The ultimate Valentine's Day snack. My pink muddy buddies (aka puppy chow) recipe combines white and dark chocolate with pink candy-coated chocolates for a fun and festive no bake snack.
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Skill Level: Beginner
Shortcut Central: Using dyed candy melts means fewer ingredients and easier melting.
Flavor Remix: Swap for ruby chocolate for a tangy twist.
Allergy Watch: Gluten Free when using Rice Chex, No Eggs, Nut Free option
While this recipe gives Valentine's vibes, I think the pink color is perfect for baby showers, birthdays, and even bridal showers. It is make-ahead friendly, and my guess is you can't stop at just one handful.
You can bag it up and give it out as gifts or add it as a festive touch to your dessert table. Pair with these pink thumbprint cookies or gluten-free red velvet brownies.
Splitting the cereal into two batches means you get both a rich chocolate flavor on one and a sweet, creamy flavor on the other. It was a better balance and less overwhelmingly sugary.
During testing, I learned that slow, gentle heat is non-negotiable. Chocolate that's rushed turns grainy fast. I also found that shaking each batch in separate bags keeps the colors crisp instead of muddled. A small detail that made the pink color pop.
Ingredient Notes
- Cereal: I prefer rice Chex cereal because it doesn't have much of a flavor. Corn Chex is also an option and is also gluten free.
- Pink Chocolate: Candy melts are the easiest option. If using white chocolate, add butter and use a gel food coloring only. Water-based coloring will seize the chocolate.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter or omit to keep this recipe peanut free.
- Candy: I used season M&Ms but yu can pick out the red ones and save the rest from a regular bag. I add sprinkles for color but totally optional. You could substitute conversation hearts
Tips for Making Valentine's Day Muddy Buddies
A step-by-step visual guide for making pink puppy chow. You can skip to the recipe for the full written instructions.
Set Up
Get two pans, bags of sugar and mixing bowls ready because this recipe goes quickly and you don't want the chocolate to harden before you are ready.
Heat the Chocolate
Stirring often and heating in short bursts will keep the chocolate silky smooth.
Coat the Cereal
It won't look like enough chocolate at first. Gently fold the chocolate into the cereal.
Sugar Coating
Folding down the top of the bag makes it easier to add the coated cereal. Close and gently shake while the chocolate is still warm so the sugar sticks.
Cool
Add the sprinkles (if using) as soon as it comes out of the bag. Let each batch cool before combining.
Add the Candy
Add your selected candies and mix everything together.
Make Ahead and Storing
Make Ahead: Can be made up to 2 days in advance for the best texture.
Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze it for short periods of time and eat it straight from the freezer.
📖 Recipe
Pink Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)
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Ingredients
- 10 cups Rice Chex cereal divided
- 1 cup powdered sugar white or colored pink, divided
- 7 ounces pink melting chocolate or white chocolate chips*
- 5 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces Valentine's Day M&Ms
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside. Divide the powdered sugar into two separate 1-gallon plastic zip top bags. Divide the Chex cereal equally between two large mixing bowls.10 cups Rice Chex, 1 cup powdered sugar
- Place the pink chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments stirring in between, until melted. Pour over one bowl of the Chex and stir to fully coat.7 ounces pink melting chocolate
- Place the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments stirring in between, until melted. Pour over the remaining bowl of the Chex and stir to fully coat.5 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, 2 Tablespoons peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add the pink chocolate covered cereal to one bag. Seal and shake to coat. Spread out on the sheet pan to cool. Repeat with the chocolate covered cereal. If you want to add sprinkles add them now and allow the pieces to cool.Sprinkles
- Break up any large chunks and mix the two together with the M&Ms.8 ounces Valentine's Day M&Ms
Equipment
- sheet pan
Notes
- You can use white chocolate or ruby chocolate plus 2 tablespoons butter in place of the pink candy melts or use white candy melts.
- To color white chocolate you need to use a gel food coloring that contains no water.
- You can add pink powdered food coloring to color the powdered sugar pink.
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