Mouthwatering Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Recipe

Sweet & Salty Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Recipe to Love

Chocolate and caramel create pure magic when blended together in these irresistible salted caramel muddy buddies that promise to tantalize every sweet tooth.

Crisp Chex cereal gets coated in a decadent swirl of rich chocolate and smooth caramel.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that dance across your palate.

Powdered sugar provides the final delightful dusting that makes these treats absolutely addictive.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary snack that disappears faster than you can make them.

No gathering or movie night is complete without a bowl of these crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth morsels.

Prepare to become the snack hero everyone will be talking about.

Steps For Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

  • Cereal Preparation

Pour Rice Chex into a spacious bowl, creating a fluffy base for your delightful treat. Spread a layer of parchment paper across a baking sheet to catch the delicious magic about to unfold.

  • Chocolate Melting

Combine chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Gently warm in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy river of chocolatey goodness.

  • Caramel Creation

In a separate pan, melt sugar slowly until it turns a rich golden brown. Carefully add cream and salt, whisking until a luxurious caramel sauce develops with a perfect balance of sweetness and depth.

  • Flavor Fusion

Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal, folding gently to ensure every piece gets a delicious coating. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce, creating ribbons of rich flavor throughout the mix.

  • Powdery Finish

Dust the coated cereal with powdered sugar, shaking the bowl to create an even, snowy layer that adds a final touch of sweetness and prevents sticking.

  • Cooling and Storing

Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, allowing it to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container, where the flavors will continue to meld into an irresistible snack.

Smart Tips For Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

  • Caramel Crunch Mastery: Ensure your cereal is evenly coated by gently folding the mixture instead of stirring, which prevents breaking delicate Chex pieces.
  • Texture Perfect: Allow the caramel mixture to cool slightly before pouring over cereal, preventing soggy or overly soft muddy buddies that lose their signature crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular Rice Chex for gluten-free Rice Chex to make this treat safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising delicious flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Twist: Replace traditional caramel with a sugar-free caramel sauce and use a powdered sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version that still delivers incredible taste.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Store these muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected sweet cravings that strike anytime.

How To Share Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

  • Cozy Dessert Platter: Arrange the Muddy Buddies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh strawberries and chocolate drizzle for an elegant party presentation.
  • Sweet Snack Pack: Package these treats in cute mason jars or clear cellophane bags with ribbon ties, perfect for gifting to friends or as homemade party favors.
  • Movie Night Munchies: Serve in colorful ceramic bowls during family movie nights, creating a delightful shared snacking experience with minimal mess and maximum enjoyment.
  • Game Day Treat: Prepare these Muddy Buddies in team-colored serving dishes for sports gatherings, allowing guests to easily grab handfuls during exciting moments of the game.

Save Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Right

  • Snack Smart Storage: Seal Muddy Buddies in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to 5 days at room temperature.
  • Chilled Treat Option: Refrigerate for extended freshness, though the cereal might slightly soften after 2-3 days.
  • Party Prep Trick: Prepare the batch a day ahead and store in cool, dry place for convenient entertaining.
  • Freezing Strategy: Freeze in zip-lock bags for up to 3 weeks, allowing quick grab-and-go snacking whenever cravings hit.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 296 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything Inside Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

For Base:
  • Rice Chex Cereal: Crispy, light foundation that provides delightful crunch and absorbs the caramel coating beautifully.
For Coating Elements:
  • Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips: Melt into silky smooth glaze that creates irresistible golden-brown layers.
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps chocolate chips blend smoothly.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, warm sweetness with subtle molasses undertones.
  • Heavy Cream: Ensures luxurious, velvety texture in caramel sauce.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile by balancing sweetness with sophisticated saltiness.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates magical dusty coating that clings perfectly to each cereal piece, providing elegant final look.
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzles extra decadent sweetness and creates beautiful golden swirls across muddy buddies.

What Tools Help With Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

  • Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining ingredients thoroughly.
  • Baking sheet: Flat pan for spreading and cooling the Muddy Buddies.
  • Parchment paper: Non-stick surface to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
  • Measuring cups: Precise tool for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Helpful for stirring and mixing cereal with caramel coating.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Used for melting chocolate and caramel ingredients.
Print
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Mouthwatering Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Recipe

Mouthwatering Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Salted caramel muddy buddies deliver a delightful twist on classic chex mix. Chocolate, caramel, and powdered sugar create an irresistible snack that satisfies sweet and salty cravings when you want something quick and indulgent.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups / 270 g rice chex cereal
  • 1 cup / 200 g granulated sugar
  • 2 cups / 250 g powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup / 60 ml water
  • ½ cup / 120 ml heavy cream, warmed
  • ¼ cup / 60 g unsalted butter, cubed
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Position a spacious mixing bowl and parchment-lined baking sheet for efficient workspace management.
  2. Chocolate Fusion: Melt chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring at 30-second intervals until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
  3. Caramel Integration: Whisk caramel sauce into the melted chocolate, creating a golden-brown liquid that promises rich, indulgent flavor.
  4. Cereal Coating: Gently pour the caramel-chocolate mixture over Rice Chex, using a spatula to ensure complete and uniform coverage of each crispy morsel.
  5. Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle powdered sugar and salt over the chocolate-drenched cereal, shaking the bowl to guarantee an even, delectable distribution.
  6. Cooling Process: Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing the caramel-chocolate layer to set at room temperature and develop a crisp exterior.
  7. Storage and Serving: Once fully cooled, break apart any clusters and transfer to an airtight container to preserve the ultimate crunch and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Melt chocolate and butter slowly at low power to avoid burning, which can make chocolate grainy and unusable.
  • Coating Technique: Gently fold caramel-chocolate mixture into cereal using a rubber spatula to ensure even coverage without crushing delicate Chex pieces.
  • Salt Balance: Use fine sea salt for more controlled seasoning; adjust quantity based on personal taste preferences to enhance caramel’s depth.
  • Temperature Control: Allow muddy buddies to cool completely at room temperature to achieve optimal crispness and prevent moisture buildup in storage container.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 296
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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