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Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies

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posted: 09/15/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies are the perfect fall spin on Puppy Chow. This fun treat is easy to make, and even easier to eat!

Overhead photo of Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies recipe.

If there is one treat that I absolutely cannot make it is Puppy Chow. They are way too good, and I can never stop at one handful. Well, I just made them even more irresistible by throwing some pumpkin spice into the mix. This fall twist on everyone’s favorite dessert is incredible.

These Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies are perfect for Halloween parties, fall festivals, and Sunday’s watching football. No judgement if you need to make a double batch. I certainly will be – one batch for me, and one for the guests.

Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice muddy buddies are made from the following simple ingredients:

  • Chex cereal: Crucial for holding the chocolatey peanut butter pumpkin goodness, this cereal is the base for all puppy chow recipes. You can also find the cereal easily in gluten free varieties.
  • Chocolate chips: I prefer milk chocolate chips, but you can also use semi-sweet if that is what you prefer or if that is what you have on hand.
  • Butter: Either salted or unsalted will work for this recipe.
  • Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is best for this recipe as the texture will be better than if using crunchy peanut butter.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pumpkin Spice: This homemade recipe is super easy and combines four spices you probably already have in your kitchen to create the perfect pumpkin spice blend.
  • Powdered Sugar: I find it best to start with just 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and only add in the last 1/2 cup if it is strictly necessary.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

This homemade pumpkin spice seasoning comes together quickly with just four ingredients for all of your favorite fall recipes!
pinterest graphic of overhead of a small blue dish with the four different spices that make up pumpkin pie spice
Overhead photo of butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips in a glass measuring cup for Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies

Below is a brief overview of how to make puppy chow with pumpkin spice. It is easy to make and doesn’t require any baking. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe and measurements.

  1. Add your cereal to a large mixing bowl. For easy mixing, you’ll want to use a very large bowl.
  2. Make the chocolate sauce. In a glass measuring cup, microwave the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter together until melted.
  3. Add pumpkin spice. Stir in the pumpkin spice and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Pour the mixture over the cereal. Stir to combine until all the cereal is coated with the chocolate peanut butter sauce. It may be easiest to mix with clean hands.
  5. Coat with powdered sugar. Add the whole mixture to a large plastic bag or plastic container with a lid. Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and toss to coat. If necessary, add the reaming 1/2 cup powdered sugar and toss again.
  6. Add remaining pumpkin spice. Add to the mixture and toss again to combine.
Overhead photo of melted chocolate mixture being poured over bowl of Chex cereal for Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies recipe.

Variations

The classic Muddy Buddies has many delicious variations. Swap out the peanut butter for Nutella for a peanut-free option. My Apple Pie Muddy Buddies with Streusel Topping is another festive fall treat that is hard to resist.

Here are a few of my other favorite puppy chow recipe variations:

Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies

Store your pumpkin spice muddy buddies in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Puppy Chow does not need to be refrigerated. It is also great (dare I say even better?) frozen and can be eaten right out of the freezer.

Overhead photo of Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies.

FAQ

Can puppy chow be made gluten free?

Yes! It can easily be made gluten free by using gluten free Chex cereal. As will all recipes, double check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they do not contain gluten.

Why is it called puppy chow?

The yummy snack is commonly referred to as muddy buddies or sometimes puppy chow because some think it looks like food for dogs. That being said, please don’t feed this to your dogs as it will be harmful.

What is pumpkin spice?

Also known as pumpkin pie spice, it is a blend of seasonings commonly used as a flavoring for pumpkin pie but does not contain any pumpkin as an ingredient. My pumpkin spice blend contains cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger. Some blends contain allspice instead of clove.

Overhead photo of Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies

Other Pumpkin Recipes

If you try this pumpkin spice muddy buddies recipe or any of my other recipes, leave a comment telling me what you think!

Overhead photo of Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies recipe.
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Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies

Serves: 22 servings
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 9 cups chex cereal
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons pumkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar divided

Instructions

  • Add the cereal to a large bowl.
  • In a large measuring cup, melt the chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and butter together on high for 1 minutes. Stir together. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon pumpkin spice and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
  • Pour the mixture over the cereal. Stir to combine. Use clean hands if necessary.
  • Pour the mixture into a clean plastic bag. Pour 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar over the mixture and shake to combine. If necessary add the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar into the bag and toss to combine. Finally, add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin spice. Toss again to combine.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Serving: 0.5cup Calories: 225kcal (11%) Carbohydrates: 39g (13%) Protein: 4g (8%) Fat: 7g (11%) Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 7mg (2%) Sodium: 176mg (8%) Potassium: 128mg (4%) Fiber: 4g (17%) Sugar: 19g (21%) Vitamin A: 353IU (7%) Vitamin C: 3mg (4%) Calcium: 67mg (7%) Iron: 8mg (44%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Overhead photo of Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies recipe.

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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