Description
Cupid’s Crunch is a delightful Valentine’s Day treat mix featuring a crunchy blend of Chex cereal, heart-shaped Cheerios, pretzels, and nuts, all coated in creamy white chocolate and festively adorned with sprinkles, M&Ms, and mini marshmallows. Perfect for sharing or gifting during the holidays, this no-bake snack mix combines sweet, salty, and crunchy textures with charming seasonal flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice, or a mix)
- 2 cups Cheerios (heart-shaped if available)
- 1 cup mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts (or cashews; omit for nut-free)
Coating and Toppings
- 16 oz white chocolate melts (or white candy melts, vanilla almond bark, or white chocolate chips)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles
Mix-Ins
- 1 (10-oz) bag Valentine’s M&Ms (red, white, pink – Cupid’s Blend)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (heart-shaped if available)
Instructions
- Prep: Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for spreading the coated mix later.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 4 cups Chex cereal, 2 cups Cheerios, 1 cup mini pretzel twists, and 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts (or cashews if preferred) thoroughly to create an even base for the coating.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 16 oz white chocolate melts with 2 teaspoons vegetable oil by heating in 15-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt to enhance flavor.
- Combine: Pour the melted chocolate over the dry ingredients and gently stir immediately to evenly coat the mix. Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of Valentine’s Day-themed sprinkles over the top evenly. Allow the mixture to set at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.
- Finish: Once firm, break the mixture into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine these pieces with the 10-ounce bag of Valentine’s M&Ms and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Store the final Cupid’s Crunch mix in an airtight container or bag to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the dry-roasted peanuts or substitute with additional pretzels.
- White chocolate chips can be used but may take longer to melt smoothly compared to melts or almond bark.
- Use heart-shaped Cheerios and mini marshmallows if available to enhance the festive Valentine’s Day theme.
- Store the treat mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Gently stirring the chocolate-coated mixture is important to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.
