If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy party treat that captures all the creamy, tart luxury of cherry cheesecake but with the snackable fun of puppy chow, look no further than Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. This irresistible fusion is sweet, crunchy, and perfectly shareable, blending velvety cheesecake flavor and bright cherry notes into one bite-sized snack. Whether it’s a family movie night or a special holiday gathering, this crowd-pleaser is sure to make memories and disappear by the handful.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Good news: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow comes together in a flash with just a handful of super-easy-to-find ingredients. Each one serves a specific role—delivering signature taste, creamy coating, and that crave-able pop of color that makes this treat so festive and fun.

Cheesecake pudding mix (3.4 oz): The key ingredient that infuses every piece with rich, tangy cheesecake flavor.
Cherry gelatin mix (3 oz): Adds an irresistible burst of cherry sweetness and gorgeous ruby-red color.
Powdered sugar (1 cup plus 3 tbsp): Delivers the classic puppy chow dusted look and just the right amount of sweetness.
Rice Chex cereal (8 cups): A perfectly crunchy base that soaks up all the delicious coating without getting soggy.
Vanilla almond bark (1 lb): Melts into a luscious, candy-like coating that binds all the flavors together.
Red and pink sprinkles (optional): Sprinkle on some festive flair and extra fun for holidays or party themes.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Line a Baking Sheet

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup effortless and gives you a perfect landing spot for your puppy chow to cool and set later on. If you don’t have parchment, wax paper or a silicone mat will also do the trick.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a large zip-top bag, combine the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and your optional sprinkles if you want a bright, festive look. Seal the bag and give it a gentle shake to mix everything evenly. This magical mixture will stick to every nook and cranny of your cereal for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Measure Out the Cereal

Pour 8 cups of rice Chex cereal into a big mixing bowl. Using a large bowl makes it easier to get every piece perfectly coated—it’s all about that even distribution for a consistent taste in every handful.

Step 4: Melt the Almond Bark

Pop the pound of vanilla almond bark in its microwave-safe tray into the microwave. Start with 1 minute, give it a good stir, and then microwave for an additional minute until silky smooth. Be careful not to overheat so it stays creamy and coats beautifully.

Step 5: Coat the Cereal

Pour the molten almond bark right over your bowl of cereal. Using a rubber spatula (or your favorite big spoon), gently fold and stir until every piece is glossed with that sweet vanilla coating, taking care not to crush the cereal.

Step 6: Shake to Coat

Transfer your coated cereal into the bag with your pudding-sugar-gelatin mix. Seal the bag tight, then shake it like a snow globe until each bit is blanketed in the cherry cheesecake-flavored powder. This is where the magic happens!

Step 7: Set the Treats

Spread the finished Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow out on your prepared baking sheet. Let it cool and set at room temperature for 20-30 minutes—if you can wait that long! Once set, break apart any clusters and marvel at your handiwork.

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Garnishes

For a playful finishing touch, toss on some extra red and pink sprinkles while the coating is still a bit tacky, or dust lightly with extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect. A few dried cherries mixed in can add a surprising chewy bite and really amp up that cherry flavor.

Side Dishes

This snack shines solo, but pairs fantastically with a cold glass of milk or a strawberry lemonade. For a dessert spread, set it out alongside fresh fruit, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or mini cheesecake bites to stay on theme.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in clear jars tied with ribbon for homemade gifts, or portioned into colorful cupcake liners for easy party sharing. Tuck it into cellophane bags for party favors, or fill a big bowl and let guests scoop their own at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow stays fresh and delicious in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Just be sure the coating is completely set before storing to avoid any sogginess or clumping.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Place your puppy chow in a freezer-safe bag or container, pressing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep its crunch and flavor for up to 2-3 months—perfect for prepping ahead for special occasions or unexpected cravings.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat this treat, if you find it’s gotten a little too cold or firm from storage, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to bring back that perfect snackable texture.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of almond bark?

You can swap in white chocolate chips in a pinch, but almond bark sets up firmer and gives a smoother coating. If using white chocolate, make sure to melt it gently and consider adding a little coconut oil for a silkier consistency.

Is there a gluten-free alternative for the cereal?

Absolutely! Rice Chex cereal is already gluten-free, making Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow friendly for most gluten sensitivities, but always check the label to be certain.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can find dairy-free pudding mixes and use a vegan candy coating in place of almond bark. The results will still be deliciously snackable!

How do I prevent the puppy chow from getting soggy?

Allow the coated cereal to set completely on the baking sheet before storing, and always use an airtight container. Also, don’t add fresh fruit, as moisture will soften the chow.

What’s the best way to add chewier cherry bits?

Mix in chopped dried cherries after coating and before storing for delightful chewy pops of flavor that play perfectly with the crunchy texture.

Final Thoughts

It’s genuinely hard to beat the bright flavors and joyful colors of Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. If you’re craving a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to share, give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new go-to sweet snack for every occasion!

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 10 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful and easy-to-make snack that combines the flavors of creamy cheesecake and sweet cherries in a crunchy, irresistible treat. Perfect for parties or a fun snack any time!

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Puppy Chow Mix:

1 (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix
1 (3 oz) cherry gelatin mix
1 cup plus 3 tbsp powdered sugar

Additional Ingredients:

8 cups rice Chex cereal
1 lb vanilla almond bark
Optional: red and pink sprinkles

Instructions

Line a Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Coating: In a large zip-top bag, add the pudding mix, gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and optional sprinkles. Mix well to combine and set aside.
Measure Cereal: Measure the rice Chex cereal into a large bowl.
Melt the Almond Bark: Keep the almond bark in its tray and place it in the microwave. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and heat for an additional minute until fully melted.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted candy over the cereal and stir with a rubber spatula until the cereal is completely coated.
Shake to Coat: Dump the coated cereal into the bag with the powdered sugar mixture and shake until all the cereal is coated.
Set the Treats: Pour the whole batch onto the lined baking sheet until set.
Store: Store in a covered airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

For a festive touch, decorate with additional sprinkles or colored sugar.
Experiment with different flavors of gelatin for unique variations.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Mixing, Microwaving
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 160
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 130mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow recipe, sweet snack, party snack, easy dessert