Strawberry muddy buddies are a delicious snack made with Chex, white and red chocolate melts, strawberry cake mix, powdered sugar and M&MS.
This strawberry muddy buddies recipe (also called Strawberry Puppy Chow) is a favorite of ours because of how simple it is to make and how much flavor the strawberry cake mix adds. We like to make these with baked brie and chocolate peanut butter hearts.
Strawberry Muddy Buddies
Strawberry Muddy Buddies
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 The fun Valentine’s day colors of red, white and pink, or perfect for a baby shower!
📌 The delicious addition of M&Ms – we love chocolate and strawberry!
📌 This recipe makes a big batch and comes together in just 15 minutes!
Strawberry Muddy Buddy Ingredients
- Cake mix – Strawberry cake mix.
- Chocolate – White chocolate chips and red candy melts.
- Chex cereal – We used corn Chex but you can use any of the Chex cereal varieties.
- Powdered sugar – Also known as confectioners sugar.
- M&Ms – We used Valentine’s M&Ms for added red, white and pink color!
How do you make strawberry puppy chow? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, preheat the oven and spread the cake mix onto a baking sheet. Bake and then set aside to cool.
⭐ Next, divide the Chex mix into two large bowls. Melt the white chocolate then pour it into one of the bowls of Chex and mix until the cereal is coated completely. Repeat the process with the red chocolate melts.
⭐ Then, using two gallon sized ziploc bags, divide the powdered sugar and the heat treated cake mix between the two bags. Pour the white chocolate covered Chex into one bag and the red chocolate covered Chex into the other bag.
⭐ Finally, shake both bags until the powdered sugar mix fully coats the cereal. Once coated, allow to set then mix the muddy buddies into a large bowl and stir in the M&Ms.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can strawberry muddy buddies be made ahead of time?
Yes, this can be made a day or two in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.
Why do I need to bake the cake mix before adding to the muddy buddies?
Cake mix contains raw flour which can carry bacteria. Heat treating the cake mix to 160°F will kill off anything harmful and will make the cake mix safe to eat raw.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate, butter, and peanut butter for puppy chow?
My mother-in-law will tell you to use a double boiler (and she’s probably right), but honestly, I prefer to use the microwave on high in 15 – 30 second increments (lessen the time the more warm/melted it gets, and stir well in-between zaps).
Storage and leftovers
How long do strawberry muddy buddies last?
These will keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. Do not refrigerate as this can cause the chex to become soggy.
Can you freeze strawberry muddy buddies?
Yes! Seal the muddy buddies in an airtight freezer safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When fully defrosted, you will probably want to toss them in a little more powdered sugar just to bring them back to their former glory!
Tips and tricks
✅ Make sure the heat treated cake mix is cooled completely before adding to the ziploc bags to coat the cereal.
✅ Keep shaking the bag a few minutes after it seems like everything is covered in the cake mix and powdered sugar. Use your fingers to break apart any clumps and shake again to coat everything evenly.
✅ If you melt the chocolate in the microwave, do it in short increments, stirring in-between, to avoid scorching the chocolate. There is unfortunately no coming back from scorched chocolate!
Frequently asked questions
How many cups are in a box of Chex cereal?
A 12 ounce box of corn Chex contains roughly 11 cups of cereal.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for strawberry muddy buddies?
Certainly! While this recipe specifically calls for strawberry cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or even funfetti for unique variations.
Is there a substitute for candy melts in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute candy melts with white or dark chocolate chips, or almond bark. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for sweetness.
What can I use if I don’t have access to Valentine’s M&Ms?
Feel free to use any M&M variety or other festive chocolate candies. The goal is to add a pop of color and flavor to the muddy buddies.
How do I prevent clumps when shaking the ziplock bags with powdered sugar?
Shake the bags vigorously, and use your fingers to break apart any clumps. Keep shaking until the powdered sugar fully coats the cereal evenly.
Can I make strawberry muddy buddies without using an oven?
The cake mix can also be heat treated in a microwave if you do not have access to an oven.
What to make with strawberry muddy buddies (serving suggestions)
Strawberry muddy buddies are the perfect snack to serve around Valentine’s day but heck you can make them any time of the year! We like making these with champagne truffles, homemade 3 musketeers, and almond joy cookies.
More amazing muddy buddy (puppy chow) recipes to try!
- Mint chocolate muddy buddies
- Clasic puppy chow (muddy buddies)
- Hot cocoa muddy buddies
- Peppermint mocha puppy chow
- Reindeer chow
Tools we love
- Wooden spatula – My wooden spatulas are my absolute favorite to stir with. I don’t know why, but I feel like a real cook when I use them.
- Baking sheets – We love these from Nordicware. I use mine constantly.
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How to Make Strawberry Muddy Buddies
Strawberry Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, almond bark, or white candy melts
- 1 cup red candy melts
- 5 cups corn chex cereal
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup red white and pink M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the cake mix on a baking sheet, and bake for 5 minutes. Use a thermometer to ensure that the temperature reaches at least 160°F.* Set aside to cool.
- Melt white chocolate chips in a large microwave safe bowl on high power in 15 second increments, stirring between heat cycles. Pour half the chex cereal into the melted chocolate and stir until completely coated.
- In a second large microwave safe bowl melt candy melts on high power in 10 second increments, stirring between heat cycles. Pour remaining cereal into the melted candy melts and stir until completely coated.
- Using two gallon sized ziplock bags, place ¼ cup powdered sugar and ½ cup of the heat treated cake mix into each bag. Pour the white covered Chex cereal into one bag, and the red Chex cereal into the second bag. Shake both bags until the powdered sugar mix is fully covering the chocolate on the Chex.
- Spread the mixtures onto a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to set. (We don’t recommend using waxed paper). Once set, combine both mixes of the coated squares into one container, add in M&M’s and mints, and gently stir to combine.
Notes
Nutrition
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Strawberry Muddy Buddies
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Gina says
Can you say 100% addictive??!!! The strawberry flavor, the candies, the crunch – it’s all SOOOOOO GOOOOOD!
Beth says
Muddy buddies are my favorite snack mix of all time. I absolutely love the color and the classic sweetness of these.
Amanda says
These are addicting! The strawberry flavor is such a welcome addition!
Sandra says
These are perfect for Valentine’s Day! My kids had fun mixing everything up!
Erin says
A great snack! I’m definitely making this again!
Melissa says
Oh my goodness – these are so fun! i felt like i coul d eat the whole bowl!