
Learn how to make puppy chow (otherwise known as muddy buddies) and turn it into a delicious chocolate peanut butter ice cream treat. Ingredients and instructions included for no-churn puppy chow ice cream and ice cream maker method puppy chow ice cream. Ingredients are different for each method. Muddy buddy ice cream is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter.

What Is Puppy Chow?
Puppy chow is the name of a snack made with Rice Chex, peanut butter, chocolate and powdered sugar. It’s a dessert often eaten as a snack like Chex Mix, popcorn or little cookies. Puppy chow is also known as muddy buddy or muddy buddies. This ice cream recipe includes the recipe for making puppy chow.
Why You’ll Love This Ice Cream
- Flavor: Crunchy, peanut butter chocolate creamy ice cream.
- Time: Prep time takes only 5-10 minutes.
- Equipment: If you have an ice cream maker you can use that. Alternatively, a no-churn method and ingredients is included.
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Egg-Free

TRY THIS: My number one favorite ice cream recipe is my Mint Oreo Cookie Ice Cream recipe. This is an ice cream maker recipe. It’s been a time tested favorite around here! Just the right amount of mint and crunchy cookie. No eggs and no cooking involved.
Ingredients
For a full printable no-churn puppy chow ice cream ingredients list and ice cream maker method puppy chow ice cream ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below.
In my opinion, the ice cream maker method has the best flavor. I prefer the taste and texture a bit more but if you don’t have an ice cream maker, no churn ice cream is a great alternative! Both methods have simple ingredients and don’t require any cooking.
No Churn Puppy Chow Ice Cream Ingredients
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cups sweetened condensed milk
Ice Cream Maker Puppy Chow Ice Cream Ingredients
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Variations
Chex cereal: Use one of the Chex cereal variations such as peanut butter Chex, corn Chex, chocolate Chex or wheat chex. Note that wheat chex are not gluten free.
Peanut butter: Substitute for any other kind of seed or nut butter.
Add White Chocolate Chip: Add some white chocolate chips or chocolate chunks to the ice cream when you add the muddy buddies.


Instructions
Full step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below. You can print or save to Pinterest for later.
How To Make Puppy Chow/Muddy Buddies
In a microwave safe bowl (medium mixing bowl), combine semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter together to melt in the microwave. Microwave on high for 30 second intervals, stirring the chocolate mixture between intervals, until the chocolate and peanut butter is melted. Use a spoon to mix and blend well. Alternatively, you can melt chocolate chips in a double boiler then add the peanut butter and stir to combine.
Pour the rice cereal on top of the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture. Gently fold them in to coat.
Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and gently fold together to fully coat all the muddy buddies. Add more powdered sugar, if necessary. Set aside.



No-Churn Ice Cream Instructions
In a large bowl, gently whip together the cocoa powder and heavy cream with an electric stand mixer or electric hand mixer. Whisk until stiff peaks form in the cream. When you lift the electric whisk out of the cream it will pull up and a firm peak will stay in place.
Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk and muddy buddies and fold them together with the heavy cream mixture. To not over-mix.
Pour into a 9×5-inch loaf pan and cover. Store in the freezer for at least 5 hours to freeze the no churn ice cream.

Ice Cream Maker Method Instructions
In a medium bowl, stir together milk, heavy whipping cream, cocoa and sugar. You can also pour all the ingredients into a blender and blend for a couple minutes to combine.
Pour milk and sugar mixture into your ice cream maker and follow it’s instructions to freeze the ice cream. Time varies depending on your ice cream maker.
When ice cream is finished, stir puppy chow chunks into the ice cream. Serve soft or cover and freeze to harden ice cream.
Tips For The Best Puppy Chow Ice Cream
- After making your puppy chow, separate the pieces so they aren’t all stuck together. Lay them out flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In the no-churn method, mix the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream by using a spatula and gently folding them together. Try not to over-mix and flatten the whipped cream. If you prefer, do not add the puppy chow until the ice cream has been frozen for a couple hours. Then gently stir in the puppy chow and allow it to fully freeze.
Serving
Serve your ice cream once it is fully hardened. Scoop out of the container with an ice cream scoop or a sturdy tablespoon. Serve in an ice cream cone or a bowl. Serve alone or try one of the following:
Chocolate Syrup: I used to make our own chocolate syrup all the time. It’s really easy and I think it tastes better than the store bought kind.
Peanut Butter Syrup: Make or buy a peanut butter syrup to drizzle over your ice cream. This will compliment the peanut butter in the muddy buddies.
Whipped Cream: Make whipped cream by whisking 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, ¼ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Crushed Peanuts: Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top of your ice cream.
Banana: Serve with a whole banana or banana slices.

TRY THIS: If you love the puppy chow, try this White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix.
Storing
Leftover ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for about 2 months. Cover the top of the ice cream with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn on the top of the ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chocolate is not safe for dogs to eat. Please do not feed dogs (or puppies) this type of puppy chow or puppy chow ice cream.
No churn ice cream can be eaten after about 5 hours of freezing. For hard ice cream, wait 10-12 hours.
More Ice Cream Recipes You’ll Love

Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies) Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
Muddy Buddies/Puppy Chow Ingredients
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter smooth
- 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (confectioners sugar)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
No Churn Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sweetened condensed milk 12 ounces
Ice Cream Maker Method Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
Instructions
Muddy Buddies/Puppy Chow Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips together with the peanut butter. Place both in a medium size microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until they are fully melted and combined. Do not continue to microwave after chocolate is melted.
- Gently fold in the Rice Chex cereal with a spatula or large spoon. Coat the cereal evenly.
- Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top and gently fold in to coat the cereal. Add more powdered sugar as needed until the muddy buddies are fully coated.
- Set aside. I recommend separating the snack pieces so they don't harden together into one blob. Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet to prevent them from sticking.
No Churn Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cocoa powder and heavy cream with an electric mixer until whipped cream forms in heavy peaks.
- Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk. Do not over mix. You can fold the muddy buddies in here, if you prefer. Or wait until the ice cream. has set about 1 hour then stir it in.
- Cover and freeze for at least 5 hours or until it is as hard as you desire. Serve.
Ice Cream Maker Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, whole milk, cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Whisk until sugar is dissolved.
- Pour mixture into the ice cream maker. Follow manufacturer instructions to churn ice cream.
- Gently stir in muddy buddies.
- Cover and freeze until the ice cream is the desired hardness.
Notes
- Chocolate Syrup: I used to make our own chocolate syrup all the time. It’s really easy and I think it tastes better than the store bought kind.
- Peanut Butter Syrup: Make or buy a peanut butter syrup to drizzle over your ice cream. This will compliment the peanut butter in the muddy buddies.
- Whipped Cream: Make whipped cream by whisking 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, ¼ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Crushed Peanuts: Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top of your ice cream.
- Banana: Serve with a whole banana or banana slices.
Storing
Leftover ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for about 2 months. Cover the top of the ice cream with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn on the top of the ice cream.Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Annarose says
This was my first no churn ice cream. It’s not the best ice cream ever but it’s easy and I don’t have an ice cream maker.
Zara says
An ice cream that is both aesthetically pleasing and palatable and provides a sense of revitalization.
naana says
Worked good.
FARUK AJAM RASTAVI says
Yum! Puppy chow ice cream sounds like a game-changer! Excited to try the no-churn method—seems easy and delicious. Thanks for the sweet treat idea! notepad online
Niva says
Thanks for the amazing recipe! It was really easy to make with the kids.
Lidy says
thank you dear for this amazing recipe. Very easy!