Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are a sweet and salty twist on the classic snack mix. Made with crispy cereal coated in a luscious salted caramel sauce and dusted with powdered sugar, these bite-sized treats are irresistibly crunchy and perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a homemade gift.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the addictive flavors of salted caramel with a classic snack.
- Quick and easy to make with no baking required.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on your own.
- Great for gifting during holidays or special occasions.
- A crowd-pleasing mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Crispy rice or corn cereal (e.g., Chex)
- Salted butter
- Brown sugar
- Light corn syrup
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Sea salt
- Powdered sugar
Optional Add-Ins
- Pretzel pieces
- Mini chocolate chips
- Roasted nuts (almonds, pecans, or peanuts)
Directions
- Prepare the Cereal: Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then stir in sweetened condensed milk and a pinch of sea salt. Remove from heat.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the warm salted caramel sauce over the cereal, gently folding with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the caramel-coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag or a lidded container. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until the cereal is fully coated.
- Cool and Serve: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow it to cool completely before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 8–10
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mix for extra indulgence.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Holiday Flair: Mix in festive sprinkles or colored candies for a seasonal twist.
- Nut-Free: Ensure all ingredients are nut-free and skip the nut add-ins.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free cereal to make this snack gluten-free.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use caramel candies instead of making caramel sauce?
Yes, melt caramel candies with a bit of butter and cream to create a similar sauce.
2. What cereal works best for this recipe?
Crispy rice or corn cereal like Chex works best due to its sturdy texture.
3. Can I use dark brown sugar?
Yes, dark brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
4. How do I keep the mix from clumping?
Spread the coated cereal out on a baking sheet immediately after shaking with powdered sugar.
5. Can I add chocolate chips directly to the mix?
Yes, but add them after the cereal has cooled to prevent melting.
6. Is it necessary to use light corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps maintain the caramel sauce’s consistency, but honey can be a substitute for a slightly different flavor.
7. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the powdered sugar coating, but the sweetness is essential to balance the salted caramel flavor.
8. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free condensed milk alternatives.
9. What’s the best way to serve this snack?
Serve in a bowl for gatherings, or package in treat bags for gifting.
10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well for several days, making it a great make-ahead snack.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are a delightful snack that hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, and satisfyingly crunchy. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party, a cozy night in, or as a thoughtful gift, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy the perfect combination of flavors and textures!
PrintSalted Caramel Muddy Buddies
These Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are a sweet and salty twist on the classic snack mix. Crunchy cereal is coated in a luscious salted caramel mixture and tossed in powdered sugar for an irresistible treat perfect for parties, gifts, or snacking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 10 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 9 cups (270 g) Rice Chex cereal (or similar)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, warmed
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cereal:
- Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring.
- Cook the mixture until it turns a golden amber color, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even caramelization (this takes about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the warmed heavy cream (it will bubble). Add the butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt, stirring until smooth.
3. Coat the Cereal:
- Pour the salted caramel sauce over the cereal in the bowl, gently tossing to coat evenly. Work quickly to avoid the caramel hardening.
4. Add the Powdered Sugar:
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag or a lidded container. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake vigorously until all the cereal is well coated.
5. Spread and Cool:
- Spread the coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Let it cool and harden for about 20 minutes.
6. Serve:
- Sprinkle with a pinch of extra sea salt for added flavor, if desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mix or toss in mini pretzels for added crunch.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Use gluten-free cereal for a gluten-free version of this snack.