Looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious treat to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Look no further than Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix! This vibrant snack is a burst of sweet and fruity flavor that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). It’s ready in minutes, far healthier than many sugary alternatives, and packed with the satisfying crunch everyone loves. Forget complex desserts; with Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix, you get instant Valentine’s cheer!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, Valentine’s Day was always a big deal in our house. My mom would go all out, decorating the kitchen with hearts and baking up a storm. While store-bought candies were tempting, she always preferred something homemade. One year, she experimented with a Chex Mix, drizzling it with a pink, strawberry-flavored coating. That first bite of sweet and crunchy goodness sparked a tradition – a yearly reminder of homemade love and the joy of simple treats that bring everyone together. Now, this Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix evokes that same feeling of warmth and love with every handful, and I can’t wait to share it with others.
Ingredients
For the Chex Mix:
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzels, twisted or sticks
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s
- 1 cup Valentine’s Day Sprinkles
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
For the Strawberry Coating:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (1 ounce ) strawberry gelatin powder
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
Prep: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the Rice Chex cereal, pretzels, M&M’s, Sprinkles, and marshmallows until evenly distributed.
Make the Strawberry Coating: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
Add Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry gelatin powder until smooth and there are no more lumps, quickly work so the Gelatin doesn’t clump.
Coat the Chex Mix: Pour the strawberry coating over the Chex Mix, mixing gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
Bake: Spread the coated Chex Mix in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the mixture halfway through at 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden as it cools.
Break and Serve: Once cooled, break the Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix into bite-sized pieces. Serve this Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix and enjoy! Store in an airtight container.
Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, gently mix the Rice Chex cereal, pretzels, M&M’s, Sprinkles, and marshmallows until evenly distributed.6 cups Rice Chex cereal, 2 cups pretzels, 1 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s, 1 cup Valentine’s Day Sprinkles, 1 cup mini marshmallows
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup corn syrup
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry gelatin powder until smooth and there are no more lumps, quickly work so the Gelatin doesn’t clump.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 package strawberry gelatin powder
- Pour the strawberry coating over the Chex Mix, mixing gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
- Spread the coated Chex Mix in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the mixture halfway through at 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden as it cools.
- Once cooled, break the Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix into bite-sized pieces. Serve this Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix and enjoy! Store in an airtight container.