Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Recipe

If you’re craving something wonderfully sweet, extra crunchy, and just a little bit unbelievably addictive, you have to make Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies. This irresistible treat takes the classic puppy chow to the next level with a rich caramel coating, balanced perfectly by sea salt and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a snack that’s equal parts nostalgic and sophisticated—ideal for get-togethers or just those moments when you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies couldn’t be easier to pull together, but every ingredient packs a punch! The balance of sweet, salty, buttery, and crisp is what makes this recipe shine, and each component is crucial for that perfect munchable bite.

• Unsalted butter: Gives the caramel richness and body, while letting you control the salt level in the final snack.
• Packed brown sugar: Provides deep, molasses-y sweetness and that signature caramel flavor.
• Light corn syrup: Keeps the caramel smooth, glossy, and just sticky enough to coat every piece of Chex.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the caramel with warm, aromatic notes—trust me, don’t skip it.
• Sea salt: Elevates the sweetness and enhances every flavor in this crunchy mix.
• Powdered sugar: Envelops the coated cereal in a sweet cloud, giving the muddy buddies their iconic look and finish.
• Rice Chex cereal: The perfect base for soaking up all that amazing caramel, while giving every bite a satisfying crunch.

How to Make Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by placing the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. You want it fully melted and just beginning to bubble—this is what creates the rich foundation for your caramel. Be patient here; melted butter sets the stage for your whole batch of Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies!

Step 2: Cook the Caramel

Add the brown sugar and light corn syrup to the melted butter, stirring gently and constantly. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil (not a rolling one, just small bubbles), and let it cook for 2 minutes. This short simmer is what transforms those simple ingredients into a luxurious, silky caramel that clings perfectly to every bite of cereal.

Step 3: Finish the Caramel

Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in vanilla extract and the sea salt until both are totally dissolved. This is when the kitchen fills with that unmistakable caramel aroma—absolutely heavenly and a sneak peek of what’s to come!

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Pour your Rice Chex cereal into a big, heat-proof mixing bowl. Carefully (this part’s hot!), pour the salted caramel over the top. Gently toss everything together with a spatula or large spoon until every piece is glossy and evenly coated. Don’t rush—gentle folds mean you keep all those crispy squares intact.

Step 5: Add Powdered Sugar

Let the coated cereal cool down for about 5 minutes; this brief pause helps the caramel set up just enough to catch all the powdered sugar. Next, scoop everything into a large resealable plastic bag or container, sprinkle in the powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake until the cereal is blanketed in sweet, snowy goodness.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Spread your Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies out across a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. This is their time to dry and achieve that ideal crispiness. Resist the urge to dig in early—once they’re cooled and the coating has set, you’re ready to snack, share, or pack them up for later!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

Garnishes

Go ahead and have a little fun with garnishes! Try a sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt or a handful of mini chocolate chips before the mix is totally cool. For a grown-up twist, a dusting of cocoa powder will add an elegant finish that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are stars on their own, but they’re also delightful paired with bowls of fresh fruit, a mug of hot cocoa, or even some sharp cheddar cheese on a snack platter. The sweet-and-salty combo is especially delicious against a creamy latte or cold glass of milk.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Fill small jars or treat bags for party favors, pile the muddy buddies into a big serving bowl for movie nights, or layer them in clear cups with candy pieces for a snack parfait. You could even use cupcake liners for single-serve portions—adorable and practical for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week. Just make sure the container seals tightly so the cereal doesn’t lose its bite or pick up unwanted moisture.

Freezing

Freezing is a fantastic option if you’ve made a big batch. Place the cooled, finished mix in a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes and it’ll be just as crispy as day one.

Reheating

If you find your muddy buddies are slightly soft after storage or freezing, you can revive them by spreading the mix on a baking sheet and warming in an oven at 250°F for 3–5 minutes. Let them cool completely—they’ll crisp right back up and taste freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of rice Chex?

Absolutely! While rice Chex give that classic light crunch, corn or wheat Chex, or even crispy cornflakes, work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep the overall proportions about the same and you’ll be golden.

Is there a way to make Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies gluten-free?

You’re in luck—most rice Chex cereals are already gluten-free, so as long as you double-check your other ingredients, this recipe is naturally gluten-friendly and perfect for sharing with friends who have dietary restrictions.

What’s the best way to coat the cereal evenly?

Gently toss the cereal with the caramel using a broad spatula, folding from the bottom up. When it’s time to add powdered sugar, use a large zip-top bag so you can really shake everything together, ensuring thorough and even coating.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a bigger bowl and saucepan, and you might want to shake the mix in batches, so each bit gets enough powdered sugar. This is a surefire way to feed a party or prep snacks ahead for the week.

How salty should I make the caramel?

The amount of sea salt is personal—start with the recommended teaspoon, then taste a little bit of the caramel before pouring it on the cereal if you love an extra salty-sweet kick. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take salt out!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies at home, you’re missing out on a crunchy, buttery, and utterly crowd-pleasing snack. Give this easy recipe a go—you’ll love sharing it as much as snacking on it. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe at your next gathering!

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