Description
This Valentine Snack Mix is a festive and sweet treat perfect for sharing or gifting. It combines crunchy cereals, mini pretzels, and Valentine’s Day M&M’s coated in smooth white chocolate for a delightful snack with a mix of textures and flavors. Easy to make and customizable with sprinkles or extra drizzle, it’s ideal for a quick holiday celebration or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Snack Mix
- 2 cups Corn Chex® cereal
- 1 cup mini pretzel twists
- 2 cups Rice Chex® cereal
- 2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios cereal or plain Cheerios
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s (red, white, and pink)
White Chocolate Coating
- 3-1/4 cups white chocolate chips (just under 2 bags)
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil or canola oil
Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s (remaining from the bag)
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Sheet Pan: Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside to make spreading and cooling the snack mix easy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a very large bowl, mix together Corn Chex, mini pretzel twists, Rice Chex, Honey Nut Cheerios, and 1 cup of Valentine’s M&M’s. Stir to evenly blend all the dry ingredients.
- Melt White Chocolate: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 3 cups white chocolate chips with the vegetable oil. Microwave in bursts—first 30 seconds, stir for 15 seconds, then 15 seconds more. Stir until smooth. If still not fully melted, continue microwaving in 15-second bursts with stirring until completely melted.
- Coat Snack Mix: Pour the melted white chocolate over the combined snack mix. Quickly, but gently, stir until all pieces are evenly coated with the white chocolate.
- Spread and Add Toppings: Immediately transfer the coated mix to the prepared sheet pan and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Valentine’s M&M’s and optional Valentine’s Day sprinkles on top. For extra decoration, melt the last 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, place in a small plastic bag, snip off the tip, and pipe stripes over the top.
- Allow to Set: Let the white chocolate firm up at room temperature or place the tray in the fridge for about 10 to 20 minutes until the coating hardens.
- Serve: Break the snack mix into bite-sized pieces and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer freshness.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container or bag.
- Substitution: Use any white chocolate chips or candy melts you prefer; vegetable oil helps smooth the melting process.
- Add-Ons: Customize with different colored M&M’s or mix in nuts and dried fruit for variation.
- Microwave Tips: Use short bursts and stirring to avoid burning the white chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
