Whether you call it puppy chow or Chex mix or muddy buddies, this crunchy treat is one that’s difficult to put down once you first get a taste. When I make this for gatherings I like to set out many small bowls of it so that it’s less likely one or two people will hog the big bowl! I can’t blame anyone though since puppy chow is a very addictive sweet snack. But, it’s also perfect for parties and for gift giving and that goes double around the winter holidays.

This key lime pie puppy chow has all the wonderful elements of a key lime pie, but in an infinitely more portable and easy-to-serve format. It’s pretty amazing how all the different flavors come together in this recipe!

To start with there’s broken up graham cracker pieces mixed in with the cereal pieces. This is the stand-in for the graham cracker crust you’d find with key lime pie.

Then the creamy flavor is simulated by the melted white chocolate. As a tip it’s best to make this recipe on a day that isn’t humid or rainy at all and to use impeccably clean and dry utensils and bowls for melting the chocolate. This, along with not overheating the chocolate, ensures that it won’t seize up. You need the chocolate to be pourable in order for it to coat the cereal and graham cracker pieces correctly.

Then there’s the luscious, perfectly sweet and sour key lime flavor. We’re using bottled juice out of necessity, but if you have rare access to fresh key limes then by all means use those. They have that subtle kick that regular limes don’t have. And, just to heighten the impression of key limes we’re also adding a bit of lime zest.

It’s a winning combination that tastes a lot like a key lime pie, but with that crunchy texture that Chex cereal has. You can use Crispix cereal or even pretzels if you wanted, too. It doesn’t always have to be Chex.

The last steps are to coat the cereal pieces in powdered sugar before you dig in. You can do this in a large plastic freezer baggie to really coat each piece.

If you love all things key lime or if you’re looking for a new twist on Chex mix then give this unique key lime pie puppy chow a chance. I bet you’ll be blown away by this sweet, crunchy, tangy mix. I know I was!