Easy Pistachio Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) Recipe

Introduction

Easy Pistachio Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a delicious twist on a classic snack. This version features a delightful pistachio flavor and white chocolate coating, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3.4-oz box instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 5 cups rice Chex cereal
• 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers
• 1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Line a work surface or baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
2. Step 2: In a gallon-size zip-top bag, combine the powdered sugar and dry pistachio pudding mix. Seal the bag and shake well to mix thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Add almond extract to the bag, seal again, and shake to incorporate the extract evenly into the sugar mixture.
4. Step 4: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate melting wafers and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir to coat the cereal quickly before the chocolate hardens.
6. Step 6: Transfer the coated cereal into the zip-top bag with the sugar mixture. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the cereal evenly with the sugar-pistachio blend.
7. Step 7: Spread the coated cereal evenly onto the prepared lined surface. Allow it to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality white chocolate melting wafers to avoid seizing and ensure a smooth coating. Ghirardelli makes a reliable brand.
• If you want a stronger pistachio flavor, decrease the powdered sugar to 1/3 cup and add a second package of instant pistachio pudding mix.
• Vanilla almond bark can be substituted for white chocolate wafers if preferred.

Storage

Store the pistachio puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If it softens, simply give it a gentle shake before serving. No reheating is needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant pistachio pudding?

Instant pudding mix is necessary because it coats the cereal and absorbs moisture quickly, creating the signature texture. Regular pudding mix will not provide the same result.

What can I do if the white chocolate seizes while melting?

White chocolate can seize if overheated or exposed to moisture. Melt it slowly in short increments and stir frequently. Using melting wafers designed for confectionery helps prevent this.

Easy Pistachio Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

This Easy Pistachio Puppy Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies, is a delightful twist on the classic snack, featuring a unique pistachio flavor. It combines crispy rice Chex cereal coated in a smooth white chocolate and butter mixture, then dusted with a flavorful blend of powdered sugar, instant pistachio pudding mix, and almond extract. Perfect for parties, snacks, or holiday treats, it’s simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3.4-oz box instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 5 cups rice Chex cereal

Wet Ingredients

• 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers
• 1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Prepare Chex Cereal: Place 5 cups of rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Line a work surface or baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper to spread the finished snack later.
2. Mix Sugar and Pudding Blend: In a gallon-sized zip-top bag, combine 2/3 cup powdered sugar with the entire 3.4-oz box of instant pistachio pudding mix. Seal the bag securely and shake vigorously to mix the powders evenly.
3. Add Almond Extract: Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to the zip-top bag, seal again, and shake to incorporate the liquid flavoring thoroughly into the sugar mixture.
4. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers with 1/4 cup butter cut into pieces. Microwave initially for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring each time until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, taking care not to overheat.
5. Coat Cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the rice Chex cereal in the large bowl. Gently stir with a spatula to evenly coat all the cereal pieces with the chocolate, working quickly to avoid the chocolate hardening.
6. Coat with Sugar Mixture: Transfer the coated cereal into the zip-top bag containing the pistachio powdered sugar blend. Seal the bag and shake well until every piece is thoroughly coated.
7. Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly onto the lined surface (parchment or wax paper). Allow it to cool completely so the chocolate sets, then break into clusters and serve or store.

Notes

• White chocolate chips can sometimes seize or harden when heated. Using high-quality white chocolate melting wafers, such as Ghirardelli, ensures smoother melting.
• Heating the chocolate and butter mixture in short intervals prevents overheating and graininess.
• You can substitute vanilla almond bark for white chocolate melting wafers if preferred.
• For a stronger pistachio flavor, reduce powdered sugar to 1/3 cup and increase to two boxes of instant pistachio pudding mix.

Keywords: Pistachio Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, white chocolate, pistachio pudding mix, sweet snack, easy snack recipe