Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix
I make this Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix every February — it’s the kind of treat that disappears faster than I can box it up. Crunchy rice Chex, berry Cheerios and salty pretzels get a glossy white-chocolate hug, then bright pops of freeze-dried strawberry and festive sprinkles transform it into an easy Valentine’s party snack or homemade neighbor gift. It’s quick, kid-approved, and perfect when you want something showy without fuss. If you like handheld sweets, this mix pairs well alongside something soft and strawberry-forward like this glazed strawberry bread: Glazed Strawberry Bread.
Why you’ll love this dish
This mix is perfect when you want an all-ages snack that’s fast to make but looks seasonal. It’s no-bake, customizable for allergies (use dairy-free white chocolate and gluten-free pretzels), and stores well for gifting. The combination of salty pretzel and sweet white chocolate with tangy freeze-dried strawberries makes it addictive — and you can scale the recipe up for a classroom party or down for an intimate movie night.
“We served this at a Galentine’s swap and everyone asked for the recipe — crunchy, pretty, and not too sweet.”
If you want a different strawberry no-bake treat to serve alongside this mix, try these protein-packed bites: No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls.
How this recipe comes together
Start by tossing the dry pieces in a large bowl so they’re evenly distributed. Melt white chocolate with a splash of coconut oil — the oil thins the chocolate so it coats each piece smoothly. Pour and gently fold until everything’s coated, then add sprinkles and fold once more. Spread the mixture on parchment to chill and set; breaking it into clusters is the last satisfying step. Expect about 10–15 minutes of active hands-on time plus chilling.
Key ingredients
- 2 cups Chex cereal (rice Chex recommended for light crunch)
- 3 cups Very Berry Cheerios
- 2 cups pretzel twists or sticks, broken up (regular or gluten free)
- 1 oz bag (about 1 1/4 cups) freeze-dried strawberries, lightly crushed
- 9 oz white chocolate (use regular or dairy-free white chocolate chips/bars)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (helps thin the chocolate; can substitute vegetable oil)
- Sprinkles, for topping
Notes and substitutions:
- For a nutty boost, fold in 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans.
- If you’re watching sugar, use a no-sugar-added white chocolate alternative (results may vary).
- Gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free Cheerios and pretzels.
Step-by-step overview
- Combine all cereals, pretzels, and freeze-dried strawberries in a large bowl.
- Melt white chocolate with coconut oil until smooth.
- Pour chocolate over the dry mix and stir to coat evenly.
- Fold in sprinkles and any optional add-ins.
- Spread on parchment and chill until set, then break into pieces.
How to prepare it
- Add the Chex, Very Berry Cheerios, broken pretzels, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries to a large bowl. Stir to combine, then set aside.
- Melt the white chocolate and coconut oil together. Do this slowly—either in 20–30 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each burst, or over a double boiler until smooth.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Fold in sprinkles now, or reserve a few to sprinkle on top for extra color.
- Turn the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and press into an even layer.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate is set.
- Break into bite-sized clusters and serve.
Directions to follow
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and clear a work surface.
- In a large bowl, measure and pour in 2 cups rice Chex, 3 cups Very Berry Cheerios, 2 cups broken pretzels, and 1 1/4 cups freeze-dried strawberries. Toss to mix.
- Place 9 oz white chocolate and 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Or melt over a simmering pot of water, stirring until glossy.
- Immediately pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture. Use a spatula to fold gently, ensuring an even coating without crushing the pieces.
- Add sprinkles and any extra mix-ins; fold briefly to distribute.
- Spread the coated mix into a single layer on the prepared sheet. Smooth with the spatula so clusters form evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Break into pieces and store as directed below. Enjoy at room temperature.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this mix in little cellophane bags tied with ribbon as Valentine’s treats, or pile it in a bowl for movie nights, classroom parties, or bridal showers. It pairs beautifully with simple sweets like a creamy strawberry pudding or vanilla ice cream. For a dessert table that leans red-and-pink, offer it alongside a light strawberry banana pudding: Strawberry Banana Pudding Dream.
How to store & freeze
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week — chocolate stays firmer.
- Freezing: Place in freezer-safe bags and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Food safety notes: Keep away from direct heat and sunlight to prevent the white chocolate from blooming or melting. If you plan to ship the mix in warm weather, use insulated packaging.
Helpful cooking tips
- Melt gently: White chocolate burns easily; low heat and patience give the smoothest coating.
- Coconut oil proportion: One tablespoon is usually enough to thin 9 oz of white chocolate. Add more dropwise if it seems too thick.
- Avoid over-mixing: Stir gently to keep whole cereal pieces intact.
- Even coating: Pour the chocolate in a few streams across the bowl rather than all in one spot to get quicker, more even coverage.
- Make-ahead: This mix is a great make-ahead gift. Keep chilled and package the day you plan to give it.
Creative twists
- Berry swap: Replace freeze-dried strawberries with raspberries or a combo pack for a mixed-berry mix.
- Chocolate drizzle: For contrast, drizzle a little melted dark or milk chocolate on top after the white chocolate sets.
- Cookie-inspired: Fold in mini cookie pieces (like strawberry cheesecake cookie crumbles) for extra texture and flavor — try pairing ideas from this recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.
- Breakfast-to-snack: Add chia clusters or granola to make it a crunch-forward breakfast snack.
- Spicy-sweet: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt and a dusting of chili powder to part of the batch for a grown-up edge.
For a breakfast-bakery spin, consider serving alongside warm cinnamon rolls such as these: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chocolate chips instead of a white chocolate bar?
A: Yes. Use white chocolate chips and melt them the same way, adding the tablespoon of coconut oil to help thin the chips. Chips sometimes contain stabilizers and may need slightly more time to become silky.
Q: Is the recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw gently — rapid temperature changes can cause condensation and soften the coating.
Q: How do I keep the freeze-dried strawberries from turning soggy?
A: Add freeze-dried fruit right before you pour the melted chocolate, and avoid storing the mix in humid environments. If you prefer minimal moisture exposure, fold in 1–2 tablespoons of crushed freeze-dried strawberries at mixing and reserve the rest as a garnish after setting.
Q: Can I make this nut-free and gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free Cheerios (label-checked) and certified gluten-free pretzels. Keep the process nut-free by avoiding any nut add-ins and checking your chocolate’s manufacturing label for shared equipment warnings.
Q: How long will the mix stay crunchy?
A: Stored airtight in a cool, dry place, crunchiness holds up about 3–7 days. Refrigeration extends shelf life but may slightly firm the chocolate coating.
Q: Any ideas for packaging as gifts?
A: Use cellophane bags with a twist tie, fill small mason jars layered with ribbon, or tuck portions in decorative tins. Include a small label with ingredients for allergy safety and best-by date.
Enjoy making a batch — it’s fast, festive, and reliably crowd-pleasing.
Strawberry Valentine’s Chex Mix
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all cereals, pretzels, and freeze-dried strawberries in a large bowl.
- Melt the white chocolate and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between, or over a double boiler until smooth.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture and gently fold to coat evenly.
- Fold in sprinkles and any optional mix-ins if desired.
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes until set.
- Break into bite-sized clusters and serve.
