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Red Velvet Muddy Buddies Recipe
This Red Velvet Muddy Buddies Recipe is a quick, no-bake, festive snack mix with crunchy Chex cereal, a creamy white chocolate coating, and a sweet powdered sugar finish—perfect for Valentine’s Day, holiday parties, or “just because” snack cravings.
What Is Red Velvet Muddy Buddies, Anyway?
If you’ve ever had classic muddy buddies (or puppy chow), this is the same cozy concept with a red velvet twist. You take Chex cereal, coat it in a luscious white chocolate coating, toss it in a red velvet–inspired powdered sugar mix, and suddenly you’ve got this beautiful red-and-white bowl of crunchy sweetness that disappears faster than you can say “who wants some?”
This Red Velvet Muddy Buddies Recipe is especially fun because it feels fancy and on-theme—like red velvet cake met a chocolate snack mix and decided to wear its party clothes. It’s still a simple, no bake red velvet snack mix, but the color and flavor make it feel special enough for:
- Valentine’s Day snack bags
- Christmas cookie trays
- Kids’ party treats
- Game night bowls
- Easy gifts for neighbors or teachers
I’m a 50-year-old mom, and I’ve been making some version of muddy buddies since my own kids were in elementary school. Through bake sales, classroom Valentine parties, and plenty of late-night “Mom, I forgot we need a snack for tomorrow” emergencies, this red velvet Chex mix has saved me more times than I can count.
And between you and me—it’s one of those recipes where everyone assumes you fussed way more than you did. I’m not saying you have to admit how easy it was.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Muddy Buddies Recipe
- No oven needed – This is a fully no-bake red velvet recipe; your microwave does the heavy lifting.
- Ready in about 20 minutes – Perfect when you need a last-minute holiday snack mix or party bowl.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-approved – Crunchy, sweet, and colorful; even picky snackers go back for more.
- Festive red velvet color – That red velvet puppy chow look is gorgeous for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or anniversaries.
- Customizable mix-ins – Stir in sprinkles, colored candies, or mini marshmallows to match any theme.
- Budget-friendly – Uses pantry basics like Chex cereal, white chocolate chips, and powdered sugar.
- Easy to transport – Great for school events, potlucks, or making snack bags and gift jars.
- Make ahead friendly – Stays crunchy for several days when stored correctly.
If you love simple chex cereal dessert recipes that feel “extra” but take almost no effort, this one is going to be a regular in your rotation.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Muddy Buddies
Here’s everything you’ll need for this red velvet dessert mix. I’ll list the basics first, then share a few quick substitution tips.
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix (I usually use Rice Chex for a lighter crunch).
- 1 ½ cups (about 9 oz) white chocolate chips
- Use a good melting brand like Ghirardelli or Guittard if you can; it melts smoother.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Helps keep the white chocolate silky and easier to coat.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Rounds out the red velvet flavor and keeps it from being just “sweet.”
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Just enough salt to balance all that sugar.
Red Velvet Flavor & Color
You have two easy routes here—both work well.
Option A: With red velvet cake mix
- ½ cup red velvet cake mix, heat treated (see note below)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Option B: Without cake mix (for those avoiding it)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 tablespoons powdered buttermilk (found near the baking powder, optional but lovely)
- 2–3 teaspoons red gel food coloring (or as needed for deep color; AmeriColor or Wilton work well)
Sweet Coating
- 1 ½–2 cups powdered sugar
- Start with 1 ½ cups; add more if you want a thicker, more matte coating.
Fun Mix-Ins (Optional but highly recommended)
- 1–1 ½ cups Valentine-colored M&M’s or chocolate candies
- Valentine or holiday sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows (add after everything is cooled and coated)
Food safety tip: If you’re using red velvet cake mix, it’s safest to heat treat it first. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for about 5–7 minutes, stirring once, then let it cool completely before using. This reduces any risk from raw flour.
How to Make Red Velvet Muddy Buddies (Step-by-Step)
Let’s walk through this Red Velvet Muddy Buddies Recipe together. It’s very forgiving, so don’t stress.
1. Prep your cereal
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Add 9 cups of Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl.
- Use your biggest bowl—you’ll want space to stir without flinging cereal across the kitchen. (Ask me how I know.)
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Line a large baking sheet (or your counter) with parchment paper.
- This is where your red velvet snack mix will cool and set.
2. Get your coating mix ready
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Red velvet cake mix (if using)
- Cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar
- Powdered buttermilk (if using the no-cake-mix route)
Stir until no cocoa streaks remain. This powder mix will cling to the white chocolate coating and give you that signature red velvet puppy chow flavor.
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If you’re using food coloring instead of cake mix, set out your gel coloring next to the microwave so you don’t forget to add it while the chocolate is still warm.
3. Melt the white chocolate coating
-
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
- White chocolate chips
- Butter
- Salt
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Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds. Stir. Continue in 20–30 second bursts, stirring each time, until mostly melted.
- When about 75–80% of the chips look melted, stop heating and stir until smooth. The residual heat will melt the rest.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
- If you’re not using cake mix and want red color, add gel food coloring now, a little at a time, until the melted chocolate turns a deep red.
Tip: If the chocolate seizes and turns thick and grainy, you likely got a bit of water in it or overheated it. Try whisking in ½–1 teaspoon neutral oil (like vegetable or canola). That often brings it back.
4. Coat the cereal
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Pour the warm white chocolate over the bowl of Chex cereal.
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Using a wide spatula (or your clean hands with food-safe gloves), gently fold the cereal and chocolate together until every piece looks lightly coated.
- Take your time here; you don’t want to crush the cereal. Scoop up from the bottom and fold over the top.
5. Toss with the red velvet powdered sugar mix
You can do this in a big bowl or in large zip-top bags. Bags make cleanup easier.
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Add about half the powdered sugar mixture to a 2-gallon zip-top bag (or two 1-gallon bags).
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Spoon the coated cereal into the bag(s), then top with the remaining powdered sugar mixture. Seal well.
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Shake, shake, shake the bag until every piece is coated.
- If some pieces still look too shiny, add a few more tablespoons of powdered sugar and shake again.
You should end up with a velvety red-and-white muddled look—some pieces more red, some more frosty-looking. That contrast is part of what makes this red velvet Chex mix so pretty.
6. Cool and add mix-ins
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Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Let it cool and set for 10–15 minutes, or until the coating is dry to the touch.
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Gently break apart any big clumps.
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Once fully cool, stir in your mix-ins:
- Valentine candies
- Sprinkles
- Mini marshmallows
Now you’ve got a big, gorgeous bowl of red velvet dessert mix ready for snacking, sharing, or packing into treat bags.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: About 10–12 servings (roughly 8–9 cups of snack mix)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: About 25–30 minutes
For planning purposes, a ½ cup serving runs around 180–220 calories, depending on how many candies you add. That’s roughly on par with most chocolate snack mix recipes, but this feels more special and seasonal.
Fun Variations on Red Velvet Puppy Chow
Once you’ve made the classic version, it’s very easy to play around. Here are a few ideas:
- Cream Cheese “Frosting” Twist – Add a teaspoon of cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix to the powdered sugar blend for a hint of cream cheese frosting flavor.
- Triple Chocolate Red Velvet Snack Mix – Stir in dark chocolate chips and mini white chocolate chunks once the cereal has cooled.
- Valentine’s Day Snack Jars – Layer the red velvet muddy buddies with pink and white marshmallows in mason jars, tie with ribbon, and add a cute tag.
- Holiday Party Mix – Use red and green candies and Christmas sprinkles to turn this into a holiday snack mix.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use certified gluten-free Chex cereal and check labels on your cake mix or cocoa powder.
- Nutty Crunch Red Velvet Chex Mix – Add roasted, salted almonds or peanuts after coating for sweet-and-salty contrast.
You can even let kids “design” their own version by choosing mix-ins; it’s a fun way to involve them without a big mess.
How to Store Your Red Velvet Snack Mix
This Red Velvet Muddy Buddies Recipe keeps beautifully when stored right, which makes it great for gifting and make-ahead prep.
-
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight or warm spots so the white chocolate coating doesn’t soften.
-
Refrigerator:
- You can refrigerate it, but it’s not usually necessary.
- If your kitchen runs warm, store in the fridge for up to 1 week, then let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving so it isn’t too hard.
-
Freezer:
- Place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, press out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the bag at room temperature; don’t open it while it’s still icy, or condensation can make the coating sticky.
Make-ahead tip: For parties, I like to make this chex cereal dessert 1–2 days ahead. The flavors settle in, and it actually tastes better the next day.
Recipe Notes from My Kitchen
- Heat-treating the cake mix really matters. I know it’s tempting to skip that tiny extra step, but heating the red velvet cake mix makes me feel a lot better when I’m handing this out at school parties or family gatherings.
- Don’t rush the melting. White chocolate scorches easily. Use 50% power in the microwave and stir often. If you have a double boiler or a makeshift one (heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water), that works wonderfully too.
- Adjust the sweetness. If you like your red velvet muddy buddies a little less sweet, start with 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar and taste a piece once coated. You can always add more and shake again.
- Color expectations. Red velvet is usually more of a deep red-brown than bright fire engine red. If your mix leans a bit darker, that’s normal—especially if you’re using extra cocoa powder.
- Crunch protection. Fold gently when mixing. Crushing some cereal is fine; you just don’t want to stir it like soup and end up with red velvet crumbs.
- Party trick. For a big spread, I like to set this red velvet dessert mix in a large glass trifle bowl so the layers and colors show. Add a scoop and little paper cups so people can serve themselves.
You know what? This is one of those recipes you can’t really mess up. Even if your coating is a little patchy or your color is a little lighter than planned, it still tastes like a million bucks.
FAQs About Red Velvet Muddy Buddies
1. Can I make this Red Velvet Muddy Buddies Recipe without white chocolate?
You can use vanilla almond bark or candy melts instead; just keep the total amount around 16 oz for similar coverage.
2. Is this the same as red velvet puppy chow?
Yes—muddy buddies and puppy chow are just two names for the same style of snack mix, but this version has that red velvet twist.
3. How do I keep the powdered sugar from falling off?
Make sure the cereal is still slightly warm and sticky from the white chocolate when you toss it with the powdered sugar blend; that helps it cling better.
4. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
You can, but it will taste more like classic chocolate muddy buddies and less like red velvet; white chocolate lets the red velvet flavor shine.
5. Is it safe for kids if I use cake mix?
Yes, as long as you heat-treat the cake mix first, as noted above, to reduce any risk from raw flour.
6. How far ahead can I make this red velvet snack mix for a party?
You can make it 2–3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature; add any marshmallows the day you serve so they stay soft.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free Chex cereal and a gluten-free red velvet cake mix or the cocoa/buttermilk and food coloring route, and double-check labels on all ingredients.
8. Why did my white chocolate get thick and grainy?
It likely overheated or got a little water in it; try stirring in a small amount of neutral oil and whisking until it smooths out, or re-melt gently over a double boiler.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Muddy Buddies Recipe takes everything we love about classic puppy chow—crunchy, sweet, snackable—and dresses it up for every holiday or special moment. It’s quick, it’s no-bake, and it feels like you brought something thoughtful even when you pulled it together in half an hour.
If you try this red velvet Chex mix, I’d love to hear how it went—tell me what mix-ins you added, how your kids (or grandkids) reacted, or if you turned it into cute gift bags. And if this recipe becomes a hit in your house, you might enjoy experimenting with other muddy buddies flavors next; once you start, it’s hard to stop at just one version.
Red Velvet Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips about 9 oz; use a good melting brand
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup red velvet cake mix heat treated; see instructions
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar start with 1 1/2 cups; add more for a thicker coating
- 1-1 1/2 cups Valentine-colored M&M’s or chocolate candies optional
- Valentine or holiday sprinkles optional
- mini marshmallows optional; add after mixture is fully cooled
- powdered buttermilk optional, only for no-cake-mix variation
- red gel food coloring optional, only for no-cake-mix variation
Instructions
- Add 9 cups of Chex cereal to a very large mixing bowl. Line a large baking sheet (or a section of your counter) with parchment paper; this is where the coated mix will cool and set.9 cups Chex cereal
- If using red velvet cake mix, spread 1/2 cup of red velvet cake mix in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Let it cool completely before using.1/2 cup red velvet cake mix
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heat-treated red velvet cake mix (if using), cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until no cocoa streaks remain. If you are using powdered buttermilk (no-cake-mix option), whisk it in here as well.1/2 cup red velvet cake mix, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar, powdered buttermilk
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, unsalted butter, and fine sea salt. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20–30 second bursts at 50% power, stirring each time, until about 75–80% of the chips are melted. Remove from the microwave and stir until completely smooth.1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Stir the vanilla extract into the melted white chocolate. If you are making the no-cake-mix version and using red gel food coloring, add it now a little at a time, stirring well, until the chocolate is a deep red shade.1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, red gel food coloring
- Pour the warm white chocolate mixture over the bowl of Chex cereal. Using a wide spatula or clean, gloved hands, gently fold until all of the cereal pieces look evenly and lightly coated, being careful not to crush the cereal.9 cups Chex cereal, 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Add about half of the red velvet powdered sugar mixture to a large 2-gallon zip-top bag (or divide between two 1-gallon bags). Spoon the white chocolate–coated cereal into the bag, then add the remaining powdered sugar mixture on top. Seal the bag well and shake until every piece is coated. If some pieces still look shiny, add a few more tablespoons of powdered sugar and shake again.9 cups Chex cereal, 1/2 cup red velvet cake mix, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar
- Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Let cool and set for 10–15 minutes, or until the coating is dry to the touch. Gently break apart any large clumps.
- Once fully cool, transfer the muddy buddies to a serving bowl and stir in Valentine-colored M&M’s or chocolate candies, sprinkles, and mini marshmallows if using. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.1-1 1/2 cups Valentine-colored M&M’s or chocolate candies, Valentine or holiday sprinkles, mini marshmallows
