Healthier Chex Muddy Buddies
I’m not one to usually walk down the cold cereal aisle, but I had a conversation with some friends recently and they told me about how many varieties of Chex there are. I didn’t know there are at least 13, here I was thinking there was just corn, rice, and wheat.
Funny story, I came home and told my husband, “We need to try new varieties of Chex.”
He was unusually interested in my comment and, come to find out, he thought I said varieties of something else that ends in -ex. 😂
Anyway, it led me to buying some Rice Chex as a special treat, and then the idea for healthier Muddy Buddies came like pure inspiration. It’s been really fun inspiration to act on.
The traditional recipe of Muddy Buddies (also known as Puppy Chow) has butter, chocolate chips, and powdered sugar in it. I know from childhood experience that recipe is absolutely addicting and delicious, BUT I honestly have no desire to eat powdered-sugary things anymore. This version is obviously less sweet, but it’s an amazing little Christmas season snack. I love them frozen, for some reason. The honey gets thick and chewy and is so yummy contrasted with the crispy Chex.
Now, this is no weight-loss recipe. While not low in calories, fat, or natural sugars, this is a more nutrient-dense higher-fiber version of Chex Muddy Buddies. The ingredients are all whole foods except the Chex themselves (I’ve yet to hear of a Chex tree). 
About that Coconut
I get shredded coconut (and dry beans, nuts, dates, aluminum-free baking powder, etc.) from bulk from Azure Standard. Use this link to create a free account! You’ll save money and have a shorter grocery shopping list.
If you like to make or gift healthier treats, here are a few more!
Healthier Peppermint Chocolate Bliss Balls
Secret-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies
Italian Lentil Barley Soup-in-a-Jar
A whole-foods version of the classic recipe--using peanut butter, honey and shredded coconut instead of butter, chocolate chips and powdered sugar.
- 1/2 cup honey (can sub maple syrup, but honey is stickier)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 TBSP cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 cups Chex cereal (I recommend corn or rice)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder (totally optional)
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In a bowl (or small pot) combine the peanut butter, honey, and cocoa. Microwave for 30 seconds, or gently warm it up on the stovetop and stir until the ingredients are melty and well-mixed.
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Put the 5 cups of Chex into a large bowl. Toss the chocolate mixture over it and stir until all the Chex are coated.
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Put the 3/4 cup finely shredded coconut into a large zip loc bag and the protein powder (if using), then add the Chex and shake until well-coated. You could probably just stir the coconut over the Chex without putting it into a bag, but shaking it is just fun, so that's what I do.
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Let firm up in the fridge or freezer for at least 5 minutes before eating. I like to eat it frozen or chilled.
We’ve made this one a few times in our family, and it’s always a hit! The coconut can fall off and gather at the bottom of the container, but we’ve also pulsed it in the blender before and it sticks better! Great recipe 🙂
Great tip! Thank you!