Description

This Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies recipe is a sweet, crunchy, no-bake treat that turns simple cereal into a festive pink snack mix with white chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, strawberry flavor, candies, and sprinkles. It is perfect for Valentine’s Day parties, quick dessert ideas, easy snack ideas, holiday food ideas, classroom treats, edible gifts, and a fun easy recipe to make with kids.

Ingredients

9 cups rice square cereal

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder or strawberry gelatin powder

1 cup Valentine’s M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates

1/3 cup Valentine’s sprinkles

2 tablespoons red or pink sanding sugar, optional

Instructions

1. Add the rice square cereal to a very large mixing bowl.

2. Combine the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.

3. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and melted.

4. Stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry powder until the coating is evenly pink.

5. Pour the pink coating over the cereal and gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated.

6. Add the powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag or lidded container.

7. Transfer the coated cereal into the bag or container, seal tightly, and shake until fully covered.

8. Spread the muddy buddies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool for 10 minutes.

9. Add the Valentine’s candies, sprinkles, and sanding sugar.

10. Toss gently, then serve or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Use a very large bowl so the cereal can be folded gently without breaking.

Shake the coated cereal in two batches if your bag or container is not large enough.

Let the muddy buddies cool completely before sealing them in bags or jars for gifting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Category: Dessert Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 325
Sugar: 31g
Sodium: 185mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies, muddy buddies, puppy chow, Valentine snack mix, no-bake dessert, easy snack ideas, holiday food ideas, classroom treats