Easy & fast vegan puppy chow (or muddy buddies) packed with all the cozy holiday hot-chocolate vibes! This festive twist on a classic Christmas treat is completely dairy-free and totally irresistible.
Whether you call it puppy chow or muddy buddies, the result is always the same, an irresistible, seriously addictive treat. Even though it often makes an appearance during the holidays, I’ll gladly enjoy a handful (or two!) any month of the year.
By giving this classic a vegan twist, I’m showing that nostalgic childhood favorites are still totally possible on a plant-based diet. Going vegan doesn’t mean giving anything up, it just means enjoying it a little differently! I love making vegan copycat versions of my favorite holiday treats. Check out my Copycat Vegan Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes recipe. You’ll never have to miss having these treats again!
Ingredients:
- Chex rice cereal – The star of the show and gluten free! I like Puffins and Nature’s Path. You can also use the corn Chex if you prefer.
- Vegan dark chocolate (chips work too) – All of the chocolatey goodness with none of the dairy. Several brands are naturally vegan friendly, like Trader Joe’s, Guittard and sometimes even generic brands, just check the ingredients list.
- Non-dairy butter – I used Country Crock, but coconut oil works too. This will help the chocolate be smooth and stable!
- Creamy peanut butter – It brings rich flavor & helps the chocolate coating stick to every piece of cereal. Prefer almond butter or another nut butter? Go for it, just be sure to use a thick, creamy, shelf-stable variety for the best texture.
- Coco Powder – This will give it that cozy hot chocolate taste!
- Powdered sugar – The sweet, snowy finishing coat. Add as much or as little as you like to get your perfect level of frosty holiday goodness!
- (Optional) Coconut Milk powder – Although a completely optional ingredient. I find it to give a milky richness to the coco powder
- (Optional) – Mini plant-based marshmallows and sprinkles of your choice!
Vegan Hot Chocolate Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 10 Oz.(1box) Vegan chex style cereal, I like Puffins and Nature's Path
- 12 Oz Dark chocolate, vegan
- 1/2 Cup Vegan butter, I used Country crock plant butter
- 1/2 Cup Peanut butter, creamy
- 3 Tablespoons Cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut milk powder(optional)
- 3 1/2 Cups Powdered sugar, vegan
- 1 Cup Mini Vegan Marshmallows, I used My Dandies
- 1/4 Cup Vegan sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Add the cereal to a gallon ziploc bag. Set aside.
- Add the chocolate, vegan butter, and peanut butter to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and everything is mixed together smoothly.
- Pour the chocolate, peanut butter mixture into the bag with the cereal, and seal the bag. Toss around the bag until the cereal is fully coated in the chocolate, and it is evenly distributed.
- Whisk together the cocoa powder, coconut milk powder if using, and the powdered sugar. Pour the mixture into the bag, seal it again, and toss once more until the cereal is fully coated in the powder.
- Pour the cereal out onto a sheet pan and spread it out to cool and dry for about 10-15 minutes.
- Sprinkle the marshmallows over the puppy chow, and sprinkle with the sprinkles. Toss and then store in air-tight containers or bags.
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