Name: Pistachio Muddy Buddies: The Easiest Puppy Chow Recipe EVER
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 cups Chex Cereal (Rice, Corn, or Wheat); 12 ounces White Chocolate Chips; 1/2 cup Pistachio Butter; 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar; 3.4 ounce box Pistachio Pudding Mix (instant); 1/4 cup Pistachios, shelled and chopped (optional)

Pistachio muddy buddies! Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure, unadulterated bliss. These aren’t your average puppy chow snack; we’re taking things up a notch with the creamy, nutty flavor of pistachio. Pistachio muddy buddies are a fun twist on a classic, and they’re perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth – plus, they’re incredibly easy to make.

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Why You Will Love This pistachio muddy buddies Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Picture this: You’re curled up on the couch, a good movie is playing, and you’ve got a generous helping of pistachio muddy buddies right beside you. It’s simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. The salty, sweet, and nutty combination is addictive, honestly! I remember making these with my kids last summer; they vanished almost as quickly as we could make them. The vibrant green hue also makes them eye catching for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients Needed for This pistachio muddy buddies Recipe

Chex Cereal: 9 cups (Rice, Corn, or Wheat Chex work great)
White Chocolate Chips: 12 ounces (high quality is best!)
Pistachio Butter: 1/2 cup (smooth, unsalted)
Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups
Pistachio Pudding Mix: 3.4 ounce box (instant)
Pistachios: 1/4 cup, shelled and roughly chopped (for garnish, optional)

pistachio muddy buddies - Process or ingredients — Preparation process

How to Make This pistachio muddy buddies Recipe

1. In a large bowl, measure out the Chex cereal. Set aside.

2. In a microwave safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, pistachio butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat!

3. Pour the melted mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated.

4. In a large zip top bag, combine the powdered sugar and pistachio pudding mix.

5. Add the coated cereal to the bag. Seal the bag and shake well until all the cereal pieces are completely coated with the powdered sugar mixture.

6. Pour the pistachio muddy buddies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out in a single layer.

7. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios (if using).

8. Let the muddy buddies sit at room temperature until the chocolate has set, about 30 minutes. For faster setting, you can place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve This pistachio muddy buddies Recipe

Pistachio muddy buddies are fantastic on their own as a snack or dessert. Get creative!

Parties and Gatherings: Serve them in a festive bowl at parties, game nights, or holiday celebrations.
Edible Gifts: Package them in small cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ice Cream Topping: Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream or No Churn Pistachio Ice Cream for an extra decadent treat.
Trail Mix Addition: Combine with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips for a sweet and salty homemade trail mix.

How to Store This pistachio muddy buddies Recipe

Proper storage ensures your pistachio muddy buddies stay fresh and delicious!

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The cereal may become slightly softer, but the flavor will remain.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the cereal and coating.

Tips to Make This pistachio muddy buddies Recipe

Here are a few tricks to ensure your pistachio muddy buddies are a success:

Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
Use a Large Enough Bag: Make sure your zip top bag is large enough to comfortably coat all the cereal without crushing it.
Coat Thoroughly: Shake the bag well to ensure every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the powdered sugar mixture.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly.
Quality Ingredients: Using high quality white chocolate and pistachio butter will greatly improve the overall flavor. For example: consider making homemade Pistachio French Macarons with the same quality ingredients.

Helpful Notes for This pistachio muddy buddies Recipe

Pistachio Butter: You can find pistachio butter at specialty grocery stores, online retailers, or even make your own by blending roasted pistachios in a food processor until smooth.
Pistachio Pudding Mix: Make sure to use instant pistachio pudding mix, not cook and serve. The instant version adds flavor and helps the powdered sugar adhere to the cereal.
Cereal Choice: Feel free to experiment with different types of Chex cereal. Rice Chex provides a lighter crunch, while Corn Chex adds a slightly sweeter flavor.
Consider garnishing with some chopped pistachios to add to the authenticity and flavor!

Variation of This pistachio muddy buddies Recipe

Chocolate Pistachio: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the powdered sugar mixture for a chocolatey twist.
Salted Caramel Pistachio: Drizzle melted caramel over the muddy buddies before they set for a salted caramel flavor.
White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio: Add dried cranberries and a pinch of sea salt for a festive holiday variation. No Bake No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake is another festive alternative during holidays!

What are pistachio muddy buddies?

Pistachio muddy buddies, also known as puppy chow, are a sweet snack made from Chex cereal coated in melted chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and in this version, a touch of pistachio flavor. They are a crunchy, sweet, and addictive treat perfect for snacking.

How do I store leftover pistachio muddy buddies?

Store your pistachio muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer storage. They are best enjoyed within a week to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming sticky.

Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can certainly experiment with other types of nuts! While this recipe focuses on pistachio muddy buddies, feel free to use almonds, walnuts, or any other nut butter that you enjoy to create your own unique flavor combination.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free Chex cereal. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you are avoiding gluten.

Conclusion

These pistachio muddy buddies are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them during the holidays, or simply craving an easy no-bake treat, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Love easy desserts and fun snack recipes? Follow us on Pinterest for more no-bake treats, party mixes, and irresistible sweet creations!