Strawberry 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.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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