Ube muddy buddies AKA Ube Puppy Chow (Gluten-Free!)
These ube muddy buddies are a quick, simple 15-minute snack idea for any party! Add any toppings you’d like, such as marshmallows, pretzels, yogurt-covered nuts, and more.
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About these ube muddy buddies
After seeing Broma Bakery and so many other foodies make homemade muddy buddies, I had to try whipping them up myself!
I actually never heard of muddy buddies until a few weeks ago, so I ran to the grocery store to try them out. I was surprised at how good the were and couldn’t wait to make them at home. After some flavor planning and experimenting, I developed my first muddy buddy recipe— oreo black sesame for Rooted Fare. They were insanely delicious—I could NOT stop eating them!
Since they were so good, I thought I’d make more versions of muddy buddies, like these ube ones. I have a bunch more recipes planned, like matcha, strawberries & cream, and more… stay tuned!
FAQ
What is ube?
If you’re not familiar with ube (pronunciation: oo-beh), it is a purple yam native to the Philippines. Ube is sometimes confused with another vegetable called taro, which has an earthier flavor and is used in both savory + sweet dishes.
On the other hand, ube is sweeter and often described as having vanilla and nutty notes. It’s commonly used in desserts, such as ice cream, cake, or jam. You could just use ube extract in this recipe, but I used ube extract and rehydrated ube halaya. You can find these ingredients in some Asian markets, especially Filipino ones, but if all else fails, you can buy ube extract/halaya or powdered ube online!
What are muddy buddies?
Muddy buddies (aka puppy chow) are a popular snack made with Chex cereal, nut butter, melted chocolate, and powdered sugar. They’re really easy to adapt into other flavors, like this ube one!
Can you make these vegan?
Yes, you can make vegan muddy buddies! I would sub in vegan white or milk chocolate instead. Make sure you also are using vegan ube halaya and marshmallows!
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, these are naturally gluten-free because of the Rice Chex cereal!
What else can I add to them?
You can literally add anything you’d like! Chopped pretzels, popcorn, yogurt covered raisins or nuts, M&Ms, etc.!
Why are my muddy buddies soggy?
When transferring the muddy buddies from the Ziploc bag to the parchment paper, make sure they’re spread out in a single layer! This will help air them out and allow the chocolate to harden. In addition, make sure you don’t add too much coconut milk to the white chocolate—just a small splash at a time, reheating as necessary, until the chocolate becomes smooth.
Storing the muddy buddies
Store the ube muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’re also really good frozen/chilled, and can store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I really hope you enjoy this recipe. If you make ube puppy chow, I’d love to see it. You can tag me at #bitesbybianca / @bitesbybianca on Instagram. Enjoy!
Ube Muddy Buddies (aka ube puppy chow)
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Equipment
- 1 gallon-size Ziploc bag
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal (120g)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (85g)
- 1 tbsp ube halaya (15g)
- 1-2 tsp ube extract, adjust to taste
- ~⅛ cup coconut milk (30g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (60g)
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Add all of the Rice Chex into the Ziploc bag.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Add ube halaya and extract to the melted white chocolate. It will thicken, but don't worry!
- Add 1 ½ tablespoons of coconut milk and stir. Microwave for 10 seconds, then stir again. If it is still too thick, add a little more coconut milk and repeat. You may not use all of the coconut milk. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the ube white chocolate into the Ziploc bag, then seal the top. Shake the bag until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Dump in all of the powdered sugar, then seal the bag again. Shake until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Immediately transfer the ube muddy buddies onto the lined baking sheet. Make sure to spread them out and that they are in a single layer, or else they will get soggy.
- Allow the muddy buddies to sit out for about 10 minutes so the chocolate hardens, then mix in mini marshmallows.
- Enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. They're also yummy frozen and can keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Tip: If you want them more powdery looking, you can do a second coating of powdered sugar once the chocolate hardens!