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Red Velvet Muddy Buddies Recipe

Red Velvet Muddy Buddies

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 anytime snack cravings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 200 kcal

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

Notes

For a no-cake-mix version, skip the red velvet cake mix and instead use 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder total, 1–2 tablespoons powdered buttermilk, and 2–3 teaspoons red gel food coloring stirred into the melted white chocolate. The snack mix yields about 8–9 cups total (roughly 10–12 servings). Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days, in the refrigerator up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months. Let chilled or frozen mix come back to room temperature before serving to avoid condensation making the coating sticky.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal
Keyword Chex Mix Dessert, No Bake Dessert, Red Velvet Muddy Buddies, Red Velvet Puppy Chow, Valentine’s Day Snack
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