Introduction
Pistachio Puppy Chow, also known as Pistachio Muddy Buddies, is a delightful twist on the classic puppy chow snack mix. This sweet and salty treat combines crunchy cereal coated in a creamy pistachio-flavored mixture and powdered sugar. It’s easy to make and perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a special treat to have on hand.
Whether you’re familiar with the traditional chocolate and peanut butter version or trying this for the first time, the subtle nuttiness of pistachio adds a new layer of flavor that’s truly irresistible. It’s a no-bake recipe that can be whipped up in under 15 minutes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit wherever it goes, as evidenced by its success at your church bake sale!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups rice or corn cereal (such as Chex)
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, for a salty-sweet contrast)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal Base
Measure 6 cups of rice or corn cereal and pour them into a large mixing bowl. Set aside. This will serve as the crunchy base for your pistachio puppy chow.
Step 2: Blend the Pistachios
Using a food processor, pulse the shelled pistachios until they form fine crumbs. Be careful not to blend them into pistachio butter. You want a sandy texture to help coat the cereal. Set the pistachio crumbs aside for later.
Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. This process typically takes about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the Flavorings
Once the chocolate-peanut butter mixture is melted, add in the instant pistachio pudding mix, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using). Stir until everything is well-combined and the pudding mix is fully dissolved into the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted mixture over the prepared cereal. Using a spatula, gently fold the cereal into the mixture until all the pieces are evenly coated with the pistachio-flavored chocolate and peanut butter mixture. Be sure to stir carefully to avoid breaking the cereal.
Step 6: Add the Pistachio Crumbs
Sprinkle the ground pistachio crumbs over the coated cereal. Toss the mixture lightly to distribute the pistachio throughout, ensuring the flavors blend well.
Step 7: Add the Powdered Sugar
In a large ziplock bag or a clean paper grocery bag, pour the powdered sugar. Add the coated cereal mixture into the bag, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated with powdered sugar. The powdered sugar gives the puppy chow its signature sweet dusting.
Step 8: Let It Set
Spread the puppy chow mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it sit for about 20 minutes to allow the coating to set. This step will also help the puppy chow dry out a bit so it isn’t too sticky.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the mixture has set, transfer it to a large serving bowl. If you’re taking it to a bake sale, you can package it in individual bags or decorative containers.
Cooking Notes:
- Pistachio Options: You can use either raw or roasted unsalted pistachios for this recipe. If you prefer a stronger pistachio flavor, you could even use pistachio butter instead of peanut butter.
- Nut Allergies: For those with peanut or tree nut allergies, this recipe can be adapted by using sunflower seed butter or a nut-free spread in place of the peanut butter.
- Storage: Store your pistachio puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions:
Pistachio Puppy Chow is a fantastic snack for bake sales, parties, or gatherings, but it also makes a fun treat to pack for lunch boxes or road trips. You can serve it in decorative bowls at parties or pre-package it in cute cellophane bags for gifting. For extra flair, you can mix it with other sweet treats like pretzels, mini marshmallows, or chocolate candies.
Tips:
- Mix-Ins: Add some fun mix-ins for a more colorful and diverse texture. Chocolate chips, M&Ms, or dried cranberries would complement the pistachio flavor beautifully.
- Extra Pistachio Flavor: For a more intense pistachio flavor, you can add a few drops of pistachio extract to the melted mixture or incorporate chopped pistachios as an extra mix-in.
- Powdered Sugar Distribution: For an even coating, shake the cereal and powdered sugar in batches to ensure every piece is coated well. If you want extra sweetness, you can add more powdered sugar until the desired level is reached.
- Color Variation: If you want to enhance the green color for a more pistachio-like appearance, you can add a few drops of green food coloring to the wet mixture before coating the cereal.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
5 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Conclusion
Pistachio Puppy Chow is a fun and delicious spin on the traditional snack mix that brings the unique flavor of pistachios to the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a bake sale, a casual get-together, or just a cozy movie night, this treat is sure to be a hit with its crunchy texture and sweet, nutty flavor. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this pistachio-flavored snack is a great recipe to add to your collection.
Print
Pistachio Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice or corn cereal (such as Chex)
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, for a salty-sweet contrast)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal Base
Measure 6 cups of rice or corn cereal and pour them into a large mixing bowl. Set aside. This will serve as the crunchy base for your pistachio puppy chow.
Step 2: Blend the Pistachios
Using a food processor, pulse the shelled pistachios until they form fine crumbs. Be careful not to blend them into pistachio butter. You want a sandy texture to help coat the cereal. Set the pistachio crumbs aside for later.
Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. This process typically takes about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the Flavorings
Once the chocolate-peanut butter mixture is melted, add in the instant pistachio pudding mix, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using). Stir until everything is well-combined and the pudding mix is fully dissolved into the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted mixture over the prepared cereal. Using a spatula, gently fold the cereal into the mixture until all the pieces are evenly coated with the pistachio-flavored chocolate and peanut butter mixture. Be sure to stir carefully to avoid breaking the cereal.
Step 6: Add the Pistachio Crumbs
Sprinkle the ground pistachio crumbs over the coated cereal. Toss the mixture lightly to distribute the pistachio throughout, ensuring the flavors blend well.
Step 7: Add the Powdered Sugar
In a large ziplock bag or a clean paper grocery bag, pour the powdered sugar. Add the coated cereal mixture into the bag, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated with powdered sugar. The powdered sugar gives the puppy chow its signature sweet dusting.
Step 8: Let It Set
Spread the puppy chow mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it sit for about 20 minutes to allow the coating to set. This step will also help the puppy chow dry out a bit so it isn’t too sticky.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the mixture has set, transfer it to a large serving bowl. If you’re taking it to a bake sale, you can package it in individual bags or decorative containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 270
- Sodium: 160mg
- Protein: 5g