Protein Muddy Buddies (Sweet Crunch, Gym Punch)

So you want something crunchy, chocolatey, peanut-buttery, and dangerously snackable… but you’d also like it to accidentally include protein so it’s not just dessert chaos? Same. These Protein Muddy Buddies (aka puppy chow’s responsible cousin) bring all the nostalgic sweet-crunch vibes—with a macro glow-up.

They’re coated in chocolate-peanut butter goodness, dusted in sweet powder, and impossible to eat politely. You’ve been warned.

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Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s give this snack mix the respect it deserves.

• High protein, so it actually satisfies
• No baking, no cooking stress
• Crunchy, sweet, salty perfection
• Perfect for meal prep, road snacks, or movie nights

Also, it’s idiot-proof. Melt, mix, shake, done. Even if you eyeball everything, it still works. That’s elite snack energy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Short list. Big flavor. Zero drama.

• 4 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal – classic crunch
• ½ cup peanut butter – creamy works best
• ⅓ cup chocolate chips – dark or milk
• 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
• ¼ cup powdered sugar or powdered sweetener
• 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil – helps everything melt smoothly
• Pinch of salt – trust me

💡 Key Tip: Use protein powder you actually like. Flavor shows up big time here.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Melt the chocolate mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter in 20-second bursts.
Stir until smooth and glossy.

2️⃣ Add protein powder

Let mixture cool slightly, then stir in protein powder and salt.
Mix fast so it stays smooth.

3️⃣ Coat the cereal

Place cereal in a large bowl and pour chocolate mixture over it.
Gently stir until evenly coated.

4️⃣ Shake with powdered sugar

Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag.
Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake like you mean it.

5️⃣ Cool and set

Spread onto parchment paper and let cool for 10–15 minutes.
This helps the coating firm up.

6️⃣ Snack responsibly

Or not. Your call.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating the chocolate
  Burnt chocolate = sad muddy buddies.
• Adding protein while too hot
  Heat can make it gritty. Let it cool slightly first.
• Using stale cereal
  Crunch is the whole point.
• Skipping salt
  Sweet + salty = elite combo.

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Alternatives & Substitutions

Because snack freedom matters.

• Nut-free option?
  Use sunflower seed butter.
• Extra protein boost?
  Add collagen peptides with whey protein.
• White chocolate version?
  Use vanilla protein + white chocolate chips.
• Extra indulgent?
  Add mini chocolate chips after coating.

IMO, dark chocolate + peanut butter is undefeated.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do these taste like regular muddy buddies?
Yes—slightly less sweet, but still addictive.

How much protein per serving?
Around 6–9g per serving, depending on protein used.

Do they need refrigeration?
Nope—store in an airtight container at room temp.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, but they’re best fresh.

Are they good for meal prep?
Perfect—portion into snack bags.

Why are mine clumpy?
Too much coating or not enough shaking.

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Final Thoughts

These Protein Muddy Buddies are crunchy, chocolatey, and wildly snackable—proof that you don’t have to give up fun snacks to hit protein goals. They’re quick, easy, and dangerously easy to keep grabbing handfuls of.

Make a batch, stash some away, and try to practice portion control (no promises).
Now go shake that bag and enjoy the crunch. You’ve earned it 🍫🥜💪✨