Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies
Sink your teeth into a sweet and salty sensation with these irresistible Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies! You won’t be able to resist this addictively delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, measure out the Chex cereal.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag and add the powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake until the cereal is coated in the sugar.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the muddy buddies and sprinkle with sea salt. Shake the bag again to mix evenly.
- Spread the muddy buddies out onto a baking sheet to set for about 30 minutes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 240
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 5g
Popular Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cereal?
While Chex cereal works best for this recipe, you can try using other types of cereal for a different flavor and texture. - Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for semisweet if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor. - Is there a substitute for peanut butter?
You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter. - Can I skip the sea salt?
The sea salt adds a nice salty contrast to the sweetness. However, you can omit it if you prefer. - How long will these keep?
Store the muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. - Can I freeze them?
Yes, you can freeze the muddy buddies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch. - Can I drizzle more caramel on top?
Feel free to add extra caramel sauce for a more indulgent treat. - Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well for this recipe. - Can kids help make this?
Kids can have fun mixing the cereal and shaking it in the powdered sugar.
Helpful Tips:
- For a crunchier texture, bake the muddy buddies in the oven at 250°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or pretzels for extra flavor and crunch.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate on top for a beautiful presentation.
- Store leftovers in individual portion bags for easy snacking on the go.
- Experiment with different flavors of caramel sauce, such as salted or spiced caramel.
- Use a mix of different cereals for a more colorful and varied snack.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the powdered sugar for a warm spice flavor.
- Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
- Double coat the cereal with chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
- Serve the muddy buddies in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Expert Secrets:
- Coat the cereal in the chocolate mixture while it’s still warm for better adhesion of the powdered sugar.
- Mix the cereal and chocolate in a large bowl instead of a bag for easier mixing and less mess.
- Use high-quality chocolate and caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt to suit your taste preferences – you can always add more for a saltier flavor.
- Store the muddy buddies in the refrigerator for a cool and refreshing snack.
- Try drizzling melted caramel on top of the finished muddy buddies for an extra caramel kick.
- For a special touch, sprinkle crushed toffee or caramel bits on top of the muddy buddies before serving.
- Experiment with different types of Chex cereal, such as Rice Chex or Wheat Chex, for a unique twist.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top of the finished muddy buddies for an extra burst of saltiness.
- Get creative with toppings like chopped nuts, drizzled chocolate, or crushed cookies to customize the muddy buddies to your liking.
