Cupid’s Crunch is the ultimate no-bake Valentine’s Day treat that combines crunchy Chex cereal, salty pretzels, sweet marshmallows, candy-coated chocolates, and a generous drizzle of creamy white chocolate, all brought to life with festive sprinkles. This irresistible snack mix is not only ridiculously easy to throw together, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—every handful delivers a playful mix of flavors and textures that will have you and your loved ones reaching for more. Whether you’re packing up gift bags, prepping for a party, or simply treating yourself to something special, Cupid’s Crunch is the sweet, colorful answer to your snack cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about Cupid’s Crunch is just how simple and accessible the ingredients are—most of these you probably already have on hand! Each one plays a starring role, from the crispy cereal to the melty chocolate, creating a snack mix that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
- Rice Chex cereal (5 cups): The crisp, airy base that soaks up all the white chocolate and provides the perfect crunch.
- Pretzels (2 cups): A salty contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully—mini twists or sticks both work well.
- Strawberry or cherry candy-coated chocolates (2 cups): Think M&M’s or similar; these candies add bursts of color and a chocolatey bite.
- Mini marshmallows (1 1/2 cups): Soft, pillowy sweetness that makes every bite extra delightful.
- White chocolate chips (1 12-oz bag): For that luscious, creamy coating that holds everything together.
- Coconut oil or shortening (1 tablespoon): This helps the white chocolate melt smoothly and coat the mix evenly.
- Valentine’s sprinkles: The finishing touch! Go wild with hearts, pearls, or any festive sprinkle you love.
How to Make Cupid’s Crunch
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your Cupid’s Crunch clusters won’t stick. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to break apart the snack mix!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal, pretzels, candy-coated chocolates, and mini marshmallows. Give everything a gentle toss so the colors and textures are evenly distributed—this helps each bite of Cupid’s Crunch taste like a party.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
Place the white chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and silky smooth. Don’t rush this part—gentle melting keeps the chocolate glossy and prevents scorching.
Step 4: Coat the Mix
Pour the melted white chocolate over your cereal mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss everything together until every piece is coated in that dreamy chocolate. Be patient and fold carefully so you don’t crush the cereal.
Step 5: Spread and Sprinkle
Transfer the coated mixture to your prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer. While the chocolate is still wet, scatter your Valentine’s sprinkles generously over the top. This is where Cupid’s Crunch gets its signature festive look!
Step 6: Let Set and Break Apart
Allow the mixture to cool completely—about 30 minutes—until the chocolate is firm. Once set, break the mix into clusters or bite-sized pieces. Now your Cupid’s Crunch is ready to serve, gift, or stash for snacking.
How to Serve Cupid’s Crunch
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, I love adding a final flurry of heart-shaped sprinkles or a dusting of edible glitter just before serving. You can even drizzle a little melted pink or red chocolate over the top for a pop of color—it’s all about making Cupid’s Crunch as festive as possible!
Side Dishes
While Cupid’s Crunch is a star on its own, it pairs beautifully with a mug of hot chocolate, a platter of fresh strawberries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For parties, set it alongside savory snacks like popcorn or cheese boards to balance out the sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Package Cupid’s Crunch in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon for adorable Valentine’s Day gifts, or pile it high in a big heart-shaped bowl for your dessert table. You can also layer it in glass jars or mason jars for a colorful, eye-catching treat that doubles as a centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cupid’s Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The white chocolate coating helps lock in freshness, so you can nibble on this snack mix for days without losing that perfect crunch.
Freezing
If you want to keep Cupid’s Crunch even longer, freezing is a great option! Place the cooled clusters in a zip-top freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
No reheating needed—Cupid’s Crunch is at its best when served at room temperature! If it’s been stored in the fridge or freezer, simply let it sit out for about 10–15 minutes until it’s crisp and ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert, Snack
Absolutely! While Rice Chex gives that classic light crunch, you can swap in Corn Chex, Crispix, or even a gluten-free cereal to suit your preferences. The key is using a shape that will hold the chocolate coating well.
How do I make Cupid’s Crunch more colorful?
Try using pink or red candy melts instead of white chocolate, or add a handful of freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and fruity flavor. Mixing in pastel or heart-shaped marshmallows is another fun way to make the mix extra festive.
Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Just make sure your candy-coated chocolates and other ingredients are labeled nut-free. You can also skip any nut mix-ins and check that your pretzels and cereal are made in a nut-free facility if you’re serving to anyone with allergies.
Can I prepare Cupid’s Crunch ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. Cupid’s Crunch holds up beautifully for several days, so feel free to make it a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will be fresh and crunchy for your big event.
What are some fun variations of Cupid’s Crunch?
Get creative! Add mini cookies, swap in dark or milk chocolate, or mix in dried fruit like cherries or cranberries. For a themed twist, try different seasonal sprinkles throughout the year—Cupid’s Crunch is the ultimate customizable snack!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s quick, easy, and absolutely overflowing with festive fun, give Cupid’s Crunch a try. It’s sure to win hearts at any gathering, and I promise you’ll be reaching for “just one more bite” every single time. Happy snacking!
Print
Cupid’s Crunch Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cupid’s Crunch is a delightful and festive sweet snack mix perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Combining crunchy Rice Chex cereal, salty pretzels, colorful candy-coated chocolates, and soft mini marshmallows, all coated in luscious melted white chocolate, this no-bake treat is easy to make and loved by kids and adults alike. Decorated with Valentine’s sprinkles, it’s ideal for party treats or gift bags.
Ingredients
Main Mix
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzels
- 2 cups strawberry or cherry candy-coated chocolates
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Chocolate Coating
- 1 (12 oz) bag white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
Decoration
- Valentine’s sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal, pretzels, candy-coated chocolates, and mini marshmallows. Gently toss to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
- Combine Mixture: Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture. Gently toss with a spatula or large spoon until all pieces are evenly coated with the chocolate.
- Spread and Decorate: Spread the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle Valentine’s sprinkles over the top for a festive touch.
- Cool and Set: Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is set and firm.
- Serve and Store: Break the set mixture into clusters or bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute white chocolate chips with pink or red candy melts for an even more festive appearance.
- Adding dried strawberries or raspberries can enhance the fruity flavor and add texture.
- This recipe works wonderfully for Valentine’s Day gift bags, classroom treats, or party snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
