If you’re looking to turn snack time into sheer bliss, meet your new obsession: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. This irresistible treat packs all the classic flavors of creamy cheesecake and sweet-tart cherry into irresistibly crunchy, snackable bites. Whether you need a playful party snack, an after-school pick-me-up, or a fun treat to share at your next movie night, each handful of Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow bursts with flavor and a touch of nostalgia—plus, it’s unbelievably easy to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow so special? It’s the pure magic that comes from just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient here serves an essential role, bringing that creamy, dreamy flavor and signature pink pop you’ll crave after just one bite.
- Rice Chex cereal: The crunchy backbone of every puppy chow, its light texture soaks up all the sweet coatings without getting soggy.
- White chocolate chips (or vanilla candy melts): Melted into velvet, this is what binds everything together and brings that rich, cheesecake-y sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: For the perfect frosty coating, powdered sugar keeps everything airy and just sweet enough.
- Cheesecake pudding mix (instant): The not-so-secret ingredient! This gives the snack its tangy, creamy cheesecake punch in every bite.
- Cherry chip cake mix (or strawberry cake mix): Adds cheerful color and true fruity flavor. If you can’t find cherry chip, strawberry is a perfect stand-in.
- Freeze-dried cherries: These gems provide bright bursts of real cherry flavor and a little tangy chew that plays off the sweetness beautifully.
- Cream cheese, softened (optional): Whipped and drizzled, this makes for an extra-special creamy finish with all the tang of classic cheesecake.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prep the Coating Mix
Grab a large Ziploc bag and pour in your powdered sugar, cheesecake pudding mix, and cherry chip (or strawberry) cake mix. Give it a quick toss or shake to combine everything evenly. This is your magic fairy dust that will coat every piece in scrumptious flavor.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
Place your white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20 to 30 second bursts, pausing to stir each time, until the chocolate is silky smooth and entirely melted. Be patient here—melting gently ensures the chocolate is pourable without seizing.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour your heap of Rice Chex cereal into a roomy mixing bowl. Drizzle the melted white chocolate all over, then, with gentle hands or a spatula, fold and stir the mixture until every morsel is coated in that creamy, white chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Shake It Up
Now for the fun part: dump the chocolate-coated cereal into your big bag of sweet powdered mix. Seal tightly, then shake, twist, and tumble the bag until every piece is happily blanketed in the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow coating.
Step 5: Add the Mix-Ins
Spread everything onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set. While the coating is still slightly tacky, scatter over those jewel-like freeze-dried cherries (or cherry candies). Their tangy flavor and flash of color make everything pop.
Step 6: Add a Cheesecake Drizzle (Optional)
If you want even more cheesecake flair, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth, then thin it slightly with a splash of milk if needed. Use a fork or spoon to drizzle it over the puppy chow. This step elevates the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow to true dessert status—just remember to store it chilled if you go this route!
Step 7: Let Set and Store
When everything looks (and smells) heavenly, let your puppy chow cool and set completely before scooping into an airtight container. Now you’re ready to snack… if you can resist not sneaking handfuls right away!
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Garnishes
Make your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow party-ready with a dusting of extra powdered sugar, a handful of extra freeze-dried cherries on top, or even a sprinkle of pink or red sanding sugar for extra sparkle. A few white or red chocolate curls really lean into the dessert vibes, too!
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet snack with some tart fresh fruit (think strawberries, raspberries, or kiwi) to balance the richness. Want a beverage? Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow goes perfectly with a glass of cold milk, a frothy latte, or even sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the puppy chow in pretty glass jars, cupcake liners, or mini treat bags tied with ribbon. If you’re feeling extra creative, layer the mix in mason jars with extra freeze-dried cherries and gift as fun edible favors. For celebrations, pile high in a trifle bowl and top with dollops of whipped cream and maraschino cherries for a show-stopping centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow has cooled and set, transfer it into an airtight container. It’ll stay perfectly fresh, crisp, and munchable at room temperature for up to a week—if it lasts that long! If you added the cream cheese drizzle, just be sure to store it in the fridge to keep things safe and tasty.
Freezing
This puppy chow is a dream for make-ahead snacking. Just pack the cooled mix into a freezer-safe bag or container, squeeze out extra air, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and you’re back in business. Freezing helps if you want to keep it on hand for surprise guests!
Reheating
While Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow doesn’t need reheating (and in fact, is best at room temp or chilled), if your cream cheese drizzle gets too firm from the fridge, let the mix sit out for 10 minutes before digging in. This brings back that perfect blend of creamy and crunchy in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal if I don’t have Rice Chex?
Absolutely! Any crisply textured, neutral-flavored cereal will work. Corn Chex is a great swap, or go wild and try mini pretzels or crisp rice cereal for a fun twist. Just be sure to keep an eye on the coating—some cereals soak up chocolate more quickly than others.
What if I can’t find cherry chip cake mix?
No worries at all. Strawberry cake mix works beautifully and still gives you that pop of berry flavor. You can also add a drop of cherry or strawberry extract to boost the flavor further.
Can I use regular dried cherries instead of freeze-dried?
You can, but freeze-dried cherries are best for texture and color. Regular dried cherries are chewier and may clump together, but will still taste lovely—just chop them up and scatter lightly so they don’t weigh down the mix.
How far in advance can I make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?
You can absolutely prep Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow up to a week ahead. Just store it airtight (and chilled if you went for the cream cheese drizzle). It’s a great make-ahead treat for parties or packed lunches.
Is this recipe safe for young kids?
Yes! Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a huge hit with kids, but remember the cereal pieces can be a choking hazard for very little ones. Always supervise young children while snacking, and avoid offering it to children under 3.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how fun and fabulous homemade Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow can be. It has something for everyone: sweet, a little tangy, crunchy, and just plain joyful. Give it a go and watch your snack bowl become the star of the show—don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Melting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on classic puppy chow with this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow recipe. Sweet and tangy flavors combine with a creamy drizzle for a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Rice Chex Cereal
- 6 cups
White Chocolate Chips
- 1 ½ cups
Powdered Sugar Mix
- 1 cup
Cheesecake Pudding Mix
- 1 box (3.4 oz)
Cherry Chip Cake Mix
- ½ cup (substitute with strawberry cake mix if cherry not available)
Freeze-Dried Cherries
- 1 cup
Cream Cheese (optional)
- 4 oz, softened
Instructions
- Prep Coating: In a large Ziploc bag, mix together powdered sugar, pudding mix, and cake mix. Set aside.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20–30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Coat Cereal: Pour melted chocolate over the Chex cereal and gently stir to coat evenly.
- Shake: Transfer the coated cereal into the prepared bag with the dry mix. Seal and shake until well coated.
- Add Mix-Ins: Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment to cool. Sprinkle with freeze-dried cherries or cherry candies while still slightly tacky.
- Optional Drizzle: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and drizzle lightly over the cooled puppy chow for a cheesecake tang (store chilled if you do this).
- Let Set: Allow to set completely before storing in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
