Valentine’s Day Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a festive twist on a classic snack. This Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow combines sweet white and strawberry-flavored coatings with colorful M&Ms for a fun and tasty treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 5 cups rice Chex cereal, divided
- 5 oz white melting chocolate
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 5 oz red or pink melting chocolate
- 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix, toasted
- 1 cup white, pink, and red M&Ms
Instructions
- Step 1: Divide the rice Chex cereal evenly between two medium-sized bowls, placing 2 1/2 cups in each bowl.
- Step 2: Melt the white melting chocolate according to package directions, usually microwaving in 30-second intervals and stirring well until smooth. Pour the melted white chocolate over one bowl of cereal and gently stir to coat evenly without breaking the pieces.
- Step 3: Add the powdered sugar to the white chocolate-coated cereal. Stir gently to coat evenly, or place the mixture into a ziplock bag and shake to cover the cereal well.
- Step 4: Melt the red or pink melting chocolate using the same method. Pour it over the cereal in the second bowl and stir gently to coat.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the toasted strawberry cake mix over the chocolate-coated cereal and stir gently to distribute evenly.
- Step 6: Let both bowls of coated cereal dry completely. Once dry, combine them in a large bowl and stir in the M&Ms.
Tips & Variations
- To toast the cake mix, spread it on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, stirring once, to enhance flavor and reduce clumping.
- Use colored candy melts to match other holidays or themes for a fun variation.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or pretzels before the coating sets.
Storage
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep away from heat or humidity to maintain crispness. No need to refrigerate—just shake gently before serving if the pieces stick together.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cereal instead of rice Chex?
Yes, you can substitute with corn or wheat Chex cereals, or even other crunchy cereals, but rice Chex is preferred for its light texture and ability to hold coatings well.
How do I prevent the coated cereal from getting soggy?
Make sure the melted chocolate is cooled slightly before mixing, and allow the coated cereal to dry completely before storing. Avoid refrigeration, which can cause moisture buildup and sogginess.
Print
Valentine’s Day Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this festive and colorful Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow. Made with crunchy rice Chex cereal coated in white and pink melting chocolates, dusted with powdered sugar and strawberry cake mix, and mixed with colorful M&Ms for an irresistible sweet snack. Perfect for gifting or sharing during the holiday of love.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 5 cups rice Chex cereal, divided
White Chocolate Coating
- 5 oz white melting chocolate
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Strawberries and Cream Coating
- 5 oz red or pink melting chocolate
- 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix, toasted
Mix-ins
- 1 cup white, pink, and red M&Ms
Instructions
- Divide the Cereal: Begin by splitting the 5 cups of rice Chex cereal evenly into two separate medium-sized bowls, placing 2 1/2 cups in each. This division allows for two distinct flavor coatings.
- Melt White Chocolate: Melt the 5 oz of white melting chocolate following the package directions, typically by microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
- Coat with White Chocolate: Pour the melted white chocolate over one bowl of the rice Chex cereal, gently stirring to coat every piece evenly. Take care not to break the cereal as you stir.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle 1/2 cup powdered sugar over the coated cereal and gently fold or stir to ensure complete coverage. Alternatively, place coated cereal and powdered sugar into a resealable plastic bag and shake well to evenly distribute.
- Melt Pink/Red Chocolate: Repeat the melting process with 5 oz of red or pink melting chocolate using the same method as the white chocolate.
- Coat with Pink/Red Chocolate: Pour the melted pink/red chocolate over the second bowl of rice Chex cereal, stirring gently to coat all pieces evenly without breaking them.
- Add Toasted Strawberry Cake Mix: Sprinkle 1/2 cup toasted strawberry cake mix over the pink/red chocolate-coated cereal and stir gently until evenly coated.
- Dry and Combine: Allow both bowls of coated cereal to dry completely at room temperature until the chocolate hardens.
- Mix Together with M&Ms: Combine the two varieties of puppy chow in a large bowl and mix in 1 cup of white, pink, and red M&Ms for a colorful and festive finish.
Notes
- To toast strawberry cake mix: Spread cake mix on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway, until aromatic but not browned.
- Use gentle stirring to prevent breaking the rice Chex cereal pieces.
- Store puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For easier coating with powdered sugar, shaking in a sealed bag is recommended.
- Adjust M&M colors based on availability to fit the Valentine’s Day theme.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Valentine’s Day snack, puppy chow, strawberries and cream, rice Chex cereal, melting chocolate, sweet snack, festive treat
