Trail Mix Muddy Buddies Recipe
A sophisticated twist on a nostalgic favorite, this upgraded snack mix features the deep, nutty flavor of browned butter and a subtle spark of smoked sea salt combined with classic chocolate and peanut butter crunch.
Equipment
- Large rimmed pan
- Waxed paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- 1-quart microwave-safe bowl
- 2-gallon resealable food-storage bag
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 5 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
- 4 cups Peanut Butter Chex cereal
- 2 cups Kraft® JET-PUFFED mini marshmallows from 10-oz bag
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips from 11.5-oz bag
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups peanut butter candy-dipped pretzels drizzled with milk chocolate from 8.5-oz bag
- 1 cup Planters® cocktail peanuts from 16-oz container
- 1 cup holiday-colored candy-coated chocolate candies
Instructions
Prep the Base
- Line a large rimmed pan with waxed paper. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the Chocolate Chex cereal, Peanut Butter Chex cereal, and mini marshmallows. Toss them gently so the marshmallows are evenly distributed.
Brown the Butter and Melt the Coating
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk the butter constantly until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Combine the browned butter, milk chocolate chips, and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 30 seconds, stir, and continue in 15-second intervals until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
- Stir the vanilla and a generous pinch of smoked sea salt into the warm chocolate mixture.
Coat, Shake, and Cool
- Pour the warm chocolate coating over the cereal and marshmallow mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold gently from the bottom until every piece of cereal is fully lacquered and coated.
- Transfer the coated mixture into a 2-gallon resealable food-storage bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag with plenty of air inside, and shake until the mix is snowy and evenly powdered.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared pan in a single layer. Allow it to cool completely for about 20 minutes until the coating is set and no longer tacky.
Finish with the Trail Mix Add-Ins
- Place the cooled mix into a large serving bowl. Fold in the chocolate-drizzled peanut butter pretzels, cocktail peanuts, and candy-coated chocolates, stirring just enough to distribute the ingredients without breaking the cereal.
Notes
Storage Tip: Store your muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to two months in a freezer-safe bag. Pro Technique: To ensure the best coating, leave a pocket of air in the storage bag before shaking. This prevents the cereal from being crushed while allowing the powdered sugar to reach every corner. Humidity Tip: If the weather is particularly humid, add one tablespoon of cornstarch to your powdered sugar. This acts as an anti-caking agent and keeps the sugar from turning into a paste. Safety Note: Ensure all bowls and utensils are bone-dry before melting chocolate, as even a small amount of moisture can cause the chocolate to seize and turn grainy. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.
Nutrition
Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 2gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!