Rainbow Muddy Buddies
A quick and colorful twist on the classic muddy buddies, combining crunchy Rice Chex with a glossy chocolate-peanut coating, colorful sprinkles, and a fine powdered sugar dusting for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup chocolate chips Can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate depending on preference.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter A substitute for nut-free option is creamy sunflower seed butter.
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup colorful candy coating (or melted candy melts) Use for a visual and textural enhancement.
- to taste Sprinkles Optional, for decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Measure the cereal: Pour 9 cups Rice Chex into a very large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Melt chocolate and fats: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, and 1/4 cup butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each burst, until the mixture is smooth and glossy — about 1 to 1½ minutes total.
- Stir in vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir until fully incorporated.
Coating
- Coat the cereal: Pour the warm chocolate-peanut mixture evenly over the Rice Chex, using a spatula to gently fold and stir until each piece is coated.
- Mix the dry coating: In a large resealable bag or bowl, combine 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 cup colorful candy coating.
- Shake to coat: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the bag/bowl with the powdered sugar mixture. Seal and shake gently until evenly coated.
Cooling and Storing
- Cool and set: Spread the coated cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool for 10–15 minutes.
- Add sprinkles and store: Once cooled, scatter sprinkles on top if using. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
To maintain crispness, store in an airtight container away from moisture. Use a roomy bowl to prevent crushing the Chex during mixing.