Cupid Chow Chocolate Cereal

This cupid chow is perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home. This sweet and crunchy snack has been a game changer in my household, especially around Valentine's Day when I need something festive that doesn't require turning on the oven. The combination of creamy chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy cereal creates an irresistible treat that disappears within hours at every gathering I bring it to.

I discovered this recipe when my daughter wanted to bring something special to her classroom Valentine's party. We made it together on a busy weeknight, and I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how much the kids absolutely devoured it. Now it's become our tradition to make a triple batch every February.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and helps the chocolate coating stick to every piece of cereal. Look for a well stirred jar without separation for the smoothest consistency.
• Butter: Creates a silky texture in the chocolate mixture and helps it coat the cereal evenly without clumping. Use real butter rather than margarine for the best flavor.
• Milk chocolate chips: Melt smoothly and provide that classic sweet chocolate taste that appeals to all ages. You can find these in any baking aisle and they melt more consistently than chocolate bars.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors with a warm depth. Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference over imitation.
• Chex cereal: Provides the perfect crunchy base with all those nooks and crannies to hold the coating. Rice Chex or Corn Chex both work beautifully.
• Powdered sugar: Creates that signature sweet dusty coating and adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Also called confectioners sugar, make sure it's fresh and lump free.
• M&Ms: Add pops of color and extra chocolate in every bite. The candy coating prevents them from melting into the mix and provides a nice textural contrast.

How to Make It

Prepare the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mixture:

Place your peanut butter, butter, and milk chocolate chips together in a large microwavable bowl. The bowl should be big enough to allow for easy stirring without spillage. Microwave this combination for exactly one minute on high power. When you remove it from the microwave, it will look partially melted and a bit separated. Take a spoon or spatula and stir vigorously for about 30 seconds until everything melts together into a smooth, glossy mixture. The residual heat will finish melting any remaining chip pieces. Stir in the vanilla extract until it's completely incorporated and you can smell that wonderful aroma.

Coat the Cereal:

Measure out your 9 cups of Chex cereal into your largest mixing bowl, one that has a tight fitting lid or can be covered well with plastic wrap. Pour the warm chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal in a steady stream, trying to distribute it as evenly as possible across the top. Immediately place the lid on the bowl or cover it tightly. Now comes the fun part that kids especially love. Shake the covered bowl vigorously for about one minute, rotating it in different directions to ensure every piece of cereal gets coated. You'll feel the mixture getting heavier as it coats. When you peek inside, the cereal should look evenly coated with a shiny chocolate layer.

Add the Powdered Sugar Coating:

Sprinkle the entire 2 cups of powdered sugar over your chocolate coated cereal. Don't worry if it looks like too much sitting on top in white piles. Cover the bowl again with your lid. Shake the bowl energetically for another full minute, really giving it a good workout. The powdered sugar will work its way into every crevice and coat each piece with that classic puppy chow look. Open the lid and check your work. The cereal should be completely coated in a pale coating with no wet chocolate spots showing through. If you see any bare spots, add a bit more powdered sugar and shake again.

Finish with Colorful Additions:

Gently fold in your cup of M&Ms using a large spoon or your hands. Mix them throughout so you get colorful candies in every handful. This is also when you can add any festive sprinkles if you're making this for a special occasion. For Valentine's Day, I love adding pink and red heart sprinkles. At this point, you can spread everything out on a large baking sheet to cool completely, which takes about 15 minutes, or serve it immediately if you can't wait.

The peanut butter in this recipe is my secret weapon for creating a coating that actually sticks instead of just pooling at the bottom of the bowl. I learned this trick from my neighbor who's been making puppy chow for decades, and it completely changed my results. My family loves finding those extra large clusters where the chocolate pooled a bit extra, and we always fight over who gets them. My son once asked if we could have this for breakfast, and while I said no, I definitely understood the temptation.

Flavor Boosters

You can swap the peanut butter for any nut or seed butter you prefer. Almond butter creates a slightly more sophisticated flavor, while sunflower seed butter makes this allergy friendly for school parties. Try dark or white chocolate chips for different profiles or mix multiple chocolate types. Switch out the cereal base with Crispix or Cheerios but avoid wheat based options as they get soggy quickly. Adjust your extracts to add peppermint or almond for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

Present cupid chow in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for perfect party favors or gifts. Serve in decorative bowls at parties with other snacks like popcorn and pretzels. Or, use as an ice cream topping for an extra crunchy dessert—kids especially love small servings in paper cones or cups.

Creative Twists

Change up the M&M colors and sprinkles to match any holiday or event—red and green for Christmas or orange and brown for Halloween. In summer, make the treat early in the day or chill briefly to avoid melting. For unique flavors, experiment with different extracts or even add toasted cereal for more crunch.

Cupid chow is always a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite. Try making a double batch—the leftovers (if there are any) make the best snack for sharing or gifting!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of Chex cereal works best?

Rice Chex or Corn Chex are ideal choices, providing a neutral flavor and sturdy crunch to hold the chocolate and peanut butter mixture.

→ Can I substitute the peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or other creamy alternatives work well for those with peanut allergies or different flavor preferences.

→ How should I store Cupid Chow for freshness?

Keep Cupid Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain its crunch and flavor.

→ Is it possible to make Cupid Chow ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared a day or two in advance. The flavors meld and the coating remains fresh if properly sealed.

→ Can I use different chocolate chips?

Milk, dark, or white chocolate chips all work well, allowing customization for taste or dietary needs.