Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix that combines the flavors of white chocolate, cherry, and cheesecake pudding with crispy Chex cereal. It’s an easy no-bake treat perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you want a delightful homemade snack.
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix (like Jell-O)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: Stir the cherry gelatin mix into the melted chocolate and butter mixture until fully combined.
- Step 4: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Step 5: In a large zip-top bag, mix the powdered sugar and instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it, and shake well until every piece is thoroughly covered.
- Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set.
- Step 7: Once cooled, stir in the chopped dried cherries and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the Chex cereal lightly in the oven before coating.
- Substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor.
- Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer taste.
- Make sure to stir the chocolate mixture thoroughly after microwaving to avoid any burnt spots.
Storage
Store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer, refrigerate to keep it fresh longer. To enjoy, serve at room temperature or lightly warm in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate coating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, while Chex cereal works best due to its shape and crunch, you can use similar crispy cereals like corn flakes or puffed rice, but the texture may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to use instant cheesecake pudding mix?
The instant cheesecake pudding mix adds a creamy, tangy flavor that mimics cheesecake, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it and add a little cream cheese powder or vanilla pudding mix instead.
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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 9 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful and easy-to-make snack that combines crispy Chex cereal with a creamy white chocolate and cherry gelatin coating, dusted with a cheesecake-flavored sugar mix and studded with dried cherries. This sweet treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or any occasion that calls for a fun, irresistible dessert snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)
- 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix (like Jell-O)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside to prepare for coating.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix to the melted white chocolate mixture. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is completely incorporated, creating a smooth cherry-chocolate coating.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently fold the cereal and coating together until all pieces are evenly covered with the mixture.
- Dust with Sugar Mixture: In a large zip-top bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until every piece is well coated with the sugar and pudding mixture.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely so the coating sets and hardens slightly, making it easier to handle.
- Add Cherries and Serve: Once the cereal is cooled, transfer it back to a bowl and fold in 1 cup of chopped dried cherries. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.
Notes
- Use rice or corn Chex cereal for best texture and coating adherence.
- Microwave carefully when melting chocolate and butter to avoid scorching.
- Chopping dried cherries helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the mix.
- Store puppy chow in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
- For a different flavor, substitute cherry gelatin with raspberry or strawberry gelatin.
- This recipe is great for gifting—package in decorative bags or jars for friends and family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Chex mix, white chocolate, cherry gelatin, dessert snack, no-bake treat, party snack
