We make Valentine’s Puppy Chow Recipe every year for a special Valentines treat. Whether you call it puppy chow or muddy buddies, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
This Valentine’s Day Puppy Chow Recipe is one of our most favorite traditions in February. The kids love to help make it and of course we all love to eat it. Tons of creamy peanut butter, M&M’s candy, cereal and more combine for a sweet no bake recipe everyone will enjoy.
While this is a valentines day treat, we will look for any excuse to make it. It’s so easy that you will have time to also make Valentine’s Day Rolo Pretzel Turtles.
If you love puppy chow, you’ll want to try all our Best Puppy Chow Recipes to enjoy year round. The kids and I also make St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow Recipe and Halloween Puppy Chow Recipe.
What is Puppy Chow?
The name originates because of its appearance. However, it is not intended for dogs to eat. It is a fun and delicious treat intended for human consumption.
You will often find this at parties, holidays and other celebrations. Depending on what region you are from, this might be called Muddy Buddies.
Whatever you call it, this recipe is amazing and it’s included in Valentine’s Day Desserts for Kids.
Ingredients
- Rice Chex Cereal. You can also use corn chex cereal.
- Creamy Peanut Butter. Creamy is best so the mixture is smooth.
- Red Candy Melts. This gives the snack mix the perfect hue.
- Powdered Sugar. The powdered sugar is so decadent.
- Valentine’s M&Ms. This seasonal candy makes it so festive.
Scroll to the bottom and find the complete ingredient list.
Muddy Buddies Variation Ideas
- Make it for different holidays – You can use different colors for other holidays. We also make Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe.
- Add in Nuts – Another fun idea to add is nuts for a sweet and salty snack mix.
- Sprinkles – We love to add in Sprinkles they make this recipe so fun and festive.
- Change Colors – Try different colors of candy melts to make it your own.
- Chocolate Chips – Add in ½ cup of white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips to add flavor and texture.
- Powder Sugar – Try puppy chow without powdered sugar.
- Peanut Butter – If you have a peanut allergy, you can make this puppy chow without peanut butter. Make sure to increase the chocolate so everything still sticks together.
- Change the Candy – We used Valentine M&M’s but you can use other Valentine candy.
How to Make Valentines Puppy Chow
Step 1. Add ingredients to melt in a microwave-safe bowl. Next, combine the red candy melts, peanut butter and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30 second increments until melted and smooth.
Step 2. Place the Chex Cereal in a large mixing bowl. Then pour pour the chex cereal in a large bowl. Pour the melted peanut butter and candy mixture over the cereal mixture and quickly stir to coat.
Step 3. Use a one gallon ziplock bag, pour ½ of the total amount of powdered sugar. Then pour ½ of the coated cereal into the gallon bag. Shake to combine.
Step 4. Pour the mixture on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the Valentines M&M’s over the top and stir to combine together the puppy chow mix.
Recipe Tips
- Melt the candy in intervals – Be careful when melting the red candy coating as it will burn easily. Heat in small intervals. Continue to stir and allow the heat from the rest of the candy to melt the remaining candy.
- Coat the cereal right away – Don’t let the melted candy coating cool or harden before coating in the cake mix. If you wait too long, it will not stick to the cereal.
- Cool before serving – Allow the puppy chow to cool on a baking sheet before serving.
- Gift Idea – If you are hosting a Valentine’s Day Party, make a batch of this puppy and place in a gift bag. It makes for the perfect gift idea.
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to a week and enjoy! We love this so much that they rarely last a week around here.
More Valentine’s Day Desserts
- White Chocolate Popcorn Recipe
- Valentine’s Day Chocolate Pretzels
- Emoji Covered Oreos
- how to make heart shaped cinnamon rolls
- Valentine’s Day Cake Mix Cookies
Surprise the kids with the perfect Valentine’s Day Treat with Valentine chex mix and. Don’t forget to come back and leave a comment.
Valentines Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 8 cups chex cereal
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups red candy melts
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 one-gallon ziplock bags
- 1 1/2 cups Valentine’s m&ms
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet or cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Pour 8 cups Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups red candy melts, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
- Microwave the mixture on high for 30 seconds, stir well, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 60 seconds total.
- Pour the melted candy mixture over the 8 cups Chex cereal and gently stir until the cereal is evenly coated. Work quickly so the coating does not harden.
- Divide 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar evenly between 2 one-gallon zip-top bags.
- Divide the coated cereal evenly between the two bags. Seal each bag tightly and shake until the cereal is completely coated in powdered sugar.
- Spread the coated puppy chow onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet and allow it to cool completely.
- Once cooled, add 1 ½ cups Valentine’s M&M’s and gently stir to combine.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
