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Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are a deliciously sweet and salty treat made with crunchy rice cereal coated in rich caramel and powdered sugar, with a hint of sea salt. This easy-to-make snack is perfect for parties, gift-giving, or just a cozy treat at home.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings: 4 People
Calories: 220 kcal
Course: Dessert , Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 9 cups rice cereal such as Rice Chex or Corn Chex
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts like pecans or almonds

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prepare the Cereal: Start by measuring out 9 cups of rice cereal and placing it in a large mixing bowl. Make sure you have enough space to stir the cereal once it’s coated with the caramel sauce.
  2. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup to the melted butter. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, making sure the sugar has completely dissolved and the caramel is smooth and thick.
  3. Add Vanilla and Salt: Once the caramel has thickened, remove it from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt, mixing until smooth and fragrant. The sea salt gives the caramel that perfect touch of savory flavor, balancing out the sweetness.
  4. Coat the Cereal: Pour the warm caramel sauce over the rice cereal in the mixing bowl. Gently stir the cereal and caramel together with a spatula or spoon, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the caramel sauce. Take your time with this step, as you want the cereal to be well-coated without breaking it.
  5. Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the caramel-coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a large bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar to the bag or bowl and seal it tightly. Shake the bag or stir the contents of the bowl until all the cereal is coated with a thick layer of powdered sugar. This is where the muddy buddies get their signature sweet, sugary coating.
  6. Cool and Serve: Spread the coated cereal out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Let it cool completely to set the caramel and sugar coating. Once it’s cooled, your Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are ready to serve!

Notes

  • Make Ahead:This recipe is great for making ahead! The salted caramel muddy buddies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making it perfect for prepping in advance for parties or gatherings.
  • Customizing the Flavor:Feel free to add your personal touch to this recipe. You can stir in mini chocolate chips, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled muddy buddies, or even mix in some chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions:These muddy buddies are not just for snacking! They make a great topping for ice cream, yogurt, or even a fun mix-in for your favorite trail mix.
  • Allergy-Friendly Options:If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free option, use gluten-free cereal, or opt for a sugar substitute to make this recipe more suitable for your needs.
  • Storage Tips:If you have a lot of leftover muddy buddies (though that's unlikely!), store them in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months and let them thaw before enjoying.
  • Make Ahead:This recipe is great for making ahead! The salted caramel muddy buddies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making it perfect for prepping in advance for parties or gatherings.
  • Customizing the Flavor:Feel free to add your personal touch to this recipe. You can stir in mini chocolate chips, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled muddy buddies, or even mix in some chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions:These muddy buddies are not just for snacking! They make a great topping for ice cream, yogurt, or even a fun mix-in for your favorite trail mix.
  • Allergy-Friendly Options:If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free option, use gluten-free cereal, or opt for a sugar substitute to make this recipe more suitable for your needs.
  • Storage Tips:If you have a lot of leftover muddy buddies (though that's unlikely!), store them in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months and let them thaw before enjoying.

Nutrition Information

Calories 220kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 20mg (7%) Sodium 180mg (8%) Potassium 90mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 25g (50%) Vitamin A 200IU (4%) Calcium 15mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4People

Amount Per Serving

Calories 220

% Daily Value*

Calories 220kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 180mg 8%
Potassium 90mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 25g 50%
Vitamin A 200IU 4%
Calcium 15mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.