Description
Pink Puppy Chow is a festive and delicious Valentine’s Day snack mix made with crispy Chex cereal coated in two types of sweet coatings — a classic chocolate-peanut butter blend and vibrant red candy melts. Finished with powdered sugar, Valentine’s sprinkles, and M&M’s, this treat combines crunchy, sweet, and colorful elements perfect for parties or gifting. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a fun no-bake recipe that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chex Mix
- 1 12 oz box Corn Chex cereal (or Rice Chex), divided (about 11 cups total)
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Coating
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup smooth style peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Red Candy Melt Coating
- 10 ounces red candy melts
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Valentine Sprinkles (a few tablespoons)
Finishing Touch
- Valentine M&M’s, to taste
Instructions
- Divide the Cereal: Evenly split the Chex cereal into two large bowls, approximately 5 1/2 cups per bowl. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment or wax paper.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully combined, about 1 to 2 minutes total. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat First Batch: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex in one bowl. Stir gently until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Sugar Coat: Transfer the coated cereal into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake gently until the cereal is completely covered. Pour out the coated cereal onto one lined baking sheet and allow it to set for about 10 minutes.
- Melt Red Candy Melts: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, heat the red candy melts in 30-second bursts, stirring vigorously after each interval until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes total.
- Coat Second Batch: Pour the melted red candy mixture over the other bowl of Chex cereal. Stir gently to coat evenly.
- Sugar and Sprinkle Coat: Transfer this batch into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of Valentine sprinkles. Seal and shake gently until well coated. Spread onto the second lined baking sheet and let rest for about 10 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Once both batches are no longer sticky and the coatings have fully set, mix them together in a large bowl. Stir in Valentine M&M’s. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use Rice Chex as a gluten-free alternative if desired.
- Make sure to stir often while microwaving chocolate and candy melts to prevent burning.
- Shake the coated cereal gently in bags to avoid crushing the cereal pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
