Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a sweet and tangy twist on a classic snack with Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. This easy-to-make treat combines crispy cereal, creamy white chocolate, and the bright flavor of cherry gelatin for a delightful dessert or party snack.

Ingredients

• 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
3. Step 3: Add the cherry gelatin mix to the melted chocolate mixture and stir thoroughly until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold the cereal to coat each piece evenly.
5. Step 5: In a large zip-top bag, mix the powdered sugar and instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake until all pieces are well covered.
6. Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow it to cool and set.
7. Step 7: Once cooled, stir in the chopped dried cherries. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try substituting dried cranberries for the dried cherries or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the sugar mixture.
• To make it nut-free, ensure your dried cherries are processed in a nut-free facility.
• If white chocolate is not preferred, semi-sweet chocolate chips can be used, though the flavor will be less creamy.

Storage

Store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture of the dried cherries and chocolate coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can use any crisp, lightly flavored cereal like corn Chex or rice Chex. Avoid heavily flavored or coated cereals as they might affect the overall taste.

What if I don’t have cherry gelatin mix?

You can substitute with raspberry or strawberry gelatin for a similar fruity flavor, or omit it altogether for a more classic cheesecake puppy chow taste.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 12 cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful sweet snack mix combining crunchy Chex cereal coated in a luscious cherry white chocolate mixture, dusted with cheesecake pudding and powdered sugar, and studded with tart dried cherries. This easy no-bake treat offers the flavors of cherry cheesecake in a crunchy, bite-sized form perfect for parties or snacking.

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Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cereal: Place the 9 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside to ensure it stays crisp for coating.
2. 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 gently. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
3. Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix to the melted white chocolate mixture. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is completely incorporated and the mixture has a uniform cherry color.
4. Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula or spoon to evenly coat each piece without breaking the cereal.
5. Dust with Sugar Mixture: In a large zip-top bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal into the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until each piece is well covered with the powdered sugar and pudding mix blend.
6. Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature so the coating can set and firm up, approximately 15-20 minutes.
7. Add Cherries and Serve: Once cooled, transfer the coated cereal back into a bowl and gently stir in 1 cup chopped dried cherries. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

• You can use either rice or corn Chex cereal as your base.
• Ensure the chocolate mixture is not too hot when mixing with cereal to avoid sogginess.
• Use sealed containers for storage to keep the puppy chow fresh and crunchy.
• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture before coating.
• If dried cherries are not available, dried cranberries or cherries can be good substitutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Snack Mix, White Chocolate Snack, Chex Mix Snack, No-Bake Snack, Dessert Snack Mix