Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on a classic snack mix, combining the creamy richness of white chocolate and cream cheese with the bright flavor of freeze-dried strawberries. It’s an easy, no-bake treat that’s perfect for parties or a sweet snack any time of day.
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Measure out the Chex cereal and place it into a very large bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, softened cream cheese, and unsalted butter. Melt this mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until smooth and glossy, about 1 ½ to 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the vanilla extract into the melted mixture. Immediately pour this white chocolate coating over the Chex cereal. Gently fold and stir the cereal with a rubber spatula until every piece is thoroughly coated. Set aside to cool slightly for 5 to 10 minutes so the coating can begin to set.
- Step 3: While the coated cereal cools, prepare the strawberry powdered sugar blend. In a blender or food processor, combine powdered sugar, freeze-dried strawberries, graham cracker crumbs, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the freeze-dried strawberries are fully pulverized and mixed evenly, creating a pink-hued powder.
- Step 4: Divide the coated cereal into two large gallon-sized zip-top bags. Add half of the strawberry powdered sugar mixture to each bag. Seal each bag tightly with some air inside, then shake vigorously but gently until all the cereal pieces are completely coated in the strawberry powder. Repeat with the second bag.
- Step 5: Spread the finished puppy chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool completely and set before serving. Avoid over-handling the mixture before it has set to maintain the best texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the powdered sugar mixture.
- Substitute freeze-dried raspberries for a different berry twist.
- Use white almond bark in place of white chocolate chips for a quicker melt and coating.
Storage
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent the coating from melting. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If refrigerated, allow the snack to come to room temperature briefly before serving for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Chex?
Yes, you can try other sturdy cereals like corn flakes or rice puffs, but Chex is ideal because it holds up well without becoming soggy or breaking apart.
How do I prevent the white chocolate mixture from seizing?
Make sure to melt the white chocolate chips slowly in short intervals and stir thoroughly each time. Using softened cream cheese and butter helps create a smooth, stable mixture that resists seizing.
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack mix featuring Chex cereal coated in a creamy white chocolate and cream cheese mixture, then dusted with a strawberry-infused powdered sugar blend. This no-bake treat combines the flavors of strawberry cheesecake into an easy-to-make party snack perfect for gatherings or anytime indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal and Coating: Measure out 9 cups of Chex cereal and place it in a very large bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 12 ounces white chocolate chips, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, and 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Melt this mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until smooth and glossy, about 1 ½ to 2 minutes.
- Add Vanilla and Coat Cereal: Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted mixture. Immediately pour the white chocolate and cream cheese coating over the Chex cereal. Gently fold and stir with a rubber spatula until every piece is thoroughly coated. Set aside and let the mixture cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes to begin setting.
- Make Strawberry Powdered Sugar Blend: While the coated cereal cools, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until the freeze-dried strawberries are completely pulverized into the powdered sugar, creating a pink-hued, finely integrated powder.
- Coat the Cereal Thoroughly: Divide the cooled coated cereal into two large gallon-sized zip-top bags. Add half of the strawberry powdered sugar mixture to each bag. Seal the bags tightly, ensuring there is plenty of air inside, and shake vigorously but gently until every piece is completely coated in the strawberry powder. Repeat with the second bag.
- Set and Serve: Spread the finished puppy chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely and set before serving. Avoid over-handling before it sets to maintain the perfect texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier melting and smooth coating.
- Be gentle when shaking the bags to prevent the cereal from breaking into smaller pieces.
- The freeze-dried strawberries add natural flavor without moisture, helping the powder remain dry and coating evenly.
- Store puppy chow in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix Snack, White Chocolate Snack Mix, Strawberry Powdered Sugar Coated Snack
