why make this recipe
This treat is easy, fast, and fun to make. It uses simple ingredients. It looks festive for Valentine’s Day. Kids and adults like the sweet and crunchy mix. It also works well as a gift or party snack.
introduction
Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies are a sweet Chex mix with white chocolate, peanut butter, and festive candies. You melt the chocolate and peanut butter, coat the cereal, then toss it in powdered sugar. Add M&Ms, pretzels, sprinkles, and optional freeze-dried strawberries. It sets quickly and stores well.
how to make Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies
Follow these clear steps:
- Put the cereal in a very large mixing bowl and set it aside.
- Melt white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals and stir between each until smooth.
- Stir vanilla into the melted mixture.
- Pour the melted mix over the cereal. Fold gently with a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Place the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until all pieces are coated.
- Spread the coated cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet. While it is still a bit tacky, sprinkle the M&Ms, pretzels, sprinkles, and freeze-dried strawberries.
- Let the mix set for 20 minutes. Break apart any clumps, mix gently, and put into an airtight container or gift bags.
Ingredients :
- 9 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup Valentine’s M&Ms
- 1 cup mini pretzel knots
- 2 tbsp heart-shaped sprinkles
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries (optional)
Directions :
- Place the Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until fully coated.
- Spread the muddy buddies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. While still tacky, sprinkle with Valentine’s M&Ms, pretzels, sprinkles, and freeze-dried strawberries. Let set for 20 minutes.
- Break apart any clumps, mix gently, and transfer to an airtight container or gift bags.
how to serve Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies
Serve in small bowls or paper cups for a party. Fill clear treat bags for gifts. It is a good snack at room temperature. Use a scoop or tongs to keep it tidy.
how to store Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies
Put the mix in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let it come to room temperature before serving if chilled.
tips to make Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies
- Use a very large bowl to avoid spills when you coat the cereal.
- Melt the chocolate slowly and stir often to prevent burning.
- Shake the zip-top bag gently, not hard, to keep pieces from breaking.
- Add candies and sprinkles while the mix is still tacky so they stick.
- If you want nut-free, swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
variation (if any)
- Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for a different taste.
- Use seasonal M&Ms or chocolate chips for other holidays.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
- Make mini bags for favors or larger bags for game day.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another cereal instead of Chex?
A: Yes. Rice or corn Chex work best for texture, but you can try similar crisp cereals.
Q: Can I skip the peanut butter?
A: Yes. Leave it out or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Q: How do I keep the mix from getting soggy?
A: Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humid places.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make it a day or two before. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Conclusion
For another version and step photos, see Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies (Easy Puppy Chow Recipe). You can also compare notes with the recipe at Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies – The Country Cook.
Print
Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive Chex mix coated in white chocolate and peanut butter, perfect for Valentine’s Day parties or gifts.
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup Valentine’s M&Ms
- 1 cup mini pretzel knots
- 2 tbsp heart-shaped sprinkles
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries (optional)
Instructions
- Place the Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until fully coated.
- Spread the muddy buddies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. While still tacky, sprinkle with Valentine’s M&Ms, pretzels, sprinkles, and freeze-dried strawberries. Let set for 20 minutes.
- Break apart any clumps, mix gently, and transfer to an airtight container or gift bags.
Notes
Use a very large bowl to avoid spills when coating. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Snack
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg