Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a delightful, no-bake snack mix that transforms classic puppy chow into a sweet, fruity treat inspired by strawberry shortcake. It features crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a creamy white chocolate and strawberry cake mix blend, dusted with powdered sugar and crushed freeze-dried strawberries, creating a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity flavors. This easy-to-make snack is ideal for parties, seasonal holidays, lunchbox treats, or gifting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup crushed golden Oreos
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal: In a large mixing bowl, measure 5 cups of Rice Chex cereal and set it aside. This is the base of your puppy chow and will be coated with the delicious mixture.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of strawberry cake mix into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring everything is well combined for a flavorful coating.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the chocolate and cake mix mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon to evenly coat all cereal pieces without breaking them.
- Mix Coating Sugar and Strawberries: In a large zip-top bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1/2 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Coat with Sugar Mixture: Transfer the coated cereal into the zip-top bag with the powdered sugar and strawberry mix. Seal the bag tightly and shake well until all pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Cool and Dry: Spread the coated cereal out on a baking sheet in a single layer and allow it to cool and dry completely, helping the coating to set.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Once the mixture is cooled, fold in 1/2 cup mini marshmallows and 1/4 cup crushed golden Oreos if using, adding extra texture and flavor.
- Store: Transfer the puppy chow to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use quality white chocolate chips or wafers for a smoother melt and better coating.
- Be gentle when mixing the coating with the cereal to avoid crushing the cereal pieces.
- Shake the sugar and strawberry mixture thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Customize by adding sprinkles, yogurt-covered raisins, or other candies for extra flavor and texture.
- Store in a cool, dry place; avoid refrigeration to prevent sogginess.
- For gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free rice cereal, cake mix, and skip or substitute Oreos with a gluten-free alternative.
- Dairy-free substitutions include using dairy-free white chocolate chips and plant-based butter.
- Low sugar alternatives can be made by using sugar-free cake mix and powdered erythritol instead of powdered sugar.
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, no-bake dessert, white chocolate snack, strawberry dessert, easy snack mix, kids treat, party snack
