This vegan puppy chow recipe combines chex cereal, vegan chocolate chips, peanut butter, vegan butter, and powdered sugar for the ultimate holiday treat. It's my dairy free and gluten free version of muddy buddies snack mix!
If you grew up snacking on puppy chow, also called muddy buddies, this vegan version brings back all the same nostalgic flavors. Every handful is a mix of crispy cereal, creamy chocolate peanut butter, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
You'll love this family favorite recipe because it's completely allergy-friendly, made without dairy or gluten, and perfect for the whole family to enjoy. It's a quick, no-bake dessert that comes together with just a few simple ingredients, a couple of mixing bowls, a large ziplock bag, and a baking sheet for setting. No oven needed!
And of course, it's just plain fun. Who can resist that chocolatey, peanut buttery mix of crispy cereal coated in sweet powdered sugar? It's rich, crunchy, and always a hit for gifts, parties, and potlucks.
Ingredient notes
Here's what you need to make dairy free puppy chow from scratch, plus my recommendations and suggested substitutions.
- Chex cereal: I recommend using Chex rice cereal for the lightest, crispiest texture, but corn or wheat Chex work too.
- Vegan chocolate chips: Choose your favorite vegan chocolate chips (I like Guittard, Trader Joe's, and Enjoy Life). You can mix semisweet and dark varieties depending on how rich you want the flavor.
- Peanut butter: Shelf-stable creamy peanut butter melts smoothly and coats the cereal evenly. For a nut-free puppy chow, substitute with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
- Vegan butter: Use a non-dairy butter or coconut oil to keep this recipe fully vegan. I typically use Earth Balance or Miyoko's for reliable texture and melt.
- Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners' sugar, this is the final coating that gives your puppy chow that sweet, snow-dusted finish. Key for the classic look and texture!
How to make vegan puppy chow
This is a quick overview of the steps, find the measurements and detailed directions in the recipe card.
Start by lining a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier later! Pour your Chex cereal into the biggest bowl you own. It needs plenty of space for mixing without crushing the pieces.
Next, melt the vegan chocolate chips, peanut butter, and vegan butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. I usually do 30-second bursts, stirring between each one until it's perfectly smooth and glossy. If you prefer a darker flavor, mix in some dark chocolate chips too. It gives the muddy buddies a rich, not-too-sweet twist.
Pour that melty goodness over your cereal and gently stir with a rubber spatula until every piece is coated. Don't rush this step. Taking a minute here helps avoid breaking the cereal.
Now for my favorite part: the powdered sugar shake! Coat perfectly with my clump-proof coating method... I layer it in a big gallon-sized zip-top bag - a little sugar, a little cereal, repeat - then seal it up tight and shake like crazy. It's messy, fun, and super satisfying when you open the bag to reveal that snowy coating.
Spread the puppy chow out on the lined pans to cool for about 10 minutes. Once it's dry, store it in an airtight container. It keeps for about 5 days at room temp, but honestly, I love keeping a stash in the freezer. It stays crunchy and tastes like a cold snack mix straight from the bag!
Tips from Jenna
I've tested homemade vegan muddy buddies several times in my kitchen so you can recreate it with ease in yours. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Shake in batches: If you don't have a large enough ziplock bag, split the mix into smaller portions for easier, more even coating.
- Sift the sugar: Break up any lumps before adding so the powdered sugar distributes smoothly.
- Toss while still tacky: Coat while the chocolate mixture is slightly wet so the sugar sticks better.
- Add a pinch of salt: It brings out the chocolate and peanut butter flavor perfectly.
- Add a dash of vanilla extract (or peppermint): A touch of vanilla deepens the flavor, while peppermint gives it a festive holiday twist.
- Package it up: Once cooled, scoop it into mason jars, cellophane treat bags, or small airtight containers for easy gifting. Add a ribbon or tag for a cute homemade touch.
- Mix it up: Try adding pretzels, vegan marshmallows, or candies for fun seasonal variations.
Related recipes
If you're looking for a savory snack mix, you'll love my spicy texas trash! Christmas cracker toffee is another holiday classic to try this winter season. And don't miss my vegan cheesecake, vegan pecan pie bars, and vegan gingerbread loaf. Tried this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a rating and comment below!
Dairy Free Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounce box rice chex cereal 11 cups
- 1 ½ cups vegan chocolate chips 10 ounces
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup vegan butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Pour the cereal into a large mixing bowl.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the vegan chocolate chips, peanut butter, and vegan butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and use a rubber spatula to gently stir until every piece is evenly coated.
- Add 1 cup of powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag, then ⅓ of the chocolate-coated cereal. Add 1 cup more powdered sugar, half of the remaining cereal, the last cup of powdered sugar, and the rest of the cereal. Seal the bag and shake until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheets and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Store your vegan puppy chow (muddy buddies) in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
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