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If you’re craving a sweet, salty, crunchy treat, look no further than these Salted Caramel Pretzel Crunch Muddy Buddies. Inspired by the classic muddy buddy snack, this version adds a modern twist with pretzels, caramel chips, and a sprinkle of sea salt for that irresistible balance of flavors. They’re quick to whip up and perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever snack time calls.

Ingredients

- 6 cups rice or corn cereal squares (e.g., Chex)
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup caramel chips
- ⅓ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)
Instructions
Begin by measuring your cereal squares into a large mixing bowl. Add the mini pretzels on top. Set this bowl aside so it’s ready for all that gooey goodness to come. Next, place the chocolate chips, caramel chips, and salted butter into a medium microwave-safe bowl. Warm them in short 20-second bursts, stirring in between each round, until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy mixture.

Quickly whisk the brown sugar and sea salt into the melted chocolate-caramel blend. Pour this luscious sauce over the cereal and pretzels, gently folding to coat every piece. While the mixture is still warm, sift the powdered sugar on top in two batches, stirring well after each addition. The result should be evenly dusted clusters of sweet and salty perfection. For a final flourish, add a light sprinkle of extra sea salt on top. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container for storage.

These Salted Caramel Pretzel Crunch Muddy Buddies bring a fun twist to a nostalgic favorite, with their balance of sweet chocolate, buttery caramel, salty pretzels, and a powdery sugar finish. They’re a wonderful treat for anyone who loves contrasting flavors and textures—just keep in mind that these can be a bit indulgent. If you’re looking for a variation, consider swapping the caramel chips for peanut butter chips or adding a hint of cinnamon for extra warmth. However you mix it up, you’ll have an easy-to-share (or not!) snack that’s sure to please every palate.
