Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of cherry gelatin and dried cherries. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you want a sweet and crunchy 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 Chex cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Step 3: Add cherry gelatin mix to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Step 4: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Step 5: In a large zip-top bag, mix powdered sugar and instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal, and shake until each piece is well covered.
- Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool.
- Step 7: Once cooled, stir in chopped dried cherries. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the Chex cereal lightly before coating to add a nutty aroma.
- Substitute dried cranberries for cherries for a different tart twist.
- Use white chocolate almond bark as an alternative to white chocolate chips for easier melting.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the mix crunchy.
Storage
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To refresh the crunch, spread it out on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5–7 minutes, then let cool before serving. Avoid refrigerating as it may cause the coating to become sticky.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, both rice and corn Chex cereals work well for this recipe. Avoid cereals that are too fragile or sticky to ensure the coating adheres properly.
What can I substitute for cherry gelatin mix?
If you don’t have cherry gelatin, you can use strawberry or raspberry gelatin for a similar fruity flavor, though the color and taste will vary slightly.
PrintCherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a deliciously sweet snack mix featuring crispy Chex cereal coated in a smooth white chocolate and cherry gelatin mixture, dusted with cheesecake pudding and powdered sugar, and studded with tart dried cherries. This easy no-bake treat offers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures, ideal for parties, movie nights, or any time you crave a fun, flavorful snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Snack Mix
- 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)
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside to be coated later.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
- Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix to the melted white chocolate and butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is fully combined and evenly distributed.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the prepared Chex cereal. Gently fold and stir with a spatula or spoon until every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Dust with Sugar Mixture: In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal into the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously to thoroughly coat each piece with the sugar and pudding mix.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely to let the coating set and harden slightly.
- Add Cherries and Serve: Once the mix has cooled, transfer it to a serving bowl and gently stir in 1 cup chopped dried cherries. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- You can use either rice or corn Chex cereal based on your preference.
- Ensure the white chocolate and butter mixture is fully smooth before adding gelatin to avoid clumps.
- Shaking the coated cereal in a sealed bag helps evenly distribute the powdered sugar and pudding coating.
- Store leftover puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For an extra festive touch, consider adding red and white sprinkles before the coating sets.
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, snack mix, white chocolate, dried cherries, Chex cereal, no-bake dessert, party snack, sweet treat
