Crunchy Butterfinger Chex Mix

Looking for a tasty treat that combines the crunch of cereal with the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter? Try making Butterfinger Muddy Buddies, also known as Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Mix. This easy homemade candy recipe puts a spin on traditional Chex mix by incorporating the beloved taste of Butterfinger candy bars. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up, this crunchy Chex dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

What You'll Need for This Peanut Butter Chocolate Cereal Treat

• 4 cups of Rice or Corn Chex cereal

Chex cereal forms the foundation of this snack. Its light, crispy texture provides the perfect vehicle for the sweet coating. You can use either rice or corn Chex, or even mix them for varied texture. The square shape of the cereal pieces helps trap the delicious coating, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

The Coating: Chocolate and Peanut Butter

• 4 ounces of baking chocolate (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter

The combination of melted chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich, creamy coating for the cereal. You can use semi-sweet chocolate for a slightly less sweet version, or milk chocolate for a more traditional candy bar flavor. As for the peanut butter, creamy works best for a smooth coating, but you could use crunchy if you prefer extra texture.

The Star Ingredient: Butterfinger Candy

• 6 BUTTERFINGER® Fun-Size Bars
• 1 cup of BUTTERFINGER® Peanut Butter Cup Minis

Butterfinger candy adds that unique, crispy peanut butter flavor that sets this snack apart from regular muddy buddies. The Fun-Size Bars will be chopped and mixed into the coated cereal, while the Peanut Butter Cup Minis will be added whole at the end for extra bursts of flavor.

The Finishing Touch: Powdered Sugar

• 1 cup of powdered sugar

Powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also gives the snack its characteristic "muddy" appearance. It helps prevent the pieces from sticking together and provides a melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Butterfinger Muddy Buddies

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

1. If using a double boiler: Fill the bottom pot with water and bring to a simmer. Place the chocolate in the top pot and stir frequently as it melts.
2. If using a microwave: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter

1. Place the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat for 20-30 seconds, or until it becomes liquid.
3. Stir well to ensure it's smooth and fully melted.

Step 3: Chop the Butterfinger Bars

1. Unwrap the 6 BUTTERFINGER® Fun-Size Bars.
2. Using a sharp knife, chop the bars into small pieces.
3. Aim for pieces small enough to mix well with the cereal, but not so fine that they turn to powder.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

1. Divide the Chex cereal into two equal portions of 2 cups each.
2. In one bowl, gently mix 2 cups of cereal with the melted chocolate.
3. Add half of the chopped Butterfinger pieces to the chocolate-coated cereal and fold gently.
4. In another bowl, mix the remaining 2 cups of cereal with the melted peanut butter.
5. Add the other half of the chopped Butterfinger pieces to the peanut butter-coated cereal and fold gently.

Step 5: Add the Powdered Sugar

1. Take two large gallon-sized ziplock bags.
2. In one bag, combine the chocolate-coated cereal with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
3. In the other bag, combine the peanut butter-coated cereal with the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
4. Before sealing, add some air to each bag to allow room for shaking.
5. Seal the bags and shake well until all cereal pieces are coated with powdered sugar.

Step 6: The Final Mix

1. In a large bowl, combine both batches of coated cereal (chocolate and peanut butter).
2. Add 1 cup of BUTTERFINGER® Peanut Butter Cup Minis to the mixture.
3. Gently fold everything together, distributing the Peanut Butter Cup Minis evenly throughout.

Serving and Storing Your Butterfinger Muddy Buddies

• Movie nights with friends
• After-school snacks for kids
• Party munchies
• Holiday gatherings
• Game day treats

To serve, simply pour the mix into a large bowl for easy sharing. For on-the-go snacking or party favors, portion it out into individual bags.

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store your Butterfinger Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week, though they're usually so delicious they don't last that long!

Customizing Your Butterfinger Muddy Buddies

• Add a handful of salted peanuts for extra crunch and a salty contrast.
• Mix in some mini marshmallows for a s'mores-inspired twist.
• Drizzle melted peanut butter over the finished snack for an extra peanut butter punch.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark chocolate or white chocolate.
• Try using different cereals, such as Crispix or even a mix of cereals.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted chocolate for extra flavor.
• Incorporate other candy pieces like M&Ms or chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

A Midwestern Snack with Universal Appeal

Butterfinger Muddy Buddies, like many variations of Chex mix, have roots in Midwestern snack traditions. However, this sweet and crunchy treat has universal appeal that extends far beyond its regional origins. Its combination of familiar ingredients with the beloved Butterfinger flavor makes it a hit at gatherings across the country. This snack is more than just a treat - it's a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Whether you're hosting a party, need a quick dessert for a potluck, or just want something sweet to munch on while watching TV, Butterfinger Muddy Buddies fit the bill perfectly. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a snack that's sure to impress. The familiar flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, enhanced by the unique taste of Butterfinger, come together in a satisfying crunch that's hard to resist. So the next time you're in the mood for a sweet, crunchy snack, give these Butterfinger Muddy Buddies a try. They're easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Just be warned - they're so good, you might find yourself making batch after batch!

Conclusion

A delightful mix of Chex cereal, chocolate, and Butterfinger candy that combines crunchy textures with rich flavors for an irresistible treat.