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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

4.5 from 62 reviews

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful and sweet snack mix featuring crispy Chex cereal coated in a luscious cherry-infused white chocolate mixture, dusted with cheesecake-flavored powdered sugar, and studded with chopped dried cherries. This no-bake treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you want a fun and easy dessert that captures the flavors of cherry cheesecake in a crunchy munchable form.

Ingredients

Scale

Cereal Base

  • 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)

Chocolate Mixture

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix (such as Jell-O)

Coating Mix

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix

Add-ins

  • 1 cup dried cherries, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside to prepare the 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 well. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and fully melted.
  3. Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix to the melted white chocolate mixture, stirring continuously until the gelatin is fully integrated, creating a smooth cherry-flavored coating.
  4. Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture evenly over the prepared Chex cereal. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon to thoroughly coat all the cereal pieces without breaking them.
  5. Dust with Sugar Mixture: In a large zip-top bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the entire 3.5 oz package of instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to this bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously to ensure every piece is generously coated with the sweet cheesecake flavored powder.
  6. Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to allow it to cool and set, helping the coating to firm up and prevent clumping.
  7. Add Cherries and Serve: Once the coated puppy chow is completely cooled, stir in 1 cup chopped dried cherries for added burst of fruity flavor and chewiness. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Use rice or corn Chex cereal based on your preference for texture.
  • Ensure the white chocolate and butter mixture is fully melted and smooth before mixing in the gelatin to avoid lumps.
  • Shake the coated cereal well in the powdered sugar and pudding mix for an even cheesecake flavor.
  • Allowing the puppy chow to cool completely on parchment ensures the coating sets perfectly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crunch.

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