Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 12 · Technique: No-bake · Storage: Up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Quick Answer
Twix Muddy Buddies are a quick and delightful no-bake treat that combines Chex cereal with chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel for a sweet holiday snack.
As the leaves turn crisp and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air here in New York City, I can't help but think ahead to the upcoming holiday season. Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas parties are just around the corner, and what better way to bring joy to these celebrations than with a sweet snack? Twix Muddy Buddies are the perfect treat to indulge in while also serving as a festive gift for friends and family. Let's dive into this delicious and utterly addictive recipe!
A Festive Sweet Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors for an irresistible snack.
- Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy holiday seasons.
- Great for gifting, beautifully presented in jars or bags for friends and family.
- Adaptable recipe-add your favorite mix-ins for a personalized touch.
- Creates memorable moments filled with joy during holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
To whip up a batch of Twix Muddy Buddies, you'll need the following ingredients:
Cereal Base
- 9 cups of Chex cereal (mix of Rice and Corn Chex)
Chewy Mixture
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (preferably Jif)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli is recommended)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Toppings
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Sea salt, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Twix Muddy Buddies (Step-by-Step)
Let's dive into this delicious and utterly addictive recipe!
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Grab a large mixing bowl and a 9x13 baking dish. Line the dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolates
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter with the chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is glossy and smooth, being careful not to overheat.
Step 3: Mixing the Cereal
Once your chocolate-peanut butter mixture is perfect, pour it over the Chex cereal. The sound of the crunching cereal is music to my ears as I gently fold everything together, ensuring each piece is coated in the chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Adding the Caramel
Drizzle your caramel sauce over the cereal mixture. Watch in delight as it transforms into a luscious, gooey dream. Carefully toss everything together again, ensuring every piece gets that perfect caramel hug.
Step 5: Powder it Up
Sprinkle the powdered sugar over your mixture in the bowl, then seal tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Give it a good shake to coat every piece of cereal; this is where the magic happens.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Spread the Muddy Buddies evenly into your prepared 9x13 dish. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top. Leave it at room temperature to set or refrigerate for faster results.
Step 7: Serve or Store
Once set, break the mix into clusters. Pour it into festive bags or jars for an elegant touch perfect for gifting!
Step 8: Taste Test
Finally, grab a handful (or two) and savor the delightful crunch with a rich, chocolatey flavor followed by hints of caramel and peanut butter. I promise you won't be able to stop!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating Chocolate: Be cautious when melting your chocolate; it can become grainy if overheated. Always use short bursts and stir well between.
- Not Coating Well: Ensure you fold the cereal gently but thoroughly. If you find it's not all coated, try a little more caramel or chocolate to give it that extra love.
- Skipping the Chill: Don't rush the setting process; chilling the mix helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures everything sticks together.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an extra crunch, add crushed nuts like peanuts or pecans into the mix.
- If you have a sweet tooth, feel free to add in mini marshmallows or chocolate candies for an even sweeter treat.
- Store your Twix Muddy Buddies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations
- Replace Chex cereal with other cereals like Corn Flakes or Cheerios for a different texture.
- Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy contrast.
- Add flavored protein powder to the chocolate mixture for an extra nutrient boost.
How to Serve
- Pour into festive bags or jars for gifting.
- Serve in bowls at parties for a fun snack option.
- Top with additional drizzles of caramel or chocolate for added decadence.
- Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare Twix Muddy Buddies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to a week.
- Reheating: There is no need to heat as these are served cold or at room temperature.
- Freezing: You can freeze Muddy Buddies in an airtight container, but the texture may be affected upon thawing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Each time I whip up a batch of these Twix Muddy Buddies, I'm reminded of how simple ingredients can combine to create something truly special. The joy of sharing them with family during the holiday season brings so much warmth to my heart - it's a delicious reminder that little moments of sweetness are what make life so rich!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 cups · Serving Size: ½ cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~280 calories · 5g protein · 35g carbs · 13g fat
Recipe by:
Quick and Easy Twix Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grab a large mixing bowl and a 9x13 baking dish. Line the dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter with the chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the Chex cereal and fold everything together, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the cereal mixture and toss to ensure every piece is coated.
- Sprinkle the powdered sugar over your mixture and seal tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Shake to coat every piece.
- Spread the Muddy Buddies evenly into your prepared 9x13 dish and sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top if desired. Leave to set.
- Once set, break into clusters and serve in festive bags or jars.
- Grab a handful and savor the delightful crunch with rich chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter flavors!
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cereal?
Yes! While Chex cereal is recommended for its texture, you can experiment with other cereals like Crispix or even granola for a unique twist.
2. How do I store Twix Muddy Buddies?
Store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them.
3. Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! Twix Muddy Buddies can be made a few days in advance, making them a perfect treat for holiday gatherings.
4. What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you need an alternative, almond butter or sunbutter can be used, but keep in mind the flavor will slightly change.
5. How can I make these nut-free?
To make Twix Muddy Buddies nut-free, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini, ensuring no cross-contamination with nuts.
