No-Bake Valentine Snack Mix (Muddy Buddies Style)

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 fun and simple recipe you can make year-round (no one has to know it's based on a Valentine's Day treat). This version adds a festive twist with strawberry and vanilla Chex cereal, candy melts, and colorful toppings.

Here's a quick overview of this recipe:

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Serving size: 5-7
• Family friendly: YES! 
• Rating: 10/10
• Total prep and set time: 20-30 minutes
• Topping suggestions: 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.

If You Enjoy This No-Bake Snack Recipe, You May Like

• No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
• No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cups
• No-Bake Raspberry Protein Bites
• No-Bake Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

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.

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.

✓ 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.

✓  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.

✓  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. 

✓  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.

✓  Step #6: Add your choice of toppings: Add M&M's, sprinkles, or your choice of add-ons and toppings.

✓  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.

About the Author

Abbie Guerrero is the creator of Savvy with Abbie and has been blogging since 2009. She has developed over 800 original recipes and shares thoughtful book reviews and personal reflections. Writing has been a lifelong passion and a meaningful form of self-expression. Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero. All photos are original.

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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