I recently created a twist on a holiday classic with crisp Rice Chex generously coated in a rich chocolate and peanut butter blend and just a dash of red for extra flair. This Valentine’s Day Puppy Chow sparks delightful surprises in every bite and invites you to experience a fun spin on a cherished treat.

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I recently tried my hand at a Valentine’s Cupid Chow recipe and it turned out to be a total hit at my last party. I mixed 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal with melted unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter, then added a cup of semisweet chocolate chips and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle depth of flavor that really stood out.

I even tossed in 3-4 drops of red food coloring to give it that perfect romantic touch. After coating every piece, I sprinkled 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and couldn’t believe how delicious it tasted.

This treat is a fun twist on classic Chex mix for Valentine’s Day and it feels like sharing a piece of sweet art. Its mix of flavors and textures makes it more than just snack food its a conversation starter at any Valentine’s celebration.

Give it a try if you’re looking for something a bit different this year.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it gives me the perfect crunch and sweetness in every bite. I love how the mix of peanut butter and chocolate creates a rich flavor that’s both fun and comforting, and it always reminds me of fun times with friends. I also appreciate how simple it is to make, even when I’m in a hurry, and it never fails to impress at parties. Lastly, I enjoy adding that splash of red food coloring because it gives the treat a cute, festive look that makes it feel extra special.

Ingredients

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Rice Chex cereal loads the dish with crunchy carbohydrates that provide energy and texture.
Unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy flavor while keeping the salt level controlled.
Creamy peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, binding the ingredients together real good.
Semisweet chocolate chips bring balanced sweetness with a slight bittersweet taste that delights.
Vanilla extract contributes a subtle, classic flavor, enhancing the overall sweet experience.
Powdered sugar sweetens and envelopes the chow with a light, sugary, comforting finish.
Red food coloring, used optionally, gives a festive vibrant look perfect for Valentine treats.

Ingredient Quantities

9 cups Rice Chex cereal

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3-4 drops red food coloring (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Start by pouring 9 cups of Rice Chex into a large bowl.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter over low heat, stir it constantly so it doesnt burn.

3. Add in 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and continue stirring until they melt completely.

4. Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract along with 3-4 drops red food coloring if you want that extra valentines vibe.

5. Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex in the bowl, making sure to coat all the cereal evenly.

6. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar over the coated cereal and gently stir until every piece is covered.

7. Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet so it cools down evenly.

8. Let it chill at room temperature or in the fridge for about 30 minutes so it gets firm.

9. After its set, break it up into bite-size pieces.

10. Serve your Cupid Chow at your party or package it up as a sweet valentines gift. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl for mixing the Rice Chex
2. Medium saucepan to melt the butter and peanut butter
3. A wooden spoon or spatula to stir the mixture constantly
4. Measuring cups and spoons for all the ingredients
5. Baking sheet to let the mixture cool out evenly
6. Stove to heat the saucepan

FAQ

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

No, you really want unsalted butter since the salt can mess up the sweetness of the chow.

What can i do if i dont have Red food coloring?

Its totally optional, you can simply skip it or add more powdered sugar to keep the texture right.

How long should i let the mixture set before serving?

Just let it chill for about 20-30 mins so that all the ingredients vibe together.

Can i substitute the Rice Chex with another cereal?

Sure, you can try Corn Chex or another similar cereal, but note that the taste and crunch might differ a bit.

How should i store leftover Valentine Cupid Chow?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best results.

Valentine Cupid Chow Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Unsalted butter: You can use salted butter but cut back on extra salt or even try coconut oil if you’re lookin for a slightly different taste.
Creamy peanut butter: Swap it with almond butter or cashew butter if you want a twist in flavor.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips work pretty well too, especially if you like it a bit less sweet.
Vanilla extract: If you’re short on vanilla, a bit of almond extract can do the trick, though it’ll change the flavor a bit.
Powdered sugar: Confectioners’ sugar is a great alternative if you cant find powdered sugar in the store.

Pro Tips

1. When melting the butter and peanut butter, keep stirring non-stop so the mixture doesn’t burn. I’ve seen people overheat it and then it turns bitter, so be careful and keep the heat low.

2. Make sure you mix the chocolate coating into the cereal really thoroughly. I know it sounds boring, but if some pieces don’t get covered, you’ll end up with uneven flavor in your snack.

3. Don’t rush the cooling step – letting it chill properly helps the candy pieces stay firm and not turn messy. If you’re short on time, try putting it in the fridge but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hard.

Valentine Cupid Chow Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

I recently created a twist on a holiday classic with crisp Rice Chex generously coated in a rich chocolate and peanut butter blend and just a dash of red for extra flair. This Valentine's Day Puppy Chow sparks delightful surprises in every bite and invites you to experience a fun spin on a cherished treat.

Servings

servings

Calories

340

kcal

Equipment: 1. Large bowl for mixing the Rice Chex
2. Medium saucepan to melt the butter and peanut butter
3. A wooden spoon or spatula to stir the mixture constantly
4. Measuring cups and spoons for all the ingredients
5. Baking sheet to let the mixture cool out evenly
6. Stove to heat the saucepan

Ingredients

9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 drops red food coloring (optional)

Directions

Start by pouring 9 cups of Rice Chex into a large bowl.
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter over low heat, stir it constantly so it doesnt burn.
Add in 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and continue stirring until they melt completely.
Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract along with 3-4 drops red food coloring if you want that extra valentines vibe.
Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex in the bowl, making sure to coat all the cereal evenly.
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar over the coated cereal and gently stir until every piece is covered.
Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet so it cools down evenly.
Let it chill at room temperature or in the fridge for about 30 minutes so it gets firm.
After its set, break it up into bite-size pieces.
Serve your Cupid Chow at your party or package it up as a sweet valentines gift. Enjoy!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.