If you’re as obsessed with limited-edition cereals as I am, you’ve probably spotted the new Strawberry Vanilla Chex! As soon as I grabbed a box, I knew I had to turn it into a snack mix. There was a recipe on the back, but I wanted to skip the chocolate and go all-in on a pink, strawberry-inspired trail mix. It’s got a little bit of everything—sweet, salty, crunchy—and it’s the ultimate berry-packed combo.
I’m always on the lookout for new limited-edition finds, and lately, there have been so many fun cereal releases. So, you can imagine my excitement when I spotted Strawberry Vanilla Chex – because I am admittedly a longtime Rice Chex fan.
Of course, I had to try it both ways – straight out of the box and in milk. And let me tell you, the plain, snackable version was way better. In milk, the strawberry flavor didn’t really come out, but when I mixed it up with salty chocolate-covered pretzels, M&Ms, and freeze-dried strawberries, it was the perfect snack mix popping with a ton of berry flavor.
Now, I’ll be honest – I used to be on the fence about freeze-dried strawberries, and kids might not always love them. If that’s the case, you can totally leave them out or swap them for strawberry gummies if you’re leaning into more of a candy-filled mix. But the freeze-dried berries have really grown on me! They added a fresh, real strawberry flavor and a nice light crunch.
I made this mix with Valentine’s Day in mind, but it’s so easy to make it work year-round. Just swap the themed M&Ms for classic colors, and it’s good to go. I portioned mine into little baggies for easy grab-and-go snacks, but it would also be super fun for a picnic. Check out my sprinkle of fun idea below!
Can I make this mix ahead of time?
Yes! This snack mix stays fresh for about 1 week when stored in an airtight container or sealed baggies. Perfect for prepping ahead for parties, school snacks, or a picnic.
What if I can’t find Strawberry Vanilla Chex?
You can substitute Rice Chex or Corn Chex and add a handful of strawberry yogurt-covered raisins or a drizzle of melted white chocolate with strawberry extract for a similar flavor vibe.
My kids don’t like freeze-dried strawberries. What can I use instead?
Swap them out for strawberry gummies, yogurt-covered cranberries, or dried strawberries for a chewier option. You could even toss in mini marshmallows for a softer, sweeter twist.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Try adding:
– Mini marshmallows
– White chocolate chips
– Heart sprinkles
– Popcorn: regular, caramel, or kettle corn
Is this mix good for parties?
Yes! You can serve it in a big bowl for scooping or portion it into little treat bags tied with ribbons for a grab-and-go snack. It’s especially cute for Valentine’s Day parties, movie nights, or outdoor picnics (even the indoor kind).
Does the cereal stay crunchy?
It sure does! As long as you store it in an airtight container, the cereal stays crisp, and the freeze-dried strawberries keep their light crunch.
How can I make it more chocolatey?
Drizzle the mix with melted white chocolate or dark chocolate, or add chocolate chunks for an extra twist.
Picture this—it’s February, still chilly outside, but you’re bringing the warm, happy vibes with a Hearts & Snacks Picnic Party. If the weather’s playing nice, grab a blanket, bundle up, and head to the backyard for a snack break under the winter sun. But if it’s too cold, no problem—bring the picnic inside! Lay out a pink or red blanket in the living room, add some heart-shaped pillows, and set up a Valentine’s snack spread. Serve this Strawberry Chex Snack Mix in cute bowls or paper cups, sip strawberry lemonade or hot cocoa, and let the kids (or friends) enjoy a laid-back, sweet treat picnic ❤️💗
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