Lemon Buddies
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If you’re a fan of the classic snack of muddy buddies (AKA puppy chow), you’re going to love this bright and cheerful springtime twist—Lemon Buddies! They’re delightfully sweet with a hint of citrus zing, and best of all, they’re incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re looking for a quick homemade treat or a thoughtful seasonal gift, these lemony snack bites fit the bill beautifully.
Mother’s Day is the perfect time of year for gifting Lemon Buddies, and a simple cellophane bag tied with ribbon turns them into an adorable present in minutes. You can even elevate the gesture with a cute printable tag or label—there are tons of free options available online. It’s a sweet and heartfelt way to show someone you care without spending hours in the kitchen.
Feeling extra festive? Consider creating a lemon- or sunshine-themed gift basket! Fill it with yellow kitchen towels, lemon-scented soap or lotion, and maybe even a fun citrus mug or candle. Tuck in a bag of Lemon Buddies and a copy of the recipe for good measure. This makes a lovely pick-me-up for a friend who needs a little brightness in their day—especially with a tag that reads: “When life gives you lemons, make something sweet.”
Ingredients for Lemon Buddies
- RICE CHEX
- VAILLA BAKING CHIPS
- BUTTER
- LEMON PEEL
- FRESH LEMON JUICE
- POWDERED SUGAR
Instructions for Lemon Muddy Buddies
Prep the Base: Start by measuring the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside—this will be your main mixing station.
Melt the Good Stuff: In a microwaveable bowl (a 1-quart size works great), combine the white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave uncovered on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until the mixture is silky smooth.
Add the Lemon Zing: Once the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth, stir in fresh lemon zest and lemon juice for that bright citrus flavor.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the lemony mixture over the Rice Chex and gently stir to coat the cereal evenly. Patience here pays off—make sure every piece gets some love!
Add the Sweet Finish: Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable 2-gallon food storage bag. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and give it a gentle shake until the cereal is fully dusted and looks deliciously frosted.
Cool and Store: Spread the Lemon Buddies out onto a cookie sheet and let them cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cereal works best?
Rice Chex is the go-to for its light texture and neutral flavor. Corn Chex or Crispix also work well if that’s what you have on hand.
How long does it take to make Lemon chex mix?
Just about 15 minutes from start to finish! It’s a quick, no-bake treat that’s perfect for last-minute gifting or snacking.
How should I store Lemon Buddies?
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen is warm or humid, the fridge works too.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just make sure you have a large enough mixing bowl and storage bag to coat everything evenly.
Can I make these a different flavor?
Yes, feel free to swap out the lemon zest and juice for any other citrus flavor, like lime or orange.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Lemon Buddies
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex® cereal
- 1 ¼ cups white vanilla baking chips
- ¼ cup butter
- zest of one lemon
- 2 Tbsp juice from the zested lemon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Measure rice chex into a large bowl; set aside.
- In 1-quart microwave safe bowl, microwave chips and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir.
- Microwave about 20 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Then stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Pour the melted mixture over cereal, then carefully until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
- Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; gently shake until well coated. Spread on a cookie sheet to cool. Once cooled, store in airtight container.
