Do you want a delicious and satisfying snack that will satisfy your sweet cravings while also providing a protein boost? Look no further than Protein Muddy Buddies! This recipe offers a healthier twist on a beloved classic, making it the perfect guilt-free treat for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Protein Muddy Buddies
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat cereal squares (like Chex)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons protein powder (vanilla or unflavored recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Protein Muddy Buddies
Whip up a batch of these delightful Protein Muddy Buddies in under 20 minutes! This recipe is incredibly simple, yet delivers a rich, chocolatey, and nutty flavor with a satisfying crunch. The secret to its irresistible texture lies in the perfect balance of melted chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a protein-rich coating that will leave you reaching for more.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: In a large bowl, place the 1 ½ cups of whole wheat cereal squares. Set aside.
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, combine the ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat.
- Add Vanilla: Once melted and smooth, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal squares in the large bowl. Gently stir with a spatula until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated. Work relatively quickly to prevent the chocolate from hardening.
- Prepare the Protein Coating: In a separate medium-sized bowl or a large resealable plastic bag, combine the ½ cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of protein powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk or shake the bag to thoroughly mix these dry ingredients together. This is where the protein boost comes from and adds a lovely dusting!
- Toss to Coat: Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bowl or bag containing the protein powdered sugar mixture. Gently toss until the cereal is completely coated in the powdery mixture. If using a bag, seal it and shake gently. Be sure to break up any clumps of cereal that might have stuck together.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and allows for even cooling. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate has set and the Protein Muddy Buddies are no longer sticky.
Why You’ll Love This Protein Muddy Buddies
You’ll adore these Protein Muddy Buddies for their addictive, crunchy texture and the satisfying chocolate-peanut butter flavor that transports you back to childhood, but with a beneficial protein upgrade. Unlike traditional muddy buddies that can sometimes feel like a sugar overload, these offer a delightful balance, making them a smarter choice for a sweet treat. The simple addition of protein powder not only boosts their nutritional profile but also adds a subtle, pleasant richness to the coating, making them even more special and a fantastic alternative to store-bought snacks.
Forget bland protein bars; these homemade Protein Muddy Buddies are a flavor fiesta that’s surprisingly budget-friendly to make. You control the quality of ingredients, saving money compared to pre-packaged options, and the customizable nature means you can adjust sweetness or nut butter to your liking. So, go ahead and whip up a batch – your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing: Properly stored, your Protein Muddy Buddies will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure the container is completely dry to prevent any sogginess.
- Refrigeration (Optional): For an extra crisp texture and if you live in a very warm climate, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. However, be aware that refrigeration can sometimes cause them to be slightly harder to bite into initially.
Reheating: These are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. There’s generally no need to reheat Protein Muddy Buddies as they are a no-bake treat and are meant to be enjoyed as-is. If they have become a bit too hard from refrigeration, simply let them sit out for 5-10 minutes to soften.
Freezing:
- Freezing: Protein Muddy Buddies can be frozen for longer storage. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Duration: They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: To thaw, remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature in their container.
Final Thoughts
These Protein Muddy Buddies are a delightful fusion of classic indulgence and smart nutrition. They are incredibly easy to make and provide a satisfying crunch and flavor for any occasion. Give them a try and discover your new favorite healthy snack!
Protein Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, place the 1 ½ cups of whole wheat cereal squares. Set aside.1 ½ cups whole wheat cereal squares
- In a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, combine the ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat.½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Once melted and smooth, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal squares in the large bowl. Gently stir with a spatula until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated. Work relatively quickly to prevent the chocolate from hardening.1 ½ cups whole wheat cereal squares
- In a separate medium-sized bowl or a large resealable plastic bag, combine the ½ cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of protein powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk or shake the bag to thoroughly mix these dry ingredients together. This is where the protein boost comes from and adds a lovely dusting!½ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons protein powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bowl or bag containing the protein powdered sugar mixture. Gently toss until the cereal is completely coated in the powdery mixture. If using a bag, seal it and shake gently. Be sure to break up any clumps of cereal that might have stuck together.
- Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and allows for even cooling. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate has set and the Protein Muddy Buddies are no longer sticky.