Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies

By Lily | Last modified on Feb 3, 2026

Featured in: Desserts

Valentine’s Day muddy buddies are festive, no-bake treats that bring a delightful mix of crunchy, sweet, and colorful flavors to your celebration. Perfectly portioned as DIY gifts, these snacks are quick to assemble yet beautifully vibrant, making them a hit with family and friends alike.

Enjoy the fun of mixing creamy candy coatings with classic Chex cereal and colorful Valentine’s M&M’s and sprinkles, creating a joyful treat that’s as charming to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-bake and quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
Festive pink and red candy melts create a fun Valentine’s aesthetic.
Perfect for gifting or party snacks, combining texture and sweetness.
Customizable with your favorite cereals, candies, and sprinkles.

Ingredients

7 cups Chex cereal, divided: Light, crunchy cereal base that holds the melted candy coating perfectly for a satisfying snack.
1 cup powdered sugar, divided: Delicately sweetens and creates a signature ‘muddy’ coating on the cereal for irresistible texture.
1 cup pink candy melts: Smooth, sweet coating that adds vibrant color and festive flavor for Valentine’s Day treats.
1 cup red candy melts: Adds a rich red candy layer for visual appeal and sweetness contrast.
2 teaspoons vegetable oil: Thins the candy melts slightly to ensure smooth and even coating of the cereal.
1 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s: Adds bursts of chocolate and colorful fun, enhancing texture and flavor variety.
2 to 4 tablespoons Valentine’s Day sprinkles: Festive decoration that adds crunch and bright pops of color to the muddy buddies.

Instructions

Divide the Chex cereal: Separate the 7 cups Chex cereal into two equal portions in separate bowls. This allows you to coat half with pink candy melts and the other half with red candy melts, creating two colorful batches.
Melt pink candy melts: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup pink candy melts with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until fully melted and smooth. The oil helps thin the melts to coat the cereal evenly.
Coat pink Chex cereal: Pour the melted pink candy mixture over one bowl of Chex cereal. Gently fold with a rubber spatula to ensure all pieces are fully coated without breaking the cereal. If the candy hardens, microwave for 15 seconds and stir again to re-melt.
Dust with powdered sugar: Transfer the coated cereal to a ziplock bag and add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Shake well until every piece has a light, sweet coating, creating the characteristic ‘muddy’ texture. Spread onto wax paper-lined baking sheet to set.
Repeat with red candy melts: Repeat the melting, coating, and powdered sugar steps with the remaining 1 cup red candy melts, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, and the other half of the Chex cereal. Spread onto the baking sheet to set alongside the pink batch.
Let muddy buddies set: Allow both batches to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm. This ensures the coating is solid and ready for the final mix.
Add M&Ms and sprinkles: Once set, gently mix in 1 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s and 2 to 4 tablespoons festive sprinkles. This adds colorful bursts of chocolate and crunch for an extra special finishing touch.
Serve and enjoy: Transfer the muddy buddies to a serving bowl or package into gift bags. Enjoy your festive, sweet, and crunchy Valentine’s Day snack that’s perfect for sharing.

You Must Know

Ensure candy melts are fully melted and thinned with oil to prevent clumping and uneven coating.
Shake powdered sugar coating gently to avoid crushing the cereal pieces.
Store in an airtight container to maintain crunch and freshness.

Storage Tips

Store muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container where they will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks while maintaining their texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Valentine’s Day muddy buddies at parties, lunchboxes, or as adorable DIY gifts wrapped with a festive bow. Pair them with hot cocoa or tea for a cozy treat moment.

Professional Tips

Use rubber spatulas for gentle folding to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.
If candy melts seize, add a small drop of vegetable oil and stir to smooth the texture.
Line the baking sheet with wax paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I use other cereals besides Chex?: Yes, crispy rice or corn cereals work well but Chex is preferred for the best crunchy texture and coating adherence.
What if the candy melts become lumpy?: Microwave in short intervals with added vegetable oil, stirring frequently, to smooth out the lumps.
Can I skip the powdered sugar?: Powdered sugar gives the signature dusty coating and sweetness; skipping it changes the classic texture but is possible if preferred.
Are these safe for gift giving?: Absolutely! Packaged in airtight containers or bags, they make charming, homemade Valentine’s gifts everyone will enjoy.
Can I make them ahead?: Yes, prepare up to 2 days in advance and store well to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Can I customize the colors?: Feel free to use different candy melts to match any occasion or personal preference.
How to prevent cereal from getting soggy?: Ensure candy melts are fully set before adding M&Ms and sprinkles, and store in airtight containers to maintain crispiness.