spicy, gobble it up, especially when I let them top their own bowls with heaps of cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Chicken Chili Tips

Choosing the Right Bowl: When you’re mixing the cereal with the chocolate mixture, make sure to use a bowl that’s big enough to give you plenty of room for stirring. You want to gently fold the mixture to coat the cereal evenly without crushing it. A spacious bowl makes this easier.
Melting Chocolate Tips: To prevent the chocolate from burning in the microwave, consider reducing the power to 50% and extending the melting time with frequent stirring intervals. This gentle approach helps achieve a smooth, evenly melted chocolate without overheating.
Even Coating Trick: After pouring the chocolate mixture over the cereal, use a spatula or a large spoon to gently toss and turn the cereal until each piece is nicely coated. This method is preferable to vigorous shaking or stirring, which can break the cereal.
Powdered Sugar Coating: When adding the powdered sugar, don’t dump it all in at once. Start with half, shake well, then assess if you need more. This step-by-step approach ensures every piece gets a delightful dusting without some pieces getting too much and others not enough.
Cooling: Spread the coated cereal on a large sheet of wax paper or a silicone baking mat after shaking it with the powdered sugar. This helps prevent clumps from forming and ensures the mixture cools down quickly and evenly.
Adding the Extras: Wait until the mixture is completely cool before adding the Easter M&Ms, mini Cadbury Eggs, and frosted animal crackers. This prevents the chocolate candies from melting and keeps the animal crackers crisp.
Storage: If you’re not serving the Muddy Buddies immediately, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from getting soft or stale.
Customization: Feel free to get creative with the add-ins. If you or anyone in your family has a preference for different types of candy or cookies, don’t hesitate to swap out the suggested ones for your favorites.

A colorful bowl of Easter Muddy Buddies, featuring Rice Chex cereal pieces coated in powdered sugar, with pastel-colored frosted animal crackers, yellow and white candy eggs, and a vibrant mix of Easter-themed candies, displayed in a blue bowl with a patterned rim, set against a yellow patterned background with small red flowers.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Rice Chex cereal. This cereal is the base of the recipe and can be found in the cereal aisle of most grocery stores. It provides the perfect crunch and has a neutral flavor that pairs well with the chocolate and peanut butter.
Semisweet chocolate chips. Located in the baking aisle, these chips melt into a smooth chocolate coating. If you prefer a sweeter or more intense chocolate flavor, milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips can be used as substitutes.
Creamy peanut butter. Also found in the grocery store’s condiment aisle, creamy peanut butter melds with the chocolate to create a rich, flavorful coating. For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter can be a good alternative.
Easter M&Ms or mini Cadbury Eggs. These seasonal candies add a festive touch and can usually be found in the seasonal aisle or near the checkout lanes during the Easter period. They introduce a pop of color and an extra layer of sweetness.
Frosted animal crackers. Typically located in the cookie or snack aisle, frosted animal crackers add a fun, whimsical element. If you can’t find them, any small, frosted cookie can serve as a playful substitute.

Large mixing bowl. A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining the cereal with the chocolate mixture to ensure even coating without crushing the cereal.
Microwavable bowl. You’ll need a microwavable bowl to melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together. The right size ensures the ingredients melt evenly without overheating.
Large plastic bag (2-gallon or larger). This bag is essential for coating the cereal in powdered sugar. It allows for an even distribution of sugar without making a mess.
Wax paper. Spreading the coated cereal on wax paper to cool prevents sticking and clumping, making it easier to mix in the additional candies and cookies.

These tools are key to making the Easter Muddy Buddies recipe a success. They help streamline the process, ensuring a fun and mess-free experience. Next, I’ll share some tips to further ensure your Muddy Buddies turn out perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with chips and salsa, cornbread, and sliced avocado.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is the go-to for its crisp texture and shape that holds onto the chocolate and peanut butter well, you can experiment with other cereals. Corn Chex or even Crispix work great too. The key is choosing a cereal that’s sturdy enough to handle the coating without getting soggy.

What if I don’t have a microwave?

No microwave, no problem! You can melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter together using a double boiler method on the stove. Just keep the heat low and stir often to prevent the mixture from burning. It’s a bit more hands-on but works just as well.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Definitely! Muddy Buddies keep well for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Making them ahead of time can actually be a good idea, as it allows the flavors to meld together. Just make sure they’re completely cool and dry before storing to avoid any sogginess.

Is there a nut-free version of this recipe?

For sure, if you need a nut-free version, swap out the peanut butter for a seed butter, like sunflower seed butter. It gives a similar creamy texture and flavor without the allergens. Just be mindful of the seed butter’s consistency; some might be thicker or thinner than traditional peanut butter.

Storing Leftovers

Storing your Easter Muddy Buddies is super easy, and here’s how to keep them tasting great:

Storing at Room Temperature:

Step 1: Wait until the Muddy Buddies have completely cooled down after making them. This prevents any condensation inside the storage container, which could make them soggy.
Step 2: Once cool, transfer them to an airtight container. You can use a large zip-top plastic bag, a container with a tight-fitting lid, or even a cookie jar with a good seal.
Step 3: Keep the container in a cool, dry place, like your pantry or a kitchen cupboard. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week.

Freezing Instructions:

Although Muddy Buddies are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if you want to extend their shelf life.

Step 1: Make sure they’re completely cool and dry before you plan to freeze them. Any moisture can lead to ice crystals, which will make them soggy when thawed.
Step 2: Place the cooled Muddy Buddies in a freezer-safe airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. If using a bag, try to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
Step 3: Label the container or bag with the date, so you know when you froze them. Muddy Buddies can be frozen for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Step 4: To thaw, just take them out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature in their container or bag. This helps avoid any condensation from forming on the Muddy Buddies.

Remember, whether stored at room temperature or frozen, make sure the Muddy Buddies are in an airtight container to keep them fresh and tasty.

And there you have it—your go-to guide for whipping up a batch of delicious Easter Muddy Buddies! This recipe is not just about creating a tasty treat; it’s also about enjoying the process, whether you’re making it solo or with loved ones. With the simple steps, tips for success, and answers to common questions provided, you’re well-equipped to tackle this recipe with confidence.

Cute + Yummy Easter Muddy Buddies