Muddy Buddy Popcorn is the perfect sweet and savory poppable snack if you love puppy chow. It's made with popcorn instead of Chex cereal for a lighter texture and a salty flavor. Prepping this recipe is easier than ever, so it's perfect for parties or a quiet night to accompany a movie.
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The chocolate and peanut butter don't make the popcorn soggy. It adds another layer of texture that helps the powdered sugar stick to the pieces. Once the chocolate is set (which is super quick), this treat is ready to be gobbled up!
If you like muddy buddy recipes, you will love these muddy buddy pretzels, Ritz Muddy Buddies and these muddy buddy cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's 4 ingredients: You only need 4 ingredients to make this party popcorn recipe. They're so simple, and I typically have all of these items on hand. They're common and easy to find.
- It takes less than 30 minutes: The process of preparing, coating, and cooling the popcorn takes less than 30 minutes. I like a wonderful treat that I can whip up quickly.
- It's a crowd favorite: Everyone I have shared this party popcorn recipe with is so impressed! If I serve it, I run out quickly, so I often have to prep a backup batch.
Ingredients
Everything you need for this recipe is listed below. It's just simple microwave popcorn, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and, of course, powdered sugar. It's a treat full of kitchen staples!
- Popcorn: Simple microwave popcorn will do just fine in this recipe. Use any variety you want. Classic butter will take on the chocolate peanut butter flavor enough that it will mask the butter. If you want hints of salty, buttery popcorn, go for an extreme or move theater butter variety where it will shine through slightly.
- Peanut butter: Go for your favorite brand of smooth peanut butter. It will mix best with the melted chocolate so it can evenly coat the popcorn pieces.
- Chocolate chips: I like semi-sweet chocolate chips for this because they're not too sweet or bitter. It's the perfect middle ground!
- Powdered sugar: This is the most important ingredient for puppy chow. It coats all the pieces once they've been mixed in with the melted chocolate to make them easy to eat.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- White chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips to create an extra-rich version.
- Nutella: Take the chocolate up a notch and use Nutella hazelnut spread instead of peanut butter.
- Add marshmallows: Stir in some mini marshmallows to add a chewy texture to complement the crunchy popcorn.
A savory recipe that features popcorn as the star of the show are my bacon popcorn and cheddar cheese popcorn. One bite and you'll be head over heels in love.
How to Make Muddy Buddy Popcorn
These are the steps needed to prepare this chocolate peanut butter popcorn. It's straightforward, and no baking is required!
Step 1: Pop the popcorn. Microwave the bags of popcorn and pour the popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Then, set it aside.
Step 2: Melt and add peanut butter and chocolate. Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one until it's fully melted and silky smooth. Pour it over the popcorn and stir to coat all of the pieces.
Step 3: Add the powdered sugar. Pour in the powdered sugar and toss to coat the popcorn.
Step 4: Serve. Let the chocolate set up for a few minutes, then enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Remove unpopped kernels: After popping the microwave popcorn, separate the unpopped kernels so no one accidentally eats one. The peanut butter chocolate mixture will make the kernels stick to the popcorn pieces.
- Mix gently: When adding the melted chocolate and then tossing in powdered sugar, mix gently so as not to break up the popcorn.
- Cool it quicker in the fridge: Pop the popcorn after it's coated into the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to set up faster.
- Store at room temperature: Store your old-fashioned sugar-coated popcorn in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container on the counter for about 4 days.
If you love recipes like this flavored popcorn, you may also enjoy these toffee crunch popcorn bars and my Buc-ee's beaver nuggets. My Oreo popcorn is also loved by the masses and definitely worth checking out.
Serving Suggestions
- Looking for popcorn ideas for a party? Combine this popcorn with reindeer chow for the holidays.
- Combine or serve it with some butter toffee pretzels for a fun treat.
- Add this to your appetizer spread! Try a savory starter like smoked buffalo chicken dip with crispy bagel chips to balance the sweet popcorn.
- Try a strong shot like this snake bite shot to serve with this snack to create balance.
Recipe FAQs
This can make the popcorn soft and chewy. I highly recommend avoiding storing it in the fridge. Room temperature is best for this recipe!
Of course! I like to use microwave popcorn as a shortcut because it's easier and faster, but this treat would be just as yummy as stovetop popcorn. You can even use an electric popcorn maker.
The powdered sugar takes on a weird and unpleasant texture once it's frozen and thawed. The moisture will also make the popcorn soggy.
If you like snacking recipes like this, check out these peanut butter chocolate Rice Krispie balls or this Fiddle Faddle recipe!
More Delicious Popcorn Snack Recipes
Do you like popcorn recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Muddy Buddy Popcorn
Ingredients
- 2 bags microwave popcorn
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Pop your popcorn according to the package directions and then set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and chocolate chips. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Combine the popcorn and melted chocolate mixture in a large mixing bowl. Fold to combine.
- Once the popcorn is evenly coated in chocolate, add the powdered sugar. Fold again until the popcorn is evenly coated in powdered sugar.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Store your sweet popcorn in an airtight container or bag for up to 4 days at room temperature.
- You may use stovetop popcorn or an electric popcorn maker if you like. I chose the microwave variety for its convenience!
- Remove any unpopped kernels that you find after popping the popcorn. This will keep someone from accidentally biting into one.
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