This colorful little mix is one of my family’s all time favorite traditions and treats. Though the name changes depending on the season or holiday (reindeer chow, love chow, puppy chow, leprechaun chow, independence chow, skeleton chow… you get the idea). The greatest part of this sweet mix is that it is open to personalization and a variety of ideas and family favorite ingredients. We’ve added marshmallows, candy chips of every flavor, gold fish, Biscoff pieces, and other fun little flavors that we’ve felt in the moment or what we’ve happened to have on hand. What makes it unique to the holiday or time of year is trying to incorporate colors and seasonal items that reflect the name.
The reality is, no matter the name or time of year, it’s a festively fun way to create a delightful little treat for parties, games nights, or family movie time.
First, let’s start with the base…
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cereal Mix
-8 Cups favorite square rice or corn cereal
-1 cup milk chocolate chips
-1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (NOT the pure stuff. for this recipe, the shortening and sugar filled stuff works best)
-1/4 cup butter
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-2-2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Add Ins
-20 Oreos or your favorite cream stuffed cookie
-1 bag of your favorite seasonal flavor of M&M’s- we’re peanut butter M&M lovers, so that’s usually our go to.
-2 cups of mini pretzels
*Again, this recipe is so versatile! Add whatever flavors or add-ins your family loves and make it your own. This is usually our go-to combo, but we’ve had plenty of surprises though out our many, many batches.
Instructions:
- Measure the rice cereal into a large bowl and set aside
- Place the butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave in increments of 15 seconds until the mixture is smooth and all incorporated. Be careful not to over cook! Once mixture is smooth, add in the vanilla and stir until incorporated.
- Pour chocolate mixture over the rice cereal and use a rubber spatula or wood spoon to carefully fold the cereal into the chocolate until all the pieces are evenly coated, being careful not to smash the cereal.
- Alternate layering scoops of chocolate cereal, with 1/2 cup measurements of powdered sugar in a gallon ziplock. (we find that this makes it far more efficient in coating the pieces of cereal in the powdered sugar than dumping all the powdered sugar on top.) Then seal it tight and hand it off to your favorite little human while they shake their little hearts out. (This step is my 3 year old’s favorite!)
- While the cereal is getting a little shake down, wash and dry the chocolate cereal bowl.
- When all the cereal is evenly coated in powdered sugar, pour the mixture back into the bowl, pour in the bag M&M’s, pretzels, and Oreos (that have previously been cut into quarters by a little bit older and more responsible helper than the powdered sugar cereal shaking helper.), and mix till spread throughout.
- Scoop into your favorite Easter cups, or just sit down with the whole bowl, but either way… enjoy!
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