This Valentine's Snack Mix is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, crunchy and creamy, and utterly addictive. Trust me, once you start snacking, you won't be able to stop.
It's also incredibly easy to whip up. No fancy kitchen skills are required, just a few simple ingredients and a bit of mixing and melting. In no time at all, you'll have a batch of this festive snack ready to be shared with your loved ones.
Whether you're celebrating with your significant other, or your friends, or just treating yourself, this delectable creation is sure to put a smile on everyone's face.
Why You Will Love This Valentine's Snack Mix
Here's why you'll adore this recipe:
Perfect sweet and salty combination: The mix includes salty pretzels or crackers and sweet candies like M&M's and white chocolate, creating an addictive flavor blend.
Festive and fun for Valentine's Day: The mix incorporates Valentine-themed candies like red, pink, and white M&M's, conversation hearts, etc. to make it a colorful seasonal treat.
Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite cereals, candies, nuts, or other mix-ins to suit your tastes.
Great edible gift: The snack mix can be packaged up in treat bags or boxes to give as gifts for Valentine's Day parties, or care packages.
It's no-bake: and doesn't require much effort, but looks and tastes impressive.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need to make this snack mix:
- Corn Chex Cereal & Rice Chex Cereal: These provide the crunchy cereal base for the snack mix.
- Miniature Pretzel Twists: The pretzels add a salty, crunchy component to balance out the sweetness.
- Honey Nut Cheerios or Plain Cheerios: Another cereal variety that contributes crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Valentine's M&M's: These festive M&M's in red, white, and pink colors add pops of color, chocolate flavor, and a fun Valentine's theme.
- White Chocolate Chips: Melted white chocolate is used to coat and bind the snack mix ingredients together while adding rich creaminess.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil: A small amount of oil helps thin out the white chocolate for easier coating.
- Valentine's Sprinkles: Sprinkles can be added for extra festive decoration and crunch.
How To Make This Valentine's Snack Mix
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn cereal squares, miniature pretzel twists, rice cereal squares, honey nut or plain cereal rings, and 1 cup of Valentine's M&M's. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 3 cups (420g) of white chocolate chips and 1.5 teaspoons (22ml) of vegetable or canola oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir the mixture. Microwave for another 15 seconds, and stir again. Repeat this microwaving process in 15-second intervals and stirring until the white chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the Dry Ingredients: Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry ingredient mixture in the large bowl. Using a spatula gently fold and stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the white chocolate.
- Transfer to the Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated snack mix onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer.
- Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup (115g) of Valentine's M&M's and any desired sprinkles over the top of the snack mix.
- Optional Drizzle: Transfer the melted chocolate to a small plastic bag, snip off a corner, and drizzle or pipe stripes across the snack mix.
- Allow to Set: Let the white chocolate coating set and harden at room temperature for about 10-20 minutes.
- Break into Pieces: Once the white chocolate has hardened, use your hands or a spatula to break the snack mix into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Valentine's Snack Mix to a serving bowl or airtight container, and enjoy this delightful treat!
Tips For The Best Valentine's Snack Mix
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your cereals, pretzels, and candies are fresh and not stale for the best flavor and texture.
- Melt the White Chocolate Carefully: White chocolate can be finicky when melting. Follow the instructions carefully, and avoid overheating, which can cause it to seize up or become grainy.
- Work Quickly: Once the white chocolate is melted, work quickly to coat the dry ingredients and transfer the mixture to the baking sheet.
- Spread the Mixture Evenly: When transferring the coated snack mix to the baking sheet, spread it into an even layer. This will help ensure that the white chocolate sets evenly and doesn't pool in certain areas.
- Add Toppings Immediately: Sprinkle the remaining M&M's and any desired sprinkles or toppings immediately after spreading the snack mix on the baking sheet. This will help them adhere to the white chocolate before it sets.
- Customize with Your Favorite Ingredients: Don't be afraid to experiment with different cereal varieties, nuts, dried fruits, or candies to create your unique twist on this snack mix.
How To Store
Here’s how to store them
Storing: Transfer it to an airtight container once the white chocolate coating has been completely set. Keep at room temperature, for up to one week.
Valentine's Snack Mix
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Ingredients
- 420 g 3 cups corn cereal squares
- 210 g 1.5 cups miniature pretzel twists
- 420 g 3 cups rice cereal squares
- 420 g 3 cups honey nut or plain cereal rings
- 255 g 1.5 bags Valentine's M&M's (red, white, pink)
- 630 g 4.5 cups white chocolate chips
- 22 ml 1.5 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
- Valentine's sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and setting it aside.
- In a spacious bowl, combine the corn cereal squares, miniature pretzel twists, rice cereal squares, honey nut or plain cereal rings, and 140g (1 cup) of Valentine's M&M's. Gently toss to blend the ingredients.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 420g (3 cups) of white chocolate chips and 22 (1.5 teaspoons) of vegetable or canola oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir for 15 seconds, and then microwave for another 15 seconds. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. If necessary, return to the microwave for additional 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until fully melted.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the snack mix and swiftly yet gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated. Promptly transfer the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer.
- Immediately sprinkle the remaining 115g (0.5 bag) of Valentine's M&M's and optional sprinkles over the top of the snack mix.
- Optional Step: Melt the remaining 53g (0.38 cup) of white chocolate chips with 11 ml (0.75 teaspoons) of vegetable or canola oil in the microwave. Transfer the melted chocolate to a small plastic bag, snip off a corner, and pipe stripes across the snack mix.
- Allow the white chocolate to firm up and harden at room temperature or place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes until set.
- Once hardened, break the snack mix into pieces and serve.
Notes
- For a nutty twist, consider adding lightly salted peanuts or your preferred nuts to the mix.
- Adjust the amount of white chocolate coating to your desired level of coverage.
- Experiment with different festive sprinkles or decorations to personalize the snack mix.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cereal or pretzels?
Feel free to experiment with your preferred cereal varieties or pretzel shapes. Just aim for a balanced combination of textures and flavors.
Is it necessary to use Valentine's M&M's?
You can substitute with regular M&M's or any other festive candy of your choice, such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even dried fruit.
Can I make this recipe without white chocolate?
You can certainly omit it if desired. The snack mix will still be delicious, albeit with a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
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