Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow

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Crunchy, sweet, and bursting with a rich red velvet flavor, this Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow is the perfect no-bake treat to whip up for Valentine’s Day, parties, or cozy movie nights at home. Think of it as your favorite childhood snack all dressed up in velvety red cocoa goodness with a sweet powdered sugar coating.

The best part? It takes just minutes to make and will disappear even faster. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or sneaking a handful for yourself, this recipe brings both flavor and fun. Plus, it looks gorgeous in a bowl and is a hit with kids and adults alike.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow come together seamlessly, you’ll want to prep your kitchen with these key tools:

• Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need this for coating the cereal evenly with the melted chocolate and red velvet mixture. A deep bowl helps minimize mess and gives you space to stir thoroughly.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl or Double Boiler: This is essential for melting the chocolate and candy melts. The smoother your chocolate, the better it coats the cereal.
• Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For gentle stirring so the cereal doesn’t get crushed while coating.
• Ziplock Bag or Large Paper Bag: Perfect for the final powdered sugar shake, making cleanup simple and ensuring every piece gets an even dusting.
• Parchment Paper: Use this for laying the mixture out to cool without sticking. It helps your puppy chow set up properly before serving.

Having the right tools not only speeds up the process but ensures every batch is consistently delicious and beautiful.

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Ingredients for the Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow

Each ingredient plays a delicious role in creating that irresistible red velvet crunch:

• Rice Chex Cereal: This is the crunchy base of the snack. Its light texture holds up well to coating and gives that satisfying bite.
• Red Candy Melts: These provide the vivid red color and a hint of sweetness. They’re key to the visual appeal.
• White Chocolate Chips: For a smooth, creamy base to mix with the red melts and cocoa for that signature velvet touch.
• Cream Cheese Powder: Optional, but adds a slight tanginess reminiscent of red velvet cake’s classic frosting.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds the iconic chocolatey depth that defines red velvet.
• Powdered Sugar: Finishes off the puppy chow with a sweet, snowy dusting that balances all the flavors.

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How To Make the Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow

Step 1: Melt and Mix the Chocolate Base

In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the red candy melts and white chocolate chips together until smooth. Stir in cocoa powder and cream cheese powder (if using) until fully combined.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Pour the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Gently pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal, folding it in carefully with a silicone spatula until every piece is coated.

Step 3: Shake on the Sweetness

Transfer the coated cereal to a large ziplock or paper bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until the cereal is well-covered and no longer sticky.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Spread the puppy chow on parchment paper to cool and dry for at least 10-15 minutes. Once set, transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.

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How to Serve and Store Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow

This sweet snack is best served in a big bowl for easy grabbing, whether you’re hosting a party or having a cozy night in. It also looks lovely portioned into treat bags for gifting during the holidays or Valentine’s Day.

To store, place the cooled puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re in a warmer climate, you may want to refrigerate it to keep the chocolate coating firm. Avoid humidity, as it can cause the powdered sugar to melt or become clumpy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this puppy chow taste like red velvet?

The combination of cocoa powder and red candy melts gives it that signature red velvet flavor and look. The optional cream cheese powder adds a frosting-like tang for an even more authentic twist.

Can I use regular chocolate instead of red candy melts?

Yes, you can substitute red candy melts with white chocolate and add red gel food coloring. However, the final texture and color may vary slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free Rice Chex and confirm your other ingredients (like cocoa powder and candy melts) are certified gluten-free, then yes, it can be made gluten-free.

Can I freeze the puppy chow?

Freezing is not recommended because the powdered sugar tends to dissolve during thawing, leading to a sticky texture.

Can I add mix-ins like sprinkles or mini marshmallows?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your mix by adding festive sprinkles, heart candies, or mini marshmallows for added flair.

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Want More Snack Mix Ideas?

If you love this Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow, here are a few more snack-worthy recipes you might enjoy:

• Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge for a quick and creamy treat.
• Coconut Snowballs for a festive, bite-sized dessert.
• Traditional German Lebkuchen if you’re craving warm, spiced cookies.
• Brownie Mix Cookies with rich chocolate flavor in every bite.
• Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake for a fruity twist to your dessert table.

For even more no-bake and colorful dessert ideas, follow my Pinterest where I share new recipes daily: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with cream cheese powder or without? Add sprinkles?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other snack smarter!

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