No-Bake Valentine Snack Mix (Muddy Buddies Style)

Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero , food blogger and creator of Savvy with Abbie. All photos original.

No-Bake Valentine Snack Mix

With Valentine's Day about a month away, I have already started working on some cute holiday-themed crafts and snacks - including these kid-friendly Valentine's Day Muddy Buddies. 

This strawberry and vanilla snack mix is not only addictive, but super easy to make - all you need are six simple ingredients - Chex cereal, powdered sugar, M&M's, sprinkles, and candy melts. If you have not tried Muddy Buddies - or like me, grew up on this snack, you are missing out! 

With no baking involved, this is a simple recipe that you will want to make year-round (no one has to know it's based on a Valentine's Day snack). This no-bake Valentine snack mix is a fun twist on classic Muddy Buddies, made with strawberry and vanilla Chex cereal, candy melts, and festive toppings. 

Muddy Buddies in a small yellow bowl topped with sprinkles and M&Ms

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Serving size: 5-7
• Family friendly: YES! 
• Rating: 10/10
• Total prep and set time: 20-30 minutes
• Topping suggestions: Top muddy buddies with sprinkles, M&M's, pretzels (if you like sweet and salty), or chocolate chips

What Are Muddy Buddies

If you aren't familiar with Muddy Buddies (also known as puppy chow), they are a delicious, no-bake snack or dessert that combines a Chex mix cereal with powdered sugar. It is typically mixed with melted chocolate or peanut butter - in this case - candy melts. It adds a sweet and crunchy flavor and it's typically made for special events such as Valentine's Day. 

What Inspired This Recipe 

This recipe was inspired by a Muddy Buddies-style snack I saw on My Tasty Recipe, with changes to flavors, measurements, and toppings to make it my own.

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Ingredients For Muddy Buddies

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    • 4 cups Strawberry Vanilla Chex Cereal (found at Albertsons)
    • 4 oz candy melts (pink and white, also found at Albertsons) - you can also purchase the *White candy melts on Amazon
    • *5 oz Cupid's Blend M&M's 
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • Red sprinkles

    Note: You will need four medium bowls, one large bowl, and either a baking sheet or tray for the muddy buddies to fully cool and harden. I also used a mesh strainer to strain out the additional powdered sugar.

    Ingredients for a no-bake snack mix laid out on a countertop.

    How to Make This No-Bake Muddy Buddies Style Snack

    ✓ Step #1: Add Chex mix to two bowls - Add two cups of Chex mix in two different medium-sized bowls and set aside.

    Strawberry Vanilla Chex cereal in two white bowls on a counter.

    ✓ Step #2: Add candy melts to final two medium-sized bowls - In one medium bowl, add the pink candy melts. In the second bowl, add the white. Melt each candy melt bowl for 60 seconds, stir, and then 30 more seconds, or until completely melted.

    Chex cereal in bowls alongside candy melts in bowls on a countertop.

    ✓  Step #3: Add cereal to candy melt bowl – Once the candy melts are completely melted, add the Chex cereal to the bowl that has the candy melts. I found it easier to do it this way instead of pouring the melted chocolate on top. Mix together until all cereal is coated.

    Chex cereal combined with candy melts for Muddy Buddies.

    ✓  Step #4: Add powdered sugar to freezer bag: In a freezer or gallon-sized bag, add two cups of powdered sugar. Slowly add in both bowls of candy-melt coated Chex cereal. Close the bag and shake until every single piece is coated in powdered sugar. Add entire bag to either a cookie sheet, pan, or pot. 

    Muddy buddies in a pan, ready for M&M's and sprinkles.

    ✓  Step #5: Use sifter to sift additional powdered sugar: Let the muddy buddies sit and cool for 10-15 minutes. Use a handheld sifter and sift out the additional powdered sugar and add muddy buddies to a large bowl. If you would like to use a strainer/sifter like mine, here is a *7 inch stainless steel mesh strainer.

    Muddy buddies in a large green bowl.

    ✓  Step #6: Add your choice of toppings: Add M&M's, sprinkles, or your choice of add-ons and toppings.
    Muddy buddies, M&M's and sprinkles in a large bowl, ready to eat.

    ✓  Step #7: Serve immediately: Enjoy right away and try not to eat all of it in one sitting.

    How To Store 

    Add muddy buddies to a freezer bag and store on the counter or in the fridge. Best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal texture.

    Muddy Buddies in a freezer bag, ready to store.

    Did You Enjoy This Valentine's Day Snack

    Do you prefer the sweet and salty combination or just a sweet combo?

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    ✓ Pin this recipe on Pinterest

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    ✓ Follow this blog for more no-bake snack recipes

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