Valentine's Puppy Chow

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

This festive puppy chow combines white and pink chocolate-coated Chex cereal with strawberry cake mix and Valentine's M&Ms for an easy no-bake treat.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:15:26 GMT
A white bowl filled with pink and white powdered sugar-coated cubes, resembling gummy candies, sits on a light surface with scattered strawberries and decorative items in the background. Pin it
A white bowl filled with pink and white powdered sugar-coated cubes, resembling gummy candies, sits on a light surface with scattered strawberries and decorative items in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

My strawberries and cream puppy chow brings so much joy to Valentine's Day. This sweet and crunchy treat combines Rice Chex with creamy white chocolate pink chocolate strawberry flavor and a pretty dusting of powdered sugar. It's impossible to eat just one handful.

Pure Happiness

What makes this puppy chow special is how the sweet strawberry flavor pairs with creamy white chocolate. The pink and white colors look so festive together. Plus it's no bake and comes together quickly perfect for making memories in the kitchen.

What You Need

  • Rice Chex: Six cups creates the perfect base.
  • White Chocolate: One cup melts beautifully.
  • Pink Chocolate: Another cup for color and fun.
  • Powdered Sugar: One cup makes it sweet.
  • Cake Mix: One cup strawberry flavor magic.
  • M&Ms: Half cup in pretty Valentine's colors.

Safety First

Why We Heat
Raw cake mix needs a quick heat treat for safety.
Quick Microwave
Thirty second bursts stir between until hot enough.
Oven Works Too
Spread it thin bake at 300 until safe then cool.
A bowl filled with pink and white powdered chewy candies alongside fresh strawberries. Pin it
A bowl filled with pink and white powdered chewy candies alongside fresh strawberries. | recipesbyclare.com

White Chocolate Magic

Split The Cereal
Three cups each bowl keeps things organized.
Melty Goodness
Pour white chocolate over one bowl mix gently.
Sweet Coating
Toss with powdered sugar until covered.

Pink Party

More Chocolate
Pour melted pink chocolate on second bowl.
Gentle Touch
Stir carefully coating every piece.
Strawberry Time
Toss with cake mix until perfectly pink.

Bring It Together

Let everything dry completely then mix your white and pink cereal together. Sprinkle in those pretty M&Ms they make it look extra special.

Share The Love

Fill mason jars or cute boxes with this sweet treat. Add a ribbon and recipe card it makes the sweetest Valentine's gift. Everyone loves homemade treats.

A bowl filled with pink and red star-shaped gummy candies sprinkled with powdered sugar, surrounded by fresh strawberries. Pin it
A bowl filled with pink and red star-shaped gummy candies sprinkled with powdered sugar, surrounded by fresh strawberries. | recipesbyclare.com

Keep It Fresh

Store your puppy chow in a sealed container it stays crunchy for a week. Keep it away from heat so the chocolate doesn't get melty.

Mix It Up

Try different cake mix flavors like lemon or chocolate. Add sprinkles instead of M&Ms or toss in mini marshmallows. This recipe loves creativity.

Quick Facts

Each half cup serving gives you about 210 calories. Ten grams of happy fat thirty carbs and two protein. Worth every sweet bite.

Success Tips

Be gentle with the cereal it breaks easily. Melt chocolate slowly rushing makes it grainy. Fresh ingredients make everything taste better.

A bowl filled with pink and white powder-coated gummy candies, surrounded by fresh raspberries and colorful utensils. Pin it
A bowl filled with pink and white powder-coated gummy candies, surrounded by fresh raspberries and colorful utensils. | recipesbyclare.com

Plan Ahead

Make this a couple days before your party. It stays perfect in a sealed container and saves you time when you need it.

Serving Ideas

Set out pretty bowls of puppy chow at parties or pack small bags for favors. It's perfect for any celebration that needs a touch of pink sweetness.

Pure Love

This puppy chow brings smiles every time. The pretty colors sweet strawberry flavor and fun crunch make it special. Simple ingredients lots of love that's what makes treats memorable.

A bowl filled with pink and white powdered candy cubes is surrounded by small strawberry pieces. Pin it
A bowl filled with pink and white powdered candy cubes is surrounded by small strawberry pieces. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I toast cake mix?
Spread cake mix on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted. Let cool completely before using.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The M&Ms may soften slightly over time.
→ Why is my chocolate seizing?
Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. Any water will cause the chocolate to seize. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
→ What's the best way to coat the cereal?
Work gently to avoid breaking the cereal. Using a ziplock bag to shake with powders gives an even coating.
→ Can I use different colors for other holidays?
Yes! Change the chocolate colors and M&Ms to match any holiday theme while keeping the same technique.

Valentine's Puppy Chow

A sweet Valentine's Day snack mix featuring chocolate-coated cereal in white and pink, tossed with strawberry cake mix and festive M&Ms.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
2 Minutes
Total Time
32 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 5 cups rice chex cereal, divided.
02 5 ounces white melting chocolate.
03 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
04 5 ounces red or pink melting chocolate.
05 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix, toasted.
06 1 cup M&Ms (white, pink and red).

Instructions

Step 01

Split 5 cups of rice chex cereal between two bowls, 2 1/2 cups each.

Step 02

Melt white chocolate in 30 second intervals. Pour over one bowl of cereal and gently coat.

Step 03

Coat white chocolate covered cereal with powdered sugar by stirring or shaking in bag.

Step 04

Melt pink/red chocolate. Pour over second bowl of cereal and coat gently.

Step 05

Coat pink chocolate covered cereal with toasted strawberry cake mix.

Step 06

Once dry, mix both coated cereals together and add M&Ms.

Notes

  1. Stir gently to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.
  2. Make sure cake mix is toasted and cooled before using.

Tools You'll Need

  • Microwave.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 637
  • Total Fat: 26.8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 94.4 g
  • Protein: 6.7 g