Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that balances irresistibly sweet caramel with a hint of sea salt, packed in every crunchy bite, these Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are the answer to your snacking dreams. Imagine classic Muddy Buddies getting a gourmet upgrade: buttery homemade caramel hugs the rice cereal before each piece is swaddled in a blanket of powdered sugar. Each handful is a party of crispy, salty, and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Whether you’re sharing with friends, setting out a party snack, or just sneaking a handful during movie night, this is one recipe you’ll reach for again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies lies in how a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients can deliver truly crowd-pleasing flavor. Every component plays a role—from rich caramel to fluffy powdered sugar—that works together to build layers of crunch, sweetness, and just enough salt to keep you reaching back for more.

• Rice Cereal: Provides the ideal light, crisp texture that holds up under a cozy blanket of caramel and sugar.
• Unsalted Butter: Melts into the base of the caramel, lending richness and buttery depth to every bite.
• Packed Brown Sugar: Brings a lush, molasses-y sweetness to the homemade caramel sauce.
• Light Corn Syrup: Gives the caramel its glossy, chewy consistency and helps prevent crystallization.
• Vanilla Extract: Perfumes the caramel with warmth, rounding out the sweet flavor profile.
• Sea Salt: That essential sprinkle for savory contrast, making every bite pop.
• Powdered Sugar: Clings to the caramel and forms that iconic muddy buddy exterior.
• Optional Add-ins: Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) add fun flavors and extra crunch if you want to mix things up.

How to Make Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal

Start by measuring out your rice cereal and pour all 9 cups into a large mixing bowl. Trust me, you want plenty of room here—giving the cereal space makes it much easier to stir things together gently later, ensuring every piece gets its fair share of the caramel coating without getting crushed.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

Add the unsalted butter to a medium saucepan and let it melt over medium heat. As soon as it’s liquid gold, toss in the brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly and watch as the mixture becomes silky-smooth and starts to bubble. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes—this is when the flavors come alive and the caramel thickens beautifully. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely for that dreamy, velvety base.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt

Once your caramel sauce is bubbling and thick, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and the sea salt, letting the steam fill your kitchen with that unforgettable buttery caramel aroma. The salt is more than just a flavor boost—it transforms the sweetness and makes each bite of Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies truly pop.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Carefully pour your warm caramel sauce over the waiting cereal in your big mixing bowl. Grab a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon and gently fold everything together. Take your time—be patient and use a light touch so all the cereal gets cloaked in caramel, but doesn’t turn to crumbs. Perfectly coated pieces make for the best Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies!

Step 5: Add Powdered Sugar

Next, it’s time for the signature finish: place the caramel-coated cereal into a large resealable bag or a bowl with a lid, and sprinkle in the powdered sugar. Seal it up and let loose! Shake (or stir) until every last morsel is covered in a thick, sweet, snow-white layer. This step locks that luscious caramel inside and gives you those classic, powdery fingers after every snack session.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Spread your creations onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. This cool-down lets the caramel and sugar set just right, keeping everything light and crispy. Once the Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are completely cooled, they’re ready to grab by the handful and enjoy!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies

Garnishes

If you want to take your Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies to the next level, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or drizzle with a touch of melted chocolate right before serving. You can also toss in a handful of extra mini chocolate chips or some roasted nuts for an elegant look and added flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Pairing these with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or chai really brings out those caramel notes. For parties, serve alongside a salty snack platter—pretzels or popcorn complement the sweetness perfectly and keep your snack table balanced and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies into pretty glass jars or cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for festive edible gifts. Layer in a trifle bowl for eye-catching dessert table centerpiece, or use individual cups for a fun movie-night treat station. However you present them, you’ll wow your guests before they even take a bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crunchy and delicious for up to a week—just make sure the lid is sealed tight to keep out moisture and preserve the perfect texture.

Freezing

Want to make a big batch ahead of time? Freeze your Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies in a zip-top bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, spread them out at room temperature for a few minutes, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.

Reheating

If your Muddy Buddies have picked up a bit of chill or lost some crispness, simply spread them on a baking sheet and pop into a 250°F oven for a few minutes. Let them cool completely before scooping up—this quick warm-up restores that iconic crunch without melting the sugary coating.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cereal?

Yes! While rice cereal is traditional for Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies, corn or multigrain square cereals work wonderfully too. Just be sure to pick one that’s sturdy enough to hold the coating.

Is there a substitute for corn syrup?

If you’d prefer not to use corn syrup, try golden syrup or honey for a similar sheen and stickiness in your caramel. Keep in mind, though, slight flavor changes might occur.

How can I make this recipe gluten free?

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are easily made gluten-free by choosing a rice or corn cereal that’s labeled gluten free. Always double-check ingredient labels, since some brands may add wheat products.

Can the recipe be doubled or halved?

Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully. Halve it for a quick small batch, or double for crowd-size portions. Just make sure you’re using a big enough bowl for easy mixing.

How do I avoid soggy or sticky Muddy Buddies?

The secret is letting them cool completely on parchment before storing. This step allows the coating to firm up so every bite stays crisp instead of sticky or limp.

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies. They’re easy, they’re wildly delicious, and they always disappear fast—often with guests asking for your secret. Give them a try, and watch as this easy treat becomes the star of your snack repertoire!

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