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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

4.9 from 58 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside to be coated later.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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