Description
Learn how to make festive and delicious Valentine Puppy Chow! This easy no-bake recipe combines Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar with Valentine’s Day M&M’s and sprinkles for a fun and addictive treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 cups Chex cereal (Rice or Corn)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup red and pink M&M’s
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
1. Melt the Chocolate Mixture: Creating the Gooey Coating
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium to large microwave-safe bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, butter, and milk chocolate chips.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 1 minute.
- Stir: Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the mixture until it’s completely melted and smooth.
- Tip: If the chocolate is not fully melted after 1 minute, continue to microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
2. Add Vanilla Extract: Enhancing the Flavor
- Stir in Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until well combined.
3. Coat the Chex Cereal: The Foundation of Puppy Chow
- Pour Over Cereal: In a very large bowl with a tight-fitting lid, pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal.
- Tip: Make sure your bowl is large enough to allow for vigorous shaking without making a mess.
- Stir to Coat: Use a rubber spatula to gently stir and fold the cereal until it’s evenly coated with the chocolate mixture. You want each piece of cereal to be covered.
4. Add the Powdered Sugar: The Signature Sweet Finish
- Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the chocolate-coated cereal.
- Tip: For easier cleanup, you can do this step in a large ziplock bag.
- Cover and Shake: Securely fasten the lid on the bowl (or seal the ziplock bag) and shake well until the cereal is evenly coated with the powdered sugar. The goal is to have each piece of cereal coated with a layer of powdered sugar.
5. Add the Festive Touches: M&M’s and Sprinkles
- Add M&M’s: Gently stir in the red and pink M&M’s.
- Add Sprinkles: Add the Valentine’s Day sprinkles to the mixture.
- Tip: You can toss the mixture gently to distribute the M&M’s and sprinkles, or you can sprinkle them on top for a more decorative look.
6. Cool and Serve: Enjoying Your Creation
- Cool: Spread the Valentine Puppy Chow out on a large sheet of parchment paper or wax paper to cool completely. This allows the chocolate to set.
- Serve: Once cooled, break into pieces and serve.
