Cupid Chow: A Sweet Valentine’s Day Treat

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate love than with a delightful snack that’s both easy to make and irresistibly sweet? Cupid Chow, a festive twist on the classic Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow recipe, is the perfect treat to share with your loved ones or serve at a Valentine’s party. With its creamy peanut butter, chocolatey goodness, and vibrant sprinkles, this snack mix is sure to win hearts. Here’s a closer look at how to make this treat and tips for customizing it to make it even more special.

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What is Cupid Chow?

Cupid Chow is essentially a themed version of Muddy Buddies, a popular snack made by coating Chex cereal in a mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then tossing it in powdered sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish. The Valentine’s Day version adds a festive touch with red, pink, and white M&M’s and sprinkles, making it a colorful and playful treat that fits the holiday perfectly.

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Cupid Chow Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 9 cups Chex cereal
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup M&M’s (Valentine’s Day colors recommended)
• Sprinkles of your choice

Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate Mixture
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, butter, and milk chocolate chips. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and creamy. If needed, microwave in 15-second intervals until fully melted. Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
2. Coat the Cereal
   Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl with a lid. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Secure the lid on the bowl and shake vigorously until the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
3. Add the Powdered Sugar
   Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the chocolate-coated cereal. Cover the bowl again and shake until the cereal is completely coated and no longer sticky. This step creates the signature snowy look and sweet flavor of the dish.
4. Mix in the Festive Additions
   Spread the coated cereal on a large baking sheet to cool. Once cooled, add the M&M’s and sprinkles, tossing gently to combine.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Transfer the Cupid Chow to a serving bowl or package it in treat bags for gifting.

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Tips for Making the Perfect Cupid Chow

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
   For the best flavor, choose high-quality chocolate chips and peanut butter. Milk chocolate pairs beautifully with the peanut butter, but you can also experiment with white or dark chocolate for a unique twist.
2. Add the Sprinkles Last
   Sprinkles can bleed color if mixed too early while the cereal is warm. Wait until the coated cereal has cooled completely before adding them for the brightest, most vibrant appearance.
3. Customize the Colors
   While this recipe calls for Valentine’s-themed M&M’s, you can easily customize Cupid Chow for other holidays or occasions by swapping out the colors of the candy and sprinkles.
4. Make it Crunchier
   For extra crunch, try adding pretzel sticks, peanuts, or mini marshmallows to the mix. These additions will add texture and make the snack even more addictive.
5. Gifting Ideas
   Cupid Chow makes a fantastic gift! Package it in clear treat bags, mason jars, or decorative tins, and tie them with a festive ribbon for a sweet, homemade Valentine’s gift.

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Why You’ll Love Cupid Chow

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for last-minute preparations.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and the addition of crunchy cereal and sugary coating takes it to the next level.
• Customizable: Cupid Chow is endlessly versatile. You can switch up the colors and mix-ins to suit any occasion or personal taste.

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Serving Suggestions

Cupid Chow is a versatile treat that works well in various settings:

• Party Snack: Serve it in large bowls at your Valentine’s Day party for a fun, shareable treat.
• Gift Bags: Package it in small portions and give it to friends, coworkers, or classmates.
• Movie Night Treat: Pair it with popcorn and hot chocolate for a cozy Valentine’s movie night at home.

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Storage Tips

To keep your Cupid Chow fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to a week—if it lasts that long! Avoid refrigeration, as this can cause the powdered sugar coating to become soggy.

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Final Thoughts

Cupid Chow is the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and festive. Whether you’re making it for a Valentine’s Day celebration, a thoughtful gift, or just a fun snack for yourself, this treat is sure to spread love and happiness. The recipe is simple, and the result is so satisfying that it might just become a yearly tradition in your home.

So grab your ingredients, get creative with sprinkles, and whip up a batch of Cupid Chow to share the love this Valentine’s Day! 💕

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