Name: Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; ½ cup light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 2 cups powdered sugar; 5 cups rice Chex cereal

Jump to Recipe

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are a sweet, salty, and addictively crunchy snack that brings together the irresistible flavor of caramel with the light crispiness of rice Chex cereal. This no-bake treat is coated in a rich caramel sauce and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a hint of sea salt. Perfect for movie nights, holiday gatherings, or a quick sweet fix, these muddy buddies are easy to make and even easier to eat. Whether you’re preparing snacks for a party or just want something delicious on hand, this recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy and Fast to Make

This recipe is incredibly simple and quick, requiring no baking and only a few steps. You can whip it up in about 15 minutes from start to finish.

2. Perfect Sweet-Salty Balance

The combination of sweet brown sugar, buttery caramel, and a dash of sea salt creates a perfect flavor balance that keeps you coming back for more.

3. Great for Sharing

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are an excellent choice for parties, potlucks, and holiday treats. They’re portable, easy to portion, and universally loved.

4. Kid-Friendly and Fun

This is a fun recipe to make with kids, who will enjoy shaking the cereal in powdered sugar and sneaking tastes along the way.

5. Versatile for Any Occasion

You can dress these up with add-ins like chocolate chips, pretzels, or nuts, or keep it simple. They’re perfect for any season or reason.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Light corn syrup

Vanilla extract
Sea salt
Powdered sugar

Rice Chex cereal

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Once coated and sugared, drizzle melted chocolate over the muddy buddies for a sweet twist.
Nutty Mix: Add chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts for extra crunch and protein.

Holiday-Themed: Mix in holiday-colored candies or sprinkles for festive flair.
Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free Chex cereal to make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Add Pretzels: Stir in some mini pretzels before coating to bring an extra salty crunch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal

Place the rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set it aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for later.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Boil for 2 minutes while stirring, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt into the caramel mixture. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Quickly pour the hot caramel mixture over the rice Chex cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the caramel.

Step 5: Add the Powdered Sugar

Transfer the caramel-coated cereal into a large resealable bag or a large container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag or container, and shake until all pieces are fully coated.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Spread the coated muddy buddies onto the prepared baking sheet to cool and set. Once cooled, store or serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Work Quickly: The caramel sets fast, so have all your ingredients ready and move quickly once the sauce is ready.
Mix Gently: Stir gently to avoid breaking the cereal pieces, especially when coating with the caramel.
Let It Cool Completely: Let the muddy buddies cool fully on a baking sheet before transferring to a storage container to prevent clumping.

Use Fresh Cereal: Stale cereal won’t give the same satisfying crunch—use freshly opened cereal for best results.
Taste and Adjust Salt: Feel free to adjust the sea salt to your taste preference depending on how salty you want the final result.

How to Serve

Serve Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies in bowls for movie nights or bag them up for on-the-go snacking. They also make great homemade gifts when packaged in decorative containers or treat bags. Perfect for school lunches, road trips, or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

You can freeze muddy buddies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Muddy buddies don’t require reheating. If they’ve lost some of their crispness, you can spread them out on a baking sheet and briefly bake them at 250°F for 5 minutes to revive their texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and richness may be slightly different. Butter is recommended for the best taste.

2. How do I keep the muddy buddies from clumping?

Spread them out on a baking sheet right after coating with powdered sugar to prevent clumping as they cool.

3. Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?

Honey can be used, but it has a stronger flavor and slightly different texture. It may also make the mixture a bit stickier.

4. What’s the best cereal to use?

Rice Chex is preferred due to its neutral flavor and crisp texture, but corn Chex or a similar square-shaped cereal can also work.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure to mix in batches to ensure even coating and use a large enough bowl or bag.

6. How long do they stay fresh?

They stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

7. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free butter substitute and double-check that your cereal and other ingredients are dairy-free.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free Chex cereal and verify all other ingredients.

9. Can I add peanut butter to the caramel mix?

Yes, adding a tablespoon or two of peanut butter to the caramel sauce adds a delicious nutty depth.

10. Can I skip the powdered sugar?

You can skip it if you want a less sweet version, but it helps create the signature muddy buddy texture and taste.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are the ultimate combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy all in one irresistible snack. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, gifting them to friends, or just satisfying a sweet craving, this easy and fun recipe will quickly become a favorite. With a short prep time, simple ingredients, and endless customization options, you’ll find yourself making these muddy buddies again and again.