Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful sweet snack mix combining crispy Chex cereal coated with a luscious cherry-flavored white chocolate and butter mixture, dusted with cheesecake pudding and powdered sugar, then mixed with dried cherries for a burst of fruitiness. This easy no-bake treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or any occasion that calls for a fun and flavorful munchie.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal in a large bowl and set aside to prepare for coating.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second increments, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and fully 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 completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the prepared cereal. Gently fold the cereal using a spatula or spoon to coat every piece evenly without crushing the cereal.
- Dust with Sugar Mixture: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 package instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal into the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously to evenly coat each piece of cereal with the sugar and pudding powder mixture.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely so the coating sets, making the puppy chow less sticky and easier to handle.
- Add Cherries and Serve: Once the mixture is cooled, gently fold in 1 cup chopped dried cherries to distribute fruitiness evenly. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- For best results, use white chocolate chips specifically formulated for melting, as some candy coatings melt more smoothly.
- Dried cherries can be substituted with dried cranberries or mixed berries for a different flavor twist.
- Ensure the cereal is completely cooled and dry before coating to avoid sogginess.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved easily depending on the serving size needed.
- Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, puppy chow, Chex cereal snack, cherry dessert snack, white chocolate snack mix, easy no bake dessert, party snacks, sweet cereal mix