This red velvet puppy chow is the ultimate sweet and crunchy snack with a colorful twist. Perfect for parties, Valentine’s Day, or a late-night treat, this no-bake recipe combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the irresistible crunch of Chex cereal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with no baking required.
- Crowd-pleaser: Sweet, crunchy, and addictive, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Festive and fun: The vibrant red color makes it perfect for special occasions.
- Customizable: Add sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or candy for extra flair.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Chex cereal
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup red velvet cake mix
- Red food coloring
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Resealable bag or container with a tight-fitting lid
- Parchment paper-lined baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions
Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
Coat the Cereal:
Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
Prepare the Dry Coating:
In a separate bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar and red velvet cake mix. Add a few drops of red food coloring to enhance the vibrant red hue, stirring until evenly distributed.
Combine and Coat:
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable bag or a container with a lid. Add the sugar and cake mix mixture, seal the bag or container, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated.
Cool and Serve:
Spread the puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool and set for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, serve in a bowl and enjoy!
Variations
- Festive Add-Ins: Mix in red, pink, or white sprinkles for a Valentine’s Day twist.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter in place of peanut butter.
- Extra Chocolate: Stir in mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips after coating for an extra indulgent bite.
- Holiday Flair: Swap the red velvet mix for green-tinted powdered sugar for a Christmas-themed version.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve in bowls or festive containers for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a resealable bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Even coating: Gently toss the cereal to avoid breaking it during mixing and shaking.
- Heat-treat the cake mix: For safety, microwave the cake mix until it reaches 165°F to kill any potential bacteria. Let it cool completely before using.
- Work quickly: Coat the cereal with the dry mix before the chocolate hardens for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry cake mix are great alternatives to red velvet.
2. What if I don’t have red food coloring?
The red velvet cake mix will still provide color, but adding food coloring enhances its vibrancy.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Red velvet puppy chow stays fresh for up to a week, making it perfect for prepping in advance.
4. How can I make this vegan?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips, plant-based butter, and a vegan cake mix to adapt this recipe for a vegan diet.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you have a large enough bowl or divide the recipe into batches for coating.
This red velvet puppy chow is a sweet, crunchy, and colorful treat that’s perfect for sharing. Easy to make and fun to eat, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
