Vibrant Valentine’s Muddy Buddies
This recipe creates a festive and color-coordinated treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
- Ziploc bags
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Muddy Buddies
- 9 cups Chex Cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for added flavor
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Red and pink gel food coloring optional, for Valentine's theme
- Valentine's Day sprinkles optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Measure Chex cereal into a large bowl and set it aside.
- Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-30 second intervals, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Stir in vanilla extract if desired, and add red or pink food coloring for a festive hue.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Divide powdered sugar into two large Ziploc bags, then add half of the coated cereal to each bag and shake until fully covered.
- Toss the muddy buddies with Valentine's Day sprinkles on parchment paper while the chocolate is still tacky.
- Spread the muddy buddies in a single layer on parchment or wax paper to cool completely, which takes about 15-20 minutes, for a crunchy texture.
Notes
For best results, gently fold the cereal to avoid crushing it during the coating process. Ensure the chocolate mixture is completely smooth before coating the cereal. If the muddy buddies seem too sticky after cooling, you can toss them with a little extra powdered sugar, or even dust them with cocoa powder for an extra layer of flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a fun variation, try different colored food colorings and sprinkles for other holidays or occasions. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, or add mini marshmallows or chopped nuts for additional texture and flavor. This recipe is easily scalable; simply adjust ingredient quantities proportionally to make a larger or smaller batch. Always handle the hot chocolate mixture carefully to avoid burns. Enjoy your homemade festive treat!