If there’s one snack mix that always disappears at gatherings and turns weeknights into something special, it’s Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies. Imagine all the citrusy zing of classic lemon bars wrapped up in sweet, crunchy cereal, finished with a cloud of powdered sugar. This no-bake treat is sunshine in a bowl — equal parts nostalgic, zesty, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re planning a party, whipping up edible gifts, or simply need a bright pick-me-up, Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies deliver that craveable lemon bar flavor in just minutes.

Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is how each simple ingredient plays a starring role, balancing tartness, sweetness, and that signature crunch. With just a quick trip to the pantry, you’re on your way to Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies bliss!

Rice Chex Cereal: The crunchy base—its light texture soaks up that lemony coating beautifully without becoming soggy.
White Chocolate Chips: Melts into a creamy, luscious binder that delivers plenty of sweetness and helps everything stick together.
Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and ensures that tangy citrus flavor smooths out every bite.
Lemon Zest: Adds a punch of fresh citrus oils for real-deal lemon flavor in every mouthful.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and underscores that tart ‘lemon bar’ edge.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and keeps everything tasting homemade and satisfying.
Powdered Sugar: Creates that classic muddy buddy finish, making each handful as sweet and cloud-like as possible.
Salt: Just a pinch brings balance and makes the lemon pop even more.
Extra Lemon Zest or Yellow Sprinkles (optional): For that fanciful garnish and a burst of cheery color—highly recommended for parties!

How to Make Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies

Step 1: Prep Your Cereal

Begin by pouring all of your Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Using a big enough bowl is key—you want plenty of room to toss everything together later without crushing the cereal. This sets the stage for ultimate crunchy coverage!

Step 2: Melt and Stir the Lemony Coating

In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt together the white chocolate chips and butter. Stir constantly for the creamiest, lump-free result. As soon as everything is silky smooth, take the pan off the heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. The aroma at this point is dreamy—like lemon bars fresh from the oven!

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm, citrusy chocolate mixture over your bowl of cereal. Toss gently with a spatula or big spoon, making sure every nook and cranny of cereal is coated. Patience pays off—take time to coat it well for maximum lemon bar muddy buddies flavor in each bite.

Step 4: Sugar Shower

Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the coated cereal, then toss again (either in the bowl or by transferring the mix into a large zip-top bag and shaking). Suddenly, the mixture transforms—each piece gets a pillow-soft, sweet coating that’s impossible to resist.

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Spread your muddy buddies out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool completely (if you can wait!)—this keeps them crisp and non-sticky. For added flair, shower with extra lemon zest or yellow sprinkles. Pack into a cute jar or dish up right away for instant lemony joy.

How to Serve Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies

Garnishes

For a festive finish, I love sprinkling extra freshly grated lemon zest or vibrant yellow sprinkles over the top. Not only do these garnishes make Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies look even more inviting, but they also amp up that sunshiny citrus vibe. For special events, edible gold dust or candied lemon peel are fun, too!

Side Dishes

Complement your snack mix with bowls of fresh berries, a creamy fruit dip, or a platter of crisp sugar cookies. Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies pair beautifully with tea, sparkling lemonade, or even a big glass of milk, making them the star of any dessert table or afternoon treat lineup.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Spoon Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies into mini mason jars for individual servings, fill clear treat bags for portable party favors, or pile high in a bright yellow bowl as an easy centerpiece. They’re perfect for baby showers, sunny birthday parties, or as a cheery lunchbox surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies fresh and crunchy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for up to five days—if they last that long! To maintain that signature crispy texture, always seal the container tightly after each snack attack.

Freezing

Planning ahead or making a big batch? Freeze Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to one month. Thaw them on the counter for 30 minutes before serving; the powdered sugar coating will still taste just as dreamy and citrusy.

Reheating

No need to reheat—these are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature for maximum crunch and zest. If your powdered sugar gets a little ‘absorbed’ after storing, feel free to toss the mix with an extra dusting before serving for a fresh-from-the-bakery look.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal besides Rice Chex?

Absolutely! Any similarly shaped, crunchy cereal like Corn Chex or Crispix works beautifully. Just steer clear of cereals with flavors that might overpower the lemon, so that bright, sunny taste shines through.

How can I make my Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies extra tangy?

If you’re a lemon lover like me, stir in 1 tablespoon of instant lemon pudding mix with the powdered sugar. This amps up the tartness and makes each bite even more reminiscent of classic lemon bars.

Are Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies gluten free?

They can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten free Rice Chex and check your white chocolate chips for any gluten-containing additives. With those swaps, you’ll have a safe, gluten-free snack everyone can enjoy.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Of course! Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies scale up or down with ease—perfect for solo snacking or big parties. If you double it, grab a jumbo mixing bowl for the safest and easiest tossing.

How long do Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, they stay delicious for up to five days at room temp, or about a month in the freezer. They’re at their crunchiest best in the first couple of days—but truthfully, leftovers are a rarity!

Final Thoughts

Give Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies a try and you’ll have a new crowd-pleaser in your back pocket—guaranteed to bring smiles at every occasion. It’s sunshine, sweetness, and lemon bar nostalgia in every handful. Happy snacking!

Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the zesty and sweet flavors of Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies, a delightful snack mix perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsalted butter

Lemon Coating:

1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish:

Extra lemon zest or yellow sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cereal: Place Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
Melt White Chocolate: In a saucepan, melt white chocolate chips and butter over low heat until smooth.
Add Lemon Flavors: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the lemon mixture over the cereal and toss gently until evenly coated.
Add Powdered Sugar: Toss the coated cereal with powdered sugar until fully covered.
Cool and Garnish: Spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet, let cool, then garnish with lemon zest or sprinkles.
Store: Store the Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies in an airtight container.