If you love the flavors of strawberry shortcake but want an easy, no-bake snack, this Strawberry Shortcake Chex Mix is the perfect treat. It combines crunchy Chex cereal, vanilla wafer cookies, freeze-dried strawberries, and a white chocolate coating with a dusting of strawberry cake mix and powdered sugar. The result? A sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly addictive snack that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or just satisfying a sweet tooth.
This recipe is simple to make and can be stored for several days, making it a great make-ahead treat. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required – This mix comes together in minutes without turning on the oven.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors – The creamy white chocolate, crunchy cereal, and sweet-tart strawberries create an irresistible combination.
- Great for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making a fun snack for kids, a party treat, or a gift, this mix is always a hit.
- Easily Customizable – Swap ingredients or add mix-ins to make it your own.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Chex Mix
This recipe requires just a few ingredients, most of which you may already have in your pantry.
- Chex cereal (4 cups, corn or rice) – Adds a light, crispy base to the mix.
- Vanilla wafer cookies (2 cups, crushed) – Brings in a buttery, sweet crunch.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (1 cup, slightly crushed) – Provides a tart, fruity contrast.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup, melted) – Acts as the binding ingredient to hold everything together.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup) – Helps create a sweet, smooth coating.
- Strawberry cake mix powder (½ cup) – Infuses the mix with extra strawberry shortcake flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Chex Mix
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal and crushed vanilla wafer cookies. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and strawberry cake mix powder. This will be used to coat the cereal mixture.
Step 3: Coat with White Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the Chex mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly.
Step 4: Add the Powdered Sugar Mixture
Sprinkle the powdered sugar and cake mix mixture over the coated cereal, tossing until everything is evenly covered. This helps create a sweet and slightly crunchy outer layer.
Step 5: Add the Strawberries
Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mix.
Step 6: Let It Set
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet in an even layer. Allow it to set at room temperature until the chocolate firms up. Once fully set, transfer to an airtight container for storage.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Chex Mix
This mix is a fantastic snack on its own, but you can also enjoy it in a variety of ways:
- Party Treat – Serve in a big bowl at gatherings for a fun and shareable snack.
- Gift Idea – Package in small bags or jars for a homemade sweet gift.
- Ice Cream Topping – Sprinkle over vanilla or strawberry ice cream for extra crunch.
- Yogurt Mix-In – Stir into yogurt for a quick and delicious breakfast or snack.
Customization Ideas & Variations
Want to put your own spin on this mix? Here are a few ways to change it up:
- Chocolate Drizzle – Add a drizzle of melted milk or dark chocolate for extra richness.
- Nutty Crunch – Mix in chopped almonds, pecans, or cashews for added texture.
- More Strawberry Flavor – Increase the amount of freeze-dried strawberries or add strawberry extract to the white chocolate.
- Lemon Twist – Add a little lemon zest for a bright citrus note.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Chex Mix
✔ Use Fresh Freeze-Dried Strawberries – Older ones may lose their crunch and flavor.
✔ Don’t Overheat the Chocolate – Melt in short intervals to prevent burning.
✔ Toss Gently – Stir the mix carefully to avoid crushing the cereal.
✔ Let It Set Completely – This prevents the mix from becoming sticky when stored.
How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Chex Mix
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the mix to keep the chocolate from melting.
- Freezer: Store in a sealed bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions: Strawberry Shortcake Chex Mix
1. Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Chex?
Yes! While Chex cereal works best because of its light, crispy texture, you can substitute it with Crispix, Golden Grahams, or even broken-up graham crackers for a similar crunch.
2. Do I need to bake the cake mix before using it?
Some people prefer to heat-treat cake mix to kill any bacteria. To do this, spread the cake mix on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
3. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
No, fresh strawberries contain moisture, which would make the mix soggy and reduce its shelf life. Freeze-dried strawberries provide the same flavor without the added moisture.
4. How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing?
Melt the white chocolate in short intervals (15–20 seconds at a time), stirring between each, to avoid overheating. You can also add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to help keep it smooth.
5. How long does this mix stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the mix will stay fresh for about 5 days. You can refrigerate it for a longer shelf life or freeze it for up to 2 months.
6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and replace the vanilla wafer cookies with a dairy-free alternative. Most cake mixes are already dairy-free, but check the label to be sure.
7. Can I add other mix-ins for variety?
Absolutely! Try adding chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even crushed shortbread cookies to enhance the texture and flavor.
8. Can I make this mix ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare it a few days in advance and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate from melting.
9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet strawberry and white chocolate combination. It also makes a fun activity since they can help mix and toss the ingredients.
10. Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
You can, but it will change the flavor profile. White chocolate mimics the creamy sweetness of strawberry shortcake, while milk or dark chocolate will create a more traditional chocolate-covered strawberry taste.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Shortcake Chex Mix is an easy, fun, and delicious snack that brings all the flavors of a classic strawberry shortcake into a crunchy, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re making it for a party, a holiday, or just to have a sweet snack on hand, this mix is sure to be a favorite.
Give it a try, and let us know how you like it!