Reese’s Muddy Buddies

Quick and easy Reese’s Muddy Buddies are the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy and delicious! This flavor-packed, no-bake treat is loaded with chocolate, peanut butter and plenty of Reese’s candy! Perfect for parties, movie nights, holidays or snacking at home – this muddy buddies recipe is guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Love Reese’s as much as I do? Make sure to try these favorites: Reese’s Peanut Butter Fluff, Reese’s Marshmallow Brownies and these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Mini Cheesecakes!

Muddy Buddies Recipe

These Reese’s Muddy Buddies take the classic snack mix to a whole new level with even more chocolate and peanut butter goodness. Every handful is packed with crunchy cereal, salty peanuts, creamy candy coating and a generous assortment of Reese’s candies. It’s sweet, crunchy and completely irresistible!

As you likely already know, Reese’s are my favorite candy (and I’ve got a child named Reece to prove it!) and any chance I can add Reese’s candy to recipes, I do! Muddy buddies are the perfect recipe to customize with your favorite flavors and candy and this is one of my all-time favorite ways to do it.

Best of all, this crowd-pleasing muddy buddies recipe is easy to make and requires no baking. Whip up a batch for game day, movie night, holiday parties or homemade gifts. Just make sure you save a little for yourself because this snack mix disappears quickly!

This sweet snack mix is a favorite year round but this Reese’s version is perfect for fall with the orange, yellow and brown colors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There is so much to love about this fun twist on classic muddy buddies. It comes together quickly, makes a generous batch and is guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate and peanut butter craving. Here’s why we love it so much:

• No baking required. This easy treat comes together without ever turning on the oven.
• Loaded with Reese’s. Peanut butter chips, Reese’s Minis, Reese’s Pieces and Reese’s Miniatures make every handful extra special.
• Sweet and salty. Lightly salted peanuts balance the sweetness and add even more satisfying crunch.
• Perfect for sharing. This recipe makes plenty for parties, holidays, game day or gifting.
• Easy to customize. Add more of your favorite Reese’s candies or switch up the mix-ins to suit any occasion.

How To Make Muddy Buddies

This easy snack mix comes together in just a few stages. Use an extra-large bowl for mixing so there is plenty of room to coat the cereal without crushing it.

Let’s take quick look at how to make this recipe and, as always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter together on medium heat in the microwave. Drizzle over the top of the cereal and peanuts and toss gently to combine. Fold in the Reese’s Minis
2. Add half to one bag with powdered sugar and half into the remaining bag. Gently shake until the mixture is fully coated. Spread the contents of both bags onto the parchment lined surface and let set up for 15 minutes.
3. Sprinkle on the Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Miniatures, and additional peanuts, peanut butter chips, and Reese’s Pieces if desired.
4. Toss gently to combine. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature: Store Reese’s Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep the container in a cool, dry place so the chocolate coating and candies don’t soften or melt.
• Make Ahead: This recipe is a great make-ahead option for parties and holidays. Prepare it several days in advance and store it tightly covered until you’re ready to serve.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place the muddy buddies in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to two months. Let the snack mix come to room temperature in the closed container before opening it. This helps prevent condensation from forming on the candy and cereal.

Variations To Try

This muddy buddies snack mix is easy to customize for different occasions and flavor preferences. Keep the same basic proportions while swapping in some of your favorite candies and crunchy mix-ins.

• Mini pretzels or pretzel pieces add a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and peanut butter.
• Add plain popped popcorn after the coated cereal has cooled for a lighter, extra-crunchy addition.
• Use seasonal Reese’s Pieces. Look for holiday color combinations to coordinate the mix with Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Easter.
• Stir in milk chocolate, semisweet or dark chocolate chips after the mixture has cooled completely.
• Try another Chex flavor. Rice or Corn Chex can be substituted for a slightly less chocolate-forward version.

Can I use chocolate melting wafers instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, chocolate melting wafers are an easy substitute because they melt smoothly and set firmly. I recommend Ghirardelli melting wafers for the best flavor. Eliminate the butter in the recipe.

How do I keep the cereal from breaking?

Use a very large bowl and fold the coating into the cereal gently with a silicone spatula. When shaking the mixture with powdered sugar, leave some air in each bag and shake gently rather than squeezing or crushing the cereal.

Why is my powdered sugar coating uneven?

The cereal may have cooled too much before it was added to the powdered sugar, or the bags may have been overfilled. Divide the mixture evenly between both bags and shake it while the chocolate coating is still tacky.

Can I make this recipe without peanuts?

Yes. Leave out the roasted peanuts and replace them with additional cereal, pretzels or another crunchy mix-in. Keep in mind that the recipe will still contain peanuts because of the Reese’s candies and peanut butter chips.

Trish’s Tips

• Use the largest mixing bowl you have so you can gently toss the cereal without making a mess.
• Have the powdered sugar bags prepared before melting the coating. Once the cereal is coated, you’ll want to work fairly quickly.
• Make sure the ziploc bags are securely sealed before shaking. Don’t ask me how I know this…
• Heat the chocolate mixture gradually at a low heat.
• Let the muddy buddies cool completely before adding the Reese’s candies.
• If the mixture looks a little sparse after spreading it out, scatter additional Reese’s candies, peanut butter chips and peanuts over the top.
• Serve the snack mix in a large bowl, portion it into individual cups or package it in cellophane bags for an easy homemade gift.

More Chocolate Peanut Butter Favorites

1. Peanut Butter Blossoms
2. Peanut Butter Cheesecake
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
4. Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Fudge
5. Buckeyes

Originally published April 7, 2015.