Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix

Prep Time: 5 mins Chill Time: 30 mins Yield: 8 cups

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free

This Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix has Very Berry Cheerios, Chex Mix, pretzels, and freeze dried strawberries coated in white chocolate and topped with cute Valentine’s sprinkles. Strawberries and cream flavors come together in this adorable, festive and fruity snack mix that can easily be gluten and dairy free.

Want more Valentine’s Recipes?

• Valentine’s Day Pancake Kabobs
• Easy Chocolate Raspberry Mousse
• Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
• Chocolate Crunch Cups
• Oreo Truffles

Reasons to love Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix:

• Fun, festive and fruity snack mix
• Easily customizable
• Strawberries and cream flavor
• Kid friendly
• Easy and quick to make
• No bake recipe
• 6 ingredients

Ingredients in Strawberries and Cream Muddy Buddies:

Very Berry Cheerios- I loved using the Very Berry edition of Cheerios in this strawberry puppy chow recipe. It added the perfect berry taste and sweetness. If you cannot find these or don’t have this cereal on hand, you can also use frosted cheerios or the limited edition Chocolate Strawberry Cheerios that is available around Valentine’s Day.

Chex Mix- I used plain rice Chex cereal in this recipe.

Pretzels- you can use regular or gluten free pretzels. I would recommend the twists or you can use sticks and break them in half or thirds so they are more bite-sized.

Freeze Dried Strawberries– I get these from either Aldi or Trader Joe’s.

White Chocolate Chips- you can use regular or dairy free. I used Enjoy Life’s Mini White Chocolate Chips to keep this snack mix dairy free.

Coconut Oil– I recommend using a naturally refined coconut oil so there is no coconut taste or smell. The neutral oil helps smooth the white chocolate out.

Tools needed to make Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Extra large bowl
• Glass bowl or double boiler- to melt the chocolate
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

How to make Strawberries and Cream Muddy Buddies:

Add the Cheerios, Chex, pretzels and freeze dried strawberries to a large bowl and mix together. Set aside.

Melt the white chocolate and coconut oil by your preferred method.

Pour the white chocolate over the mix and stir together making sure to coat all the pieces.

Fold in sprinkles and any other add-in’s you’d like.

Spread into an even layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until set.

Break into pieces and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies?

Typically muddy buddies and puppy chow consists of Chex cereal that is tossed with chocolate, peanut butter and then powdered sugar.

How is this Chex mix different from Puppy Chow and Muddy Buddies?

Essentially, this is the same as the popular snack, but this mix consists not only of Chex, but cheerios, pretzels, and freeze dried strawberries are added. They are then tossed in white chocolate. You can toss in powdered sugar if you desire, but I like to keep it lower in sugar, and I like big clusters instead of individual pieces of this snack mix.

How do I make a gluten free Chex mix?

As long as you use gluten free cereals and pretzels, this mix is naturally gluten free. Just make sure to check your labels and ingredients.

Pro Tip: name brand Cheerios are certified gluten free because they are made with oat flour, but off brand is typically not gluten free and made with wheat.

How should I store Strawberry Puppy Chow?

I like to store mine at room temperature in a Ziploc bag. It will last for up to 1-2 weeks. You can also store in the fridge in a container or Ziploc for 2 weeks.

Can I freeze these Strawberry and Cream Muddy Buddies?

No, I would not recommend it. It will become soggy and will not stay fresh when you thaw it out.

Can I gift this Strawberry Puppy Chow?

Absolutely! This would make such a nice and yummy gift for anyone because it can easily be allergy friendly. It’s also great because it keeps for awhile. Just package in nice bags and tie the top in a knot or with ribbon or a tie.

Ingredient substitutions:

Cereal: you can sub any cereal you’d like. If gluten free, make sure to choose cereals that are gluten free. Other cereals that would work really well would be shredded wheat (the strawberry version would be delicious!), Special K with strawberries, or Strawberry Frosted Flakes. The combinations are endless!

Chocolate: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you could use milk, dark or semi-sweet chocolate in this recipe. It’d be more of a chocolate covered strawberry flavor than strawberries and cream (which I think is equally as delicious!).

Other Variations:

Feel free to add whatever you have on hand to this mix! It’d be hard to go wrong. You can add popcorn, peanuts, sliced almonds, mini marshmallows or freeze dried marshmallows. Or any other ingredients listed above in the substitutions (you don’t have to sub, you can just add to it).

Craving other delicious recipes? Take a look!

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  No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
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  Oreo Cheesecake Dip
• 
  Hot Cocoa Cookies
• 
  Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles
• 
  Hot Cocoa Dip

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