Description
Mardi Gras Muddy Buddies are a festive, colorful twist on the classic snack mix. Coated in vibrant purple, green, and yellow candy melts combined with creamy peanut butter and dusted with powdered and colored sugars, this treat is perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras or any fun gathering. This recipe features layers of crispy Chex cereal enveloped in smooth, sweet coatings, making for an irresistible and crunchy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cereal
- 12 cups cinnamon Chex cereal, divided into 3 portions of 4 cups each
Peanut Butter Mixture
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter, divided into three ¼ cup portions
- 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil, divided into three ½ tablespoon portions
Candy Melts and Sugars
- 1 cup purple candy melts
- 1 cup green candy melts
- 1 cup yellow candy melts
- 2¼ cups powdered sugar, divided into three ¾ cup portions
- ¼ cup purple sugar
- ¼ cup green sugar
- ¼ cup yellow sugar
- 3 gallon-sized ziplock bags
Instructions
- Prepare Purple Cereal Mix: Place 4 cups of cinnamon Chex cereal in a large bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup purple candy melts, ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, and ½ tablespoon vegetable oil. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Coat and Sugar Purple Mix: Pour the melted peanut butter and candy mixture over the 4 cups of cereal and toss gently to coat evenly. Transfer the coated cereal into one of the gallon-sized ziplock bags. Add ¾ cup powdered sugar to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously to coat all pieces. Then add ¼ cup purple sugar and shake again to finish the coating. Spread the mixture onto parchment or wax paper and let it set.
- Repeat for Green and Yellow Mixes: Using the remaining 4 cups of cereal per color, repeat the melting and mixing process for green candy melts with ¼ cup peanut butter and ½ tablespoon vegetable oil, and similarly for yellow candy melts. Coat each batch of cereal, sugar it with ¾ cup powdered sugar plus the respective colored sugar (green and yellow), and allow each to set on parchment or wax paper.
- Store the Mardi Gras Muddy Buddies: Once all coated mixtures are set and dry, combine them if desired or store separately in an airtight container to keep freshness and crunch. Enjoy as a festive snack or party treat.
Notes
- Microwave times may vary depending on your appliance; watch the candy melts closely to avoid burning.
- Use parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking while the coated cereal sets.
- You can mix all colors together once set for a festive presentation.
- This snack is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and consumed within 1-2 weeks.
- For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and ensure candy melts are nut-free.
