Spiced Apple Cider Muddy Buddies

Get ready to discover your new favorite fall treat: Apple Cider Muddy Buddies! These irresistible snacks are incredibly easy to make and boast an amazing flavor that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. Whether you’re looking for a quick, satisfying snack or a delightful dessert to share, these muddy buddies are the ideal choice. Their simple preparation and delicious outcome make them a standout addition to any seasonal gathering or a cozy night in.

Discovering the Magic of Apple Cider Muddy Buddies

I must issue a friendly warning: once you try these Apple Cider Muddy Buddies, you might find it impossible to stop! This recipe marks my exciting first venture into the world of Muddy Buddies, a snack phenomenon I’ve seen frequently featured on Pinterest and stocked in grocery stores. Honestly, for the longest time, the name itself was a hurdle for me. “Muddy Buddies” just sounded peculiar for a food item, and I often wondered about its origin. Does anyone know the history behind this quirky name? It’s a mystery I’m still pondering!

Despite my initial reservations about the name, my skepticism was entirely swept away during a grocery trip to Yokes in Spokane. There, I had the pleasure of sampling these very Apple Cider Muddy Buddies, and it was love at first bite. Seriously, it was an instant infatuation! I immediately scoured the aisles, gathering every ingredient needed to whip up a massive batch as soon as I got home. That day, I became a true Muddy Buddies convert. I wholeheartedly adore them, even if I still secretly wish they had a more appealing name. The taste, however, is undeniably ah-mazing!

The delightful blend of crisp apple cider flavor with sweet, crunchy cereal makes this snack an absolute triumph, especially during the autumn months when apple cider is a staple. It evokes memories of apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and cozy evenings by the fire. If you’re a fan of seasonal apple treats, you might also enjoy our Apple Cider Cookies, made with fresh chunks of apple for an extra burst of fruity goodness.

Why These Apple Cider Muddy Buddies Are a Must-Try

Beyond their incredible taste, these Apple Cider Muddy Buddies offer a fantastic combination of convenience and versatility. They are a no-bake wonder, meaning you don’t need to turn on your oven, making them perfect for hot days or when you simply want a quick and easy dessert. The recipe is incredibly forgiving and can be customized to suit various preferences. Plus, they make an excellent homemade gift, a party snack, or a delightful addition to lunchboxes. Their unique apple cider twist sets them apart from traditional muddy buddy recipes, adding a seasonal charm that everyone will appreciate.

This recipe is also incredibly kid-friendly, both in terms of preparation and enjoyment. Little helpers can assist with shaking the bags, and everyone will love devouring the finished product. The contrast between the crunchy cereal and the sweet, powdery coating creates a satisfying texture that’s hard to resist.

Essential Ingredients for Your Fall Muddy Buddies

Creating these delightful Apple Cider Muddy Buddies requires just a few simple ingredients, easily found at most grocery stores:

• Cinnamon Chex Cereal: The perfect crunchy base. The cinnamon flavor already present in the cereal enhances the overall autumnal spice profile. You can also use plain Rice Chex or Corn Chex if you prefer a less pronounced cinnamon flavor, or if you want the apple cider to be the dominant spice.
• Vanilla Almond Bark: This provides the creamy coating that binds the flavors together. Almond bark is specifically designed to melt smoothly and set quickly, creating that signature crisp shell. White chocolate chips or confectionery coating can be used as alternatives, but ensure they melt well for a smooth consistency.
• Apple Cider Mix: This is the secret ingredient that infuses the snack with that incredible apple cider flavor. Look for instant apple cider drink mix packets for convenience. The concentrated powder delivers a strong, authentic apple taste.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners Sugar): The final powdery coating that gives muddy buddies their iconic look and sweet finish. It also prevents the cereal pieces from sticking together, ensuring a perfectly crumbly texture.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Muddy Buddies

Achieving the perfect batch of Apple Cider Muddy Buddies is incredibly straightforward, but a few pointers can elevate your experience:

• Bag It Up: I highly recommend using gallon-sized Ziploc bags. Dividing the cereal and ingredients into two bags, as suggested in the recipe, makes it significantly easier to shake and thoroughly coat the cereal. This prevents overcrowding and ensures every piece gets its fair share of deliciousness.
• Hands-Free Convenience: If you struggle with holding open Ziploc bags, consider using bag holders. These handy tools keep the bags upright and open, allowing you to pour in ingredients with ease and minimize spills.
• The Powdered Sugar Principle: Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar! You might find you need to add a little extra until the coated Chex cereal is fully separated and completely covered. The goal is to have each piece distinct and generously dusted, not clumpy. If the cereal still feels sticky after the initial shake, add more powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake again until you achieve that classic muddy buddy texture.
• Cooling is Key: After coating, spread your muddy buddies out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This allows them to cool and set properly, preventing them from clumping together and ensuring that satisfying crunch. You can even place them in the refrigerator for a quicker set.
• Even Coating Matters: When melting the almond bark, ensure it’s smooth and lump-free for an even coating. Microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, to prevent scorching. Pouring half into each bag helps distribute the melted bark more evenly.
• Shake, Shake, Shake: Vigorously shaking the bags is essential. Make sure the bags are well-sealed to avoid any sugary explosions! The more thoroughly you shake, the better coated your cereal will be.

Beyond Apple Cider: A World of Muddy Buddies

Now that I’m completely hooked on Muddy Buddies, also known as Puppy Chow (another name I find rather amusing for a human snack!), I’ve been exploring a wide array of fun recipes. The versatility of this snack is truly amazing, allowing for endless flavor combinations to suit any craving or occasion. Here are some fantastic muddy buddy recipes to try once you’ve mastered the apple cider version:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies: A classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies: Simple, rich, and utterly addictive.
• Sugar Cookie Muddy Buddies: Perfect for holidays or when you’re craving a sweet, celebratory treat.
• Christmas Muddy Buddies: Festive colors and flavors for the holiday season.
• Blueberry Lemon Muddy Buddies: A bright, zesty, and refreshing twist.
• Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies: Adorned with pink and red for a romantic touch.
• Lemon Muddy Buddies: A tangy and sweet option for citrus lovers.

Each of these variations showcases how easily the basic muddy buddy formula can be adapted to create a unique and exciting snack. You can also experiment with different cereal types, chocolate flavors, or even add spices like pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg to the apple cider mix for an extra autumnal kick.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Apple Cider Muddy Buddies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them in a large bowl at your next fall potluck, Halloween party, or Thanksgiving gathering. They’re also ideal for cozy movie nights, school snacks, or simply as a delightful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. For an extra touch, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few chopped dried apple pieces.

To store, keep your muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to prepare a large batch in advance, they can even be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Don’t forget to explore all our other delightful apple cider recipes and apple dessert recipes for more seasonal inspiration!

If you’re a recipe enthusiast, be sure to check out our collection of copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and our convenient Crock Pot Recipes.

Stay connected with Tammilee Tips for all our latest recipe posts by following us on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Apple Cider Muddy Buddies

How to make delicious Apple Cider Muddy Buddies. The perfect Fall snack.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 461 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 12.1 Ounce Cinnamon Chex Cereal
• 24 Ounce Vanilla Almond Bark
• 2 Apple Cider Mix packets
• 2 cups Confectioners Powdered Sugar

Instructions

1. Divide Chex cereal into 2 1-gallon zippered bags, then pour the apple cider mix over the cereal in each bag.
2. Melt the Vanilla Almond Bark according to package directions. Carefully pour half of the melted bark into each zippered bag with the cereal. Seal the bags and shake them well until the cereal is evenly coated.
3. Add the powdered sugar to each bag. Seal the bags securely and shake vigorously until all the cereal is thoroughly coated and no longer sticky.
4. Once coated, transfer the Apple Cider Muddy Buddies to a serving bowl or spread them on parchment paper to cool and set completely before serving.

Kitchen Tools

• Large Mixing Bowl (or 1-gallon Ziploc bags)

Notes

You may need to add additional powdered sugar and shake further until the Chex cereal is completely coated and separated, without any sticky clumps.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Apple Cider Muddy Buddies

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 461 Calories from Fat 153

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% Daily Value*

Fat 17g 26%

Saturated Fat 16g 100%

Sodium 180mg 8%

Potassium 105mg 3%

Carbohydrates 74g 25%

Fiber 3g 13%

Sugar 53g 59%

Protein 3g 6%

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Vitamin A 304IU 6%

Vitamin C 4mg 5%

Calcium 61mg 6%

Iron 9mg 50%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe originally shared on November 24, 2013. Updated September 2020. This article has been further revised for enhanced readability and SEO.