Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat that’s quick, delicious, and sure to impress? Introducing Cupid’s Crunch – a fun blend of sweet and salty flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a festive family snack, a classroom treat, or a thoughtful gift!
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Why this recipe works
- Sweet, salty, and totally addictive: Crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, and creamy white chocolate? Yeah, it’s basically snack heaven in every bite.
- No-fuss and fast: No baking, no complicated steps – just mix, melt, and munch. Perfect for when life is hectic (aka always).
- Fun and festive: Decked out in Valentine’s colors, but easy to switch up for any holiday or just because.
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!
Ingredient notes
- Chex cereal: Provides a light, crispy base. You can use Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a combination of both. I usually do a combination for more interest!
- Cheerios: Adds a different texture; heart-shaped varieties are festive if available but regular is fine. I usually use plain, but feel free to use a flavored variety.
- Mini pretzel twists: Introduce a satisfying salty crunch. Substitute with pretzel sticks or snaps if preferred.
- Dry-roasted nuts: Peanuts (or cashes if you prefer) add a nutty richness. For a nut-free version, skip them.
- White chocolate: Bind the mix together with sweetness. White candy melts or vanilla almond bark work best, although you can use white chocolate chips in a pinch – they’re just a little harder to melt.
- Valentine’s candy: Infuse festive colors and extra sweetness. Feel free to use your preferred candies or themed sprinkles.
Step-by-step overview
This is super easy to make, here is a quick overview with step by step photos if you want some additional guidance. Before you begin, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
1. Combine dry ingredients
2. Add the chocolate
Be cautious not to overheat the chocolate, as white chocolate can seize if it becomes too hot! Microwave in 15-sec intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and pourable.
3. Spread and decorate
4. Set and finish
Tips for success
- Melt the chocolate gently: White chocolate can be super temperamental. Heat it in short bursts, stirring often, or it might seize up and turn into a grainy mess.
- Coat evenly for the best crunch: Gently fold everything together until every last pretzel and cereal piece is coated – nobody wants a dry corner of Chex!
- Let it set fully: I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but give it time to set completely before breaking it up. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Make it your own: Swap nuts for more pretzels, add extra marshmallows, or throw in some crushed cookies – there’s no wrong way to mix this up!
Helpful recipe hints
Troubleshooting & storage
This can happen if the melted chocolate mixture is too thick or if the cereal isn’t mixed thoroughly.
To prevent clumping:
Thin the chocolate mixture: Add a small amount of butter or vegetable oil to the melted chocolate to achieve a smoother consistency.
Mix quickly and gently: Once the chocolate is melted, work swiftly to pour it over the cereal mixture and stir gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating.
Use a large mixing vessel: A spacious bowl allows for better mixing without crushing the cereal.
If the melted chocolate is too hot when mixed with the cereal, it can make the cereal soggy. Only melt the chocolate until it’s pourable. If you’re concerned, let it stand for 1 minute before adding it to the dry ingredients.
Additionally, after coating the cereal, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and set properly before storing.
Using stale cereal can result in a less-than-fresh taste. Always check the freshness of your cereal before starting. Additionally, ensure that the finished mix is stored in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness.
Absolutely! Prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Store any remaining Cupid Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
For a chilled treat, keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months; it tastes great cold! But preferably do not re-warm it to room temp, or it may get a little soggy.
Serving tips
Cupid’s Crunch isn’t just a tasty treat – it’s also a perfect gift! Make sure the mix is fully set before packaging to avoid any sticky surprises! Package it up in cute cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, or fill small mason jars with the mix for an adorable Valentine’s Day gift for teachers, neighbors, or friends.
For a fun family snack, serve it in a big bowl during movie night, or portion it into snack-sized bags for an easy, grab-and-go treat.
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.
Printable recipe
Cupid’s Crunch (Valentine’s Treat Mix)
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex cereal corn, rice or a mix
- 2 cups cheerios heart-shaped are cute here, if available
- 1 cup mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts or cashews; omit for nut-free
- 16 oz white chocolate melts OR white candy melts OR vanilla almond bark OR white chocolate chips (chips are harder to melt)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles
- 1 (10-oz) bag Valentine’s M&Ms (red, white, pink – Cupid's Blend)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows heart-shaped if available
Instructions
- Prep: Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: Combine 4 cups Chex cereal, 2 cups cheerios, 1 cup mini pretzel twists and 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts (if using) in a large bowl.
- Melt chocolate: Melt 16 oz white chocolate melts with 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals until smooth and pourable. Stir in ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Combine: Pour melted chocolate over dry ingredients in bowl. Immediately stir gently to coat, then spread on lined sheet pan in single layer. Evenly sprinkle 3 tablespoons Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles on top. Allow to set at room temperature until firm, about 20-30 minutes.
- Finish: Once firm, break into pieces. Combine with 1 (10-oz) bag Valentine’s M&Ms and 1 cup mini marshmallows. Store in airtight bag or container.
Notes
- Use candy melts, or almond bark; white chocolate chips work but are harder to melt; add oil for smooth melting.
- Swap nuts for extra pretzels if needing to omit.
- Heart-shaped Cheerios and/or marshmallows add a festive touch.
- Melt chocolate slowly to avoid seizing.
- Mix gently for even coating.
- Let set fully before breaking/storing.
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