This delightful Valentine’s Day snack mix—affectionately known as Cupid’s Chex Mix of Love by our studio team—combines irresistible sweetness and saltiness, making it an ideal indulgence to share with that special someone. Elevate the fun by incorporating your preferred holiday-themed additions, such as charming heart-shaped sprinkles or shimmering edible glitter, for an extra touch of whimsy. It’s also a fantastic option for a family activity, perfect for creating joyful moments with the children in your life!
Super Festive and Fun
What could be more appealing than a treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors? This vibrant snack mix embodies the essence of romance and joy, capturing the spirit of Valentine’s Day in every bite with its playful, love-inspired presentation.
Easily Customizable
Personalize this snack mix to suit your taste by selecting your favorite Valentine’s Day-inspired toppings. Favorites include tiny M&Ms, colorful festive sprinkles, and sparkling edible glitter, allowing you to infuse your unique flair into this crowd-pleasing recipe.
Perfect for Involving the Kids
This recipe stands out as an excellent choice for baking with children because it avoids any uncooked elements. Little ones can safely nibble away during the preparation process without worry, turning cooking time into a delightful, mess-free bonding experience.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential components that come together to create this enchanting treat:
- Marshmallows: These provide the gooey, sugary foundation that binds the entire mixture into a cohesive delight.
- Butter: Melted alongside the marshmallows, it forms a luscious base into which all other ingredients are tossed, ensuring even coating and maximum flavor infusion.
- Pretzel Twists: Mini pretzel twists deliver a satisfying salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness; however, you can experiment with any pretzel shape that suits your preference.
- Chex Cereal: Rice Chex contributes a light, crispy texture essential to the mix’s appeal. If you’d like a variation, rice krispies make a wonderful substitute.
- Valentine’s Day Mix-Ins: Get creative with your choices here—options like mini M&Ms, themed sprinkles, and edible glitter add festive pops of color and flavor.
How to Make Cupid’s Chex Mix of Love
Follow these straightforward steps to whip up this heartwarming snack in no time:
- Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and setting it aside for later use.
- Prepare the marshmallow mixture: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add the marshmallows to the pot, then immediately remove it from the heat source. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until the marshmallows fully dissolve into a smooth, sticky blend.
- Incorporate the pretzels and Chex: Carefully pour in the pretzels and Chex cereal, gently folding everything together until every piece is thoroughly coated in the warm marshmallow mixture.
- Spread and decorate: Transfer the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Generously sprinkle your chosen Valentine’s Day mix-ins over the top, then lightly press them into the soft surface to secure them. Allow the mixture to cool and firm up for several minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this treat directly from the baking sheet for a rustic, shareable presentation, or break it into bite-sized clusters and transfer to a serving bowl for easier grabbing. The choice is yours, offering flexibility for any occasion or gathering style.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 oz. mini marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups small pretzel twists, lightly crunched
- 5 cups Rice Chex
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day mix-ins (such as mini M&Ms, sprinkles, and edible glitter)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the marshmallows, remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla until the marshmallows are fully melted.
- Add the pretzels and Chex to the pot, folding gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto the lined baking sheet, sprinkle with Valentine’s Day mix-ins, and press them gently into the marshmallow. Let it set.
- For quicker setting, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to swap Chex cereal with rice krispies or even popcorn for a twist.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 268 kcal, Carbohydrates: 66 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 10 g, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 21 g. Note that nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
