I love making this Valentine Chex Mix whenever I need a quick, festive treat that feels special without requiring any baking. I put this together with just a handful of simple ingredients, and it always turns out sweet, crunchy, and perfectly colorful for Valentine’s Day. It’s one of those recipes I reach for when I want something fun, fast, and guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it comes together in minutes and doesn’t require turning on the oven. I also enjoy how kid-friendly it is, since little hands can help mix everything together. The balance of sweet white chocolate and salty pretzels is one of my favorite things, and I can easily customize it with different add-ins depending on what I have on hand. It’s also perfect for gifting, parties, or a last-minute dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
2 cups Cheerios
2 cups pretzel sticks, broken in half
1 cup Valentine M&M’s, plus more if desired
10 ounces white chocolate wafers or chips
Heart sprinkles, optional
Directions
I start by adding the Chex cereal, Cheerios, pretzels, and M&M’s to a large bowl and gently stirring everything together until evenly mixed.
Next, I melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating it at half power and stirring frequently until smooth.
I then pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture and stir carefully until everything is well coated.
Once mixed, I spread the Chex mix out onto parchment paper and let it sit until the chocolate hardens, which usually takes about 15 minutes. After it sets, I break it into pieces and it’s ready to serve.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 16 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: about 4 minutes
Cook time: about 1 minute
Rest time: about 15 minutes
Total time: around 20 minutes
Variations
I like swapping the Cheerios for popcorn when I want extra crunch. Sometimes I drizzle melted pink or milk chocolate over the top for more color and flavor. I also enjoy adding raisins, nuts, or extra sprinkles as long as the chocolate is still warm so they stick well.
Storage/Reheating
I always let the Chex mix cool completely before storing it so it doesn’t clump together. I keep it in a zip-top bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. When I want to store it longer, I place it in the freezer for up to three months and let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
I often make this a day or two in advance, and it still tastes fresh as long as I store it properly.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
I like using white chocolate for the look, but milk chocolate works just as well if that’s what I prefer.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
I think it’s perfect for kids since there’s no baking involved and the steps are very simple.
Can I make this nut-free?
I make sure to use nut-free chocolate and candy, and I skip any nut add-ins to keep it allergy-friendly.
How do I keep it from sticking together?
I let it fully harden on parchment paper before storing and make sure it’s completely cool.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to this Valentine Chex Mix because it’s easy, festive, and always a crowd-pleaser. I like how quickly it comes together and how customizable it is for different occasions. Whether I’m making it for my family, a party, or a gift, this recipe never disappoints.
A quick, no-bake Valentine Chex Mix made with cereal, pretzels, M&M’s, and white chocolate. Sweet, crunchy, and festive—perfect for parties, gifts, or snacking.
Ingredients
3 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
2 cups Cheerios
2 cups pretzel sticks, broken in half
1 cup Valentine M&M’s, plus more if desired
10 ounces white chocolate wafers or chips
Heart sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Add Chex cereal, Cheerios, pretzels, and M&M’s to a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to combine.
Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl at half power, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the mixture onto parchment paper in a single layer.
Let sit for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate is fully hardened.
Once set, break into pieces and serve or store.
Notes
Use pink or milk chocolate drizzle for added color.
Swap Cheerios with popcorn for extra crunch.
Add nuts, raisins, or more sprinkles while chocolate is warm.
Let cool completely before storing to prevent clumping.
Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw 15 minutes before serving.
