Get ready to indulge in an irresistible seasonal treat that perfectly captures the cozy essence of autumn: Apple Cider Muddy Buddies! These delightful clusters of crispy cereal, coated in a luscious apple cider-infused chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar, are not just a snack; they’re an experience. So easy to prepare and absolutely bursting with flavor, they are destined to become your new favorite fall go-to, whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick after-school treat, or simply craving something sweet and comforting.
Irresistible Apple Cider Muddy Buddies: Your New Favorite Fall Snack!
Prepare yourself for a snacking revelation because these Apple Cider Muddy Buddies truly come with a warning label: you will not be able to stop at just one handful! The moment you taste the crisp Chex cereal enveloped in a sweet, tangy apple cider-infused coating, you’ll understand why this recipe is a must-try for autumn and beyond.
For a long time, the phenomenon of “Muddy Buddies” (also known as “Puppy Chow”) remained a mystery to me. I’d seen countless variations across Pinterest and even spotted them in grocery stores, but honestly, the name itself was a hurdle. “Muddy Buddies” just sounded peculiar for a food product. It makes one wonder about the origin of such an intriguing name. If anyone out there knows the history behind “Muddy Buddies” or “Puppy Chow,” I’d love to hear it!
My hesitation about Muddy Buddies persisted until a memorable grocery shopping trip at Yokes here in Spokane. It was there, amidst the bustling aisles, that a sample of these very Apple Cider Muddy Buddies was offered. One bite, and it was instant love. Serious, undeniable love, to the point that I immediately changed course and began collecting every ingredient needed to recreate a massive batch as soon as I got home. That day, I officially became a Muddy Buddies convert. While I still wish they had a more appetizing name, their absolutely amazing flavor triumphs all! These sweet, crunchy treats are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
If you’re as passionate about apple cider as we are, you might also enjoy our delightful Apple Cider Cookies, packed with fresh chunks of apple. They’re another perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season!
Why Apple Cider Muddy Buddies Are a Seasonal Must-Have
Fall brings with it a symphony of flavors, and apple cider is undoubtedly one of its most cherished notes. Integrating this beloved autumn beverage into a classic snack like Muddy Buddies elevates it to new heights. The tart and sweet essence of apple cider perfectly complements the richness of vanilla almond bark, creating a balanced and incredibly addictive flavor profile. It’s a comforting taste that evokes crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy gatherings. This recipe stands out because it marries the familiar crunch of Chex cereal with a unique, autumnal twist that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Beyond the fantastic flavor, the ease of making these Apple Cider Muddy Buddies makes them incredibly appealing. Requiring minimal ingredients and even less time, this snack is perfect for last-minute parties, school treats, or simply satisfying a sweet craving without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a versatile recipe that appeals to all ages, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Muddy Buddies
Creating these delightful Apple Cider Muddy Buddies requires just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry:
- Cinnamon Chex Cereal: This provides the perfect crispy base and a lovely hint of cinnamon, which pairs beautifully with apple cider. The texture holds up wonderfully to the coating.
- Vanilla Almond Bark: Crucial for forming the sweet, creamy coating that binds all the flavors together. It melts smoothly and sets quickly, making the process a breeze. White chocolate can also be used as an alternative.
- Apple Cider Mix: The star ingredient! Powdered apple cider mix (like the packets used for hot apple cider) infuses that distinct, comforting apple cider flavor throughout the snack.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This is what gives Muddy Buddies their signature “muddy” appearance and adds an extra layer of sweetness, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and separated.
Expert Tips for Perfect Muddy Buddies
Achieving perfectly coated, non-sticky Muddy Buddies is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Use Gallon Ziploc Bags: These are your best friend for this recipe! Dividing the cereal and ingredients into two separate gallon-sized zippered bags makes the coating process much easier and more efficient. It allows for thorough shaking and even distribution of the almond bark and powdered sugar without making a huge mess.
- Bag Holders for Convenience: If you have them, consider using Ziploc bag holders. These handy gadgets keep the bags open and upright, freeing up your hands to pour in ingredients and making the entire process smoother and less prone to spills.
- Shake Vigorously: Don’t be shy! Once the melted almond bark and then the powdered sugar are added, seal the bags tightly and shake them vigorously. The goal is to coat every single piece of cereal completely.
- Adjust Powdered Sugar as Needed: The amount of powdered sugar can vary slightly based on humidity and how much coating the cereal absorbs. You may need to add an additional ¼ to ½ cup of powdered sugar per bag until the Chex cereal is fully coated and no longer sticking together. Each piece should be distinct and powdery.
- Work Quickly with Melted Bark: Melted almond bark can start to set fairly quickly. Ensure your cereal and apple cider mix are ready in the bags before melting the bark, so you can pour and shake immediately.
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the Muddy Buddies to cool completely and the coating to harden before transferring them to an airtight container. This prevents them from clumping together and ensures their crisp texture.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Apple Cider Muddy Buddies are incredibly versatile for serving. They make a fantastic addition to any fall gathering, holiday party, or potluck. Serve them in a large decorative bowl for guests to scoop, or package them into smaller treat bags for party favors or thoughtful gifts. They’re also perfect for a cozy movie night snack, a crunchy addition to lunchboxes, or a simple pick-me-up during the day.
To keep your Apple Cider Muddy Buddies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and crunchy for up to a week. For an even longer shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator, though they are best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture. Avoid storing them in humid environments, as this can make them sticky.
Additional Muddy Buddies Recipes to Explore
Now that I’m completely hooked on Muddy Buddies, I’ve embarked on a mission to discover and try even more fun recipes. It’s fascinating how many variations exist, and I also learned that these delightful treats are often called “Puppy Chow” – another curious name for a snack!
If you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of Muddy Buddies, here are some other fantastic recipes to explore:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies: A classic combination that never disappoints.
- Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies: Simple, nutty, and oh-so-good.
- Sugar Cookie Muddy Buddies: Perfect for birthdays or any time you crave a festive touch.
- Christmas Muddy Buddies: A seasonal favorite that adds holiday cheer.
- Blueberry Lemon Muddy Buddies: A bright, zesty twist that’s unexpectedly refreshing.
- Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies: Share the love with this sweet, themed treat.
- Lemon Muddy Buddies: Another tangy option for citrus lovers.
Don’t stop there! Be sure to explore all of our apple cider recipes for more seasonal delights, and satisfy your sweet tooth with our wider collection of apple dessert recipes.
If you’re a true recipe enthusiast, check out our other popular categories like copycat recipes for recreating your restaurant favorites, indulgent dessert recipes, and our convenient Crock Pot Recipes for effortless meals.
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Apple Cider Muddy Buddies
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Ingredients
- 12.1 Ounce Cinnamon Chex Cereal
- 24 Ounce Vanilla Almond Bark
- 2 Apple Cider Mix
- 2 cups Confectioners Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Divide Chex cereal into 2 1-gallon zippered bags, pour cider mix over the cereal.
- Melt Almond Bark according to directions on the package, pour half in each bag. Shake well.
- Add powdered sugar to bag and shake vigorously.
- Place in a serving bowl.
Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
Notes
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 153
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Recipe originally shared on November 24, 2013. Updated September 2020.