Vegan Puppy Chow (AKA Muddy Buddies)

Vegan puppy chow, muddy buddies, reindeer food… whatever you choose to call this chocolate-y sugar-y treat, I've got the recipe for you!

When you hear puppy chow you most likely either think "what the heck is that" or "omg please give me some!" Unfortunately, puppy chow was not really on my radar until I went to college in the Midwest. During my freshman year as it started to near the holidays, everyone would come to class with puppy chow! My love affair for the chocolate-y, sugar-y winter treat began right then and there.

So, when planning out my winter recipes this season I knew that vegan puppy chow had to make the list! Luckily, with just a few simple swaps this recipe can easily be made vegan. You'll be bringing this puppy chow to holiday parties or making it for your friends as a food gift in no time!

What is Puppy Chow?

Despite its name, puppy chow is not food for your dog. It is a simple mixture of Chex cereal, butter, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Butter, chocolate, and sugar... what more could you ask for in a snack!? The final product does resemble dog food in a way, and puppy chow was born!

I have also heard the names muddy buddies, monkey munch and reindeer chow used for this treat!

Vegan Puppy Chow Ingredients

• Chex cereal: The star of the show! General Mills has several variations of their classic Chex cereal (corn, wheat, rice, etc.) so choose whatever works best for you.
• Vegan chocolate chips: Luckily, it’s not too hard to find vegan chocolate chips these days. In general, dark chocolate should be vegan—key word being “should.” Just be sure to check the label! A few brands I like that I’ve used are Lilly’s and Enjoy Life.
• Peanut butter: No puppy chow recipe is complete without peanut butter! If you aren't a peanut butter lover or if you're allergic to peanuts you can substitute in any other nut butter or sunflower butter.
• Vegan butter: Vegan butter has come a really long way since I went vegan in 2018! For this recipe, it might be best to find a vegan butter in stick form. Luckily, there are several brands that offer this now, including Miyoko’s and Earth Balance. There’s also Country Crock plant butter, which I’d recommend only if you can’t find the others as it contains palm oil (unfortunately Earth Balance does as well). Any vegan butter should work okay, though.
• Vanilla extract: If you want warm, cozy, and vanilla-y puppy chow, then vanilla extract is a must!
• Powdered sugar: To give the puppy chow its white and snowy look, you must add powdered sugar. I like the powdered sugar from the brand Wholesome because it is vegan and easily available at most major grocery stores.

How to Make Puppy Chow

1. In a large glass measuring cup, add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and vegan butter. Melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, until the mixture is completely melted.
2. Add the vanilla extract to the melted chocolate, and stir to combine.
3. Add the Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal and mix until all of the cereal is well coated.
4. Sprinkle the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time over the Chex, and mix until all of the Chex are coated in powdered sugar. You can also add the chocolate-covered Chex with the powdered sugar to a Ziploc bag, and shake until everything is well coated.
5. Let the Chex sit for 10-15 minutes to harden, and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

What if I'm allergic to peanut butter?
You can substitute any other nut butter or sunflower butter in this recipe for the peanut butter.

What can I add to puppy chow?
The great thing about this recipe it that it serves as a fantastic base for you to add in anything you'd like! Here are some ideas:

• Chocolate chips
• Unreal dark chocolate and crispy quinoa gems
• Pretzels
• Chopped candy canes (great for a holiday party)
• Peanut butter cups (perfect for using up extra Halloween candy
• Oreos
• Sprinkles
• Your favorite nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)

How long is puppy chow good for?
You can store the puppy chow in an airtight container for up to one week (no need to put it in the refrigerator). You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months.

How can I gift puppy chow?
Everyone loves food, so you can't really go wrong with a homemade food gift. To gift this puppy chow, pour some in a mason jar and It would be super cute to pour the puppy chow into a mason jar, tie a festive ribbon around it, and attach a gift tag. A perfect (and tasty) DIY holiday gift!

I know that this winter you'll be addicted to this puppy chow because it's...

• Easy
• Festive
• Chocolate-y
• Sugar-y
• Crunchy
• Nostalgic
• Only 6 ingredients
• Giftable

Let me know if you try out this recipe for vegan puppy chow, and if you do, I would love it if you left a rating and review below! Make sure you are also following along on Instagram and Pinterest for more food inspiration.

Check Out More Vegan Winter Recipes Below:

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Ginger Cookies
• Spiked Mulled Cider
• Peppermint Bark
• Nut-Free Vegan Eggnog
• Biscuits and Gravy
• Vegan Meatloaf
• Maple Roasted Carrots
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Pumpkin Pasta
• Vegan Herb Butter
• Pumpkin Soup
• Beyond Beef Shepherd's Pie
• Creamy Broccoli Leek Soup
• Lemon Orzo Soup
• Apple Cinnamon Rolls
• Pumpin Pie Bars
• Baked Apple Oatmeal
• Apple Pancakes
• Sugar-Free Apple Crisp

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