Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

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Every time I make this Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow, I can’t help but smile. I love how the crunchy cereal coated in creamy white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes tastes just like classic bark, but in a fun, snackable form. Yes, it’s called “puppy chow” because it looks a little like dog food, but don’t worry, it’s 100% for people! Great for gifting or serving with Christmas cookies.

Pink chunks of candy cane muddy buddies fill a red bowl, surrounded by holiday garland and a candy cane.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this festive twist on the classic Muddy Buddies recipe, or what some call candy cane muddy buddies for its sweet peppermint crunch.

No bake and quick: Ready in minutes, it’s the the perfect treat for holiday parties; no oven needed!
Festive Mint flavor: White chocolate and crushed candy canes give that nostalgic peppermint flavoring from bark taste.
Perfect for gifting: Looks pretty in jars or treat bags with ribbons or bows for friends, teachers, or neighbors.
Family-friendly: Easy and fun to make with kids, plus a guaranteed hit at a cookie exchange.

If you love holiday snack mixes, be sure to check out my Brownie Batter Puppy Chow and Christmas Puppy Chow next. Each is a festive addition that will make your holiday season even more delicious.

Ingredients Notes

Candy Cane Muddy Buddies Chex Mix ingredients.

Here’s everything you need to make this Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow:

Rice Chex cereal: Light, square cereal that holds the chocolate coating perfectly.
Chopped candy canes: Or try peppermint bark pieces for an extra chocolatey crunch.
White chocolate: I used almond bark and also tested white chocolate wafers; both melt smoothly. Avoid white chocolate chips, as they don’t melt evenly.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Variations

Swap your cereal: I use Rice Chex, but you can also try Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, Chocolate Chex, mixed Chex, or even Crispix. Each gives a slightly different flavor and texture. For a gluten-free option, skip Wheat Chex.
Flavor boost: Stir in a drop of vanilla or peppermint extract to the melted chocolate. Prefer peanut butter? Try my Butterfinger Puppy Chow. For a bright, citrusy twist, check out my Lemon Puppy Chow next.
Chocolate twist: Add crushed chocolate candy canes or drizzle melted semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate over the mix once it’s cooled.
Crunchy mix: Toss in mini pretzels, chopped peppermint bark, or peanuts for extra texture.
Festive color: Sprinkle red and green M&Ms or candy bits before the chocolate sets.
Optional mix-ins: Mini pretzels, red and green sprinkles or M&Ms make this snack even more fun and colorful.

A white bowl holds pink candy cane muddy buddies Chex mix, with a hand grabbing a crunchy piece.

How to Make Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow

Prepare ingredients: Place Chex cereal in a large bowl. Crush candy canes in a food processor until finely crushed, leaving a few small chunks for texture.
Melt chocolate: Add almond bark or white chocolate wafers to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
Combine: Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal and gently toss with two large spoons until all pieces are evenly coated.
Add peppermint: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the coated cereal and toss again to combine.
Set: Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and let it cool completely until firm.
Break and serve: Once set, break into bite-sized clusters and store in an airtight container.

Peppermint Bark Muddy Buddies Tips

Melt chocolate slowly: Microwave in short 20-second intervals, stirring often for a smoother melt and to prevent burning or seizing.
Crush candy canes carefully: Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and a few larger pieces for added crunch.
Work quickly: Once the chocolate is melted, toss and coat the cereal before it sets.
Use gentle motions: Fold with two large spoons to coat evenly without breaking the cereal.
Cool completely: Let the mixture harden fully before storing so it doesn’t clump together. I like to let it set for 20-30 minutes on the baking sheet. If you want to speed things up, pop it in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

A clear glass jar holds pink candy cane muddy buddies Chex mix, spilling out onto a white table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my chocolate seize or get grainy?

This usually happens if water or steam gets into the melted chocolate or if it’s overheated. The trick is to use dry utensils and melt the chocolate in short intervals. If it does seize, you can rescue it by stirring in a small spoonful of melted coconut oil or shortening until smooth.

How to crush candy canes safely?

Place candy canes in a heavy-duty ziplock bag, then crush them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Lay a towel underneath to protect your counter. You can also pulse them in a food processor until finely crushed, leaving a few larger pieces for texture, just avoid turning them into powder.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales easily. Use a large bowl or divide the mixture into two bowls to ensure every piece gets evenly coated. It’s perfect for making big batches for holiday parties or gift-giving.

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions

Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if needed.
Make ahead: Prepare this recipe up to three days in advance. Store in a sealable container at room temperature until ready to serve or gift.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pink candy cane muddy buddies Chex mix fills a green box, with a red Merry Christmas gift box nearby.

More Puppy Chow Recipes to Try

If you love this Peppermint Puppy Chow, you’ll also enjoy these reader-favorite snack mix recipes:

Halloween Puppy Chow – a fun candy filled mix perfect for spooky parties.
Chex Puppy Chow Recipe – the classic chocolate and peanut butter version everyone knows and loves, where you shake the mix in powdered sugar to get that iconic coating.
Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies – cozy winter flavor with mini marshmallows in every bite.
Fall Harvest Muddy Buddies – sweet and salty with pretzels and candy corn for fall gatherings.

If you’ve tried this Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

5 from 2 votes