Can I make Valentine Puppy Chow ahead of time?

Yes, Valentine Puppy Chow can be made in advance. It's best enjoyed within the first 1–2 days when the cereal retains its crunch. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. Avoid refrigerating it, as that can make the cereal soggy.

Is it safe to eat raw cake mix in this recipe?

While many use raw cake mix safely, you can heat-treat the cake mix for peace of mind. Simply spread the cake mix on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes, then let it cool completely before adding to the powdered sugar mixture. This step reduces the risk of bacteria from raw flour.

Can I use different flavors or colors for other holidays?

Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for Valentine’s Day, you can easily adapt it. Use lemon or vanilla cake mix with yellow and green candy melts for spring holidays, or go bold with red and green for Christmas. Swapping the strawberry cake mix for chocolate or funfetti opens the door to year-round variations.

Valentine Puppy Chow – Best No-Bake Treat for Valentine’s Day

Name: Valentine Puppy Chow
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Chex cereal (divided into 3 cups each); 3/4 cup strawberry cake mix (dry powder); 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 3/4 cup red candy melts (heaping); 3/4 cup white candy melts (heaping); 1 cup Valentine M&Ms; 2 tablespoons Valentine sprinkles

Description

This Valentine Puppy Chow is a quick and easy no-bake snack mix made with Chex cereal, strawberry cake mix, powdered sugar, red and white candy melts, and festive Valentine M&Ms and sprinkles. It’s a fun and colorful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day parties, gifts, or an after-school snack.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups Chex cereal (divided into 3 cups each)
3/4 cup strawberry cake mix (dry powder)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup red candy melts (heaping)
3/4 cup white candy melts (heaping)
1 cup Valentine M&Ms
2 tablespoons Valentine sprinkles

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Instructions

Separate Chex cereal into two large bowls with 3 cups in each.
In a separate bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix and powdered sugar. Set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt red candy melts at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
Pour the melted red candy over one bowl of Chex and stir gently to coat.
Transfer the coated cereal to a gallon-sized zip-top bag and add half the cake mix mixture. Seal and shake until well coated. Spread onto parchment to cool.
Repeat the melting process with the white candy melts.
Pour the melted white candy over the second bowl of Chex, stir to coat, then shake with the remaining cake mix mixture in a separate zip-top bag. Spread to cool.
Once both batches are coated and cooled, combine them in a large bowl.
Add the Valentine M&Ms and sprinkles. Toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Notes

Heat-treat the cake mix by baking it at 350°F for 5 minutes if concerned about raw flour.
For best texture and crunch, enjoy within the first 1–2 days.
Do not refrigerate as it may cause the cereal to become soggy.
Perfect for gifting in clear treat bags or small boxes with ribbon.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 210
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg