Vegan Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow Mix)
Dec 03, 2024 • Updated Feb 05, 2025
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These vegan muddy buddies are the perfect snack. This little plant-based, gluten-free treat uses clean ingredients to create the nostalgic crunch of the traditional muddy buddies recipe we all know and love. The crunch of Chex cereal with the earthy sweetness of matcha creates a snack that’s both satisfying and mindful- and in my humble opinion, the best puppy chow recipe around. These throw-together vegan muddy buddies are perfect to share with loved ones or to keep all for yourself. This recipe will bring a unique and delicious flavour to your dessert life.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Matcha Muddy Buddies
I love finger food snacks that are simple to throw together but everybody loves. Like my healthy pumpkin spice pecans, or cinnamon bun bites (vegan, of course). This vegan puppy chow recipe has less sugar than typical muddy buddy recipes, and it’s completely plant-based and gluten-free, making it a delicious dessert for a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing any flavour. I had to include ceremonial grade matcha which gives this snack a unique, earthy sweetness that balances the powdered sugar coating so well.
It’s also quick and easy to whip up – no baking required – so it’s ideal for last-minute gatherings or satisfying spontaneous cravings. Plus, it’s highly customizable! You can switch up the nut butters or toss in mix-ins like nuts and dried fruit for extra crunch and texture. Whether you’re making it for a party or enjoying it solo, this is a fun dessert that is about to become a favorite of anyone who eats it. Serve it with a drizzle of homemade maple cream for an extra layer of sweetness!
Ingredient Notes
- Neutral, unsweetened cereal of choice: This creates the crispy, crunchy base, but any neutral-flavoured cereal works as long as it holds its shape. Corn chex cereal, rice chex cereal, or puffed rice cereal are some good cereal options.
- Dairy-free white chocolate chips: These provide a sweet, creamy coating that binds everything together. You can use vegan chocolate chips or regular chocolate chips or, dark chocolate chips for a richer twist.
- Creamy cashew butter: Adds a smooth, nutty richness that helps the coating stick, but almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work just as well for different flavour profiles or nut-free needs. If you don’t need a nut-free option – you can totally use creamy peanut butter.
- Coconut oil: Melts smoothly into the chocolate and nut butter. Vegan butter or a neutral-flavoured oil can be used if preferred.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the matcha flavour, but any fine sea salt works too—just start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
- Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the coating. Maple or almond extract could add a fun flavour variation.
- Organic powdered sugar: Coats the cereal for that classic muddy buddy finish. YOu can use regular powdered sugar or, if you don’t want to use traditional powdered sugar at all coconut sugar blended into a powder works for a refined-sugar free option.
- Ceremonial grade matcha powder: Adds a vibrant green colour and earthy, slightly sweet flavour. I highly, HIGHLY recommend using ceremonial grade matcha. It makes all the difference.
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
Other Mix-In Suggestions
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Dried fruit
- Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips
How to Make This Vegan Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, cashew butter, and coconut oil and melt in 30-second increments, removing from the microwave and stirring each time. Be careful not to over-microwave as you can accidentally burn the mixture.
Step 2: Once smooth, whisk in salt and vanilla bean paste (or extract) to your melted chocolate mixture. Pour that mixture over the dry cereal in a large mixing bowl and stir to ensure all the cereal is lightly coated. If adding in mix-ins, add them in at this step and stir to coat them as well.
Step 3: In a large ziploc bag or bowl, sift together powdered sugar and matcha powder. Add batches of the coated cereal to the bag, seal, and shake until well coated. Repeat with remaining cereal.
Step 4: Transfer the coated cereal to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or store as directed below.
Secrets to Success
- When combining the cereal with the melted mixture, stir gently to avoid crushing the cereal pieces, ensuring a better texture.
- Shaking the cereal in a sealed bag with the powdered sugar coating ensures each piece is coated evenly for a consistent flavour.
- Using high-quality matcha and clean ingredients enhances the flavour and presentation.
Serving Tips
- Serve in a large bowl for gatherings, or portion into small cups for individual servings at parties!
- Enjoy alongside a cup of an easy citrus fruit punch, hot or iced matcha, or vegan hot chocolate.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, to keep your puppy chow fresh and crunchy.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can blend coconut sugar into a fine powder to use as a refined sugar-free alternative.
Easy Cereal Recipes
If you make this recipe, be sure to let me know what you think with a star rating and comment below! Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes!
Matcha Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
Equipment
- large sandwich bag or tupperware container
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups corn chex cereal or other neutral, unsweetened cereal of choice
- 3/4 cup dairy free white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup creamy cashew butter
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp salt kosher
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp ceremonial grade matcha powder adjust to taste
Other Mix In Suggestions
- cashews
- pistachios
- dried fruit
- other cereal of choice
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, cashew butter and coconut and melt in 30 second increments, removing from the microwave and stirring each time. Be careful not to over-microwave as you can accidentally burn the mixture.
- Once smooth, whisk in salt and vanilla bean paste. Pour this mixture over the dry cereal in a large mixing bowl and stir to ensure all the cereal is lightly coated. If adding in mix-ins, add them in at this step and stir to coat them as well.
- Sift powdered sugar and matcha powder into a large tupperware container or large sealable sandwich bag and add batches of the coated cereal. Shake to coat with the matcha sugar mixture and transfer to a serving bowl. Repeat with remaining cereal.
Notes
- When combining the cereal with the melted mixture, stir gently to avoid crushing the cereal pieces, ensuring a better texture.
- Shaking the cereal in a sealed bag with the powdered sugar coating ensures each piece is coated evenly for a consistent flavour.
- Using high-quality matcha and clean ingredients enhances the flavour and presentation.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
