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A clear bowl filled with white, powdered cereal squares and scattered red M&M candies, this strawberry puppy chow snack mix is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
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Valentine’s Day Puppy Chow for Parties, Treat Bags, and Movie Night

If you need a festive Valentine’s snack that looks adorable in a bowl and takes barely any effort, this Valentine’s Day puppy chow is the one. It’s sweet and crunchy, with a mix of creamy candy melts, powdered sugar, and red M&Ms that make it feel instantly party-ready.
Make a big batch for a movie night snack, portion it into treat bags for a party, or set it out in a cute bowl and watch it disappear.
Prep Time10 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 14
Calories: 245kcal
Author: Chop and Cheers

Equipment

  • 2 large mixing bowls
  • 2 Microwave-safe bowls
  • Spatula
  • Wax paper (or parchment)
  • 2 gallon-sized zip bags
  • Large serving bowl for the final toss

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white candy melts I like brands like Merckens or Ghirardelli as they have the best flavor and melt better
  • Red food dye
  • 5 cups Chex cereal divided – Rice or Corn Chex work best
  • 1/2 cup dry strawberry cake mix
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup red M&Ms

Instructions

Divide the cereal

  • Divide the 5 cups of Chex cereal equally between 2 large mixing bowls (you should end up with 2.5 cups of Chex cereal in each bowl).

Prepare the Coating Bags

  • In one gallon-sized plastic bag, add 1/2 cup powdered sugar. In the second bag, add 1/2 cup dry strawberry cake mix. These bags will be used for coating the cereal.

Melt the Candy Melts

  • Divide the white candy melts between two microwave-safe bowls. Microwave the first bowl for 10-15 seconds, stir, and repeat until fully melted. You can also add a teaspoon of coconut oil for smoother consistency if needed.

Coat the First Batch

  • Immediately after melting the first batch of candy pour it over one bowl of Chex cereal. Mix until the cereal is fully coated, then transfer it into the bag with powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake until the cereal is evenly coated. Spread the coated cereal onto wax paper to cool (to prevent sticking and achieve a better crunch).

Add Color to the Second Batch

  • Microwave the second bowl of candy melts in 20-second intervals until melted. Stir in a few drops of red food dye to achieve your desired pink hue.

Coat the Second Batch

  • Pour the pink chocolate over the second bowl of Chex cereal and mix thoroughly. Add this batch to the bag with the strawberry cake mix, seal, and shake until fully coated. Spread this cereal on wax paper to cool.

Combine and Serve

  • In a large serving bowl, gently toss the white cereal, pink cereal, and red M&Ms together. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, crunchy goodness!

Notes

You can store leftovers in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture and keep your snack fresh for up to a week.