Introduction

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix that combines the rich flavors of white chocolate, cherry, and cheesecake pudding. It’s an easy-to-make treat perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you want a delicious bite-sized indulgence.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl and set it aside.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Stir the cherry gelatin mix into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
Step 4: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold the cereal until it is evenly coated.
Step 5: In a large zip-top bag, mix together the powdered sugar and instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it, and shake until each piece is well covered.
Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow it to cool completely.
Step 7: Once cooled, stir in the chopped dried cherries. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, try using a mix of rice and corn Chex cereal.
You can substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries or mixed berries for a different fruity twist.
If white chocolate is unavailable, use white almond bark or candy melts as a replacement.
To enhance the cheesecake flavor, add a teaspoon of cream cheese powder to the powdered sugar mixture.

Storage

Store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. No reheating is necessary as it is best enjoyed as a crunchy snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute white chocolate chips with white almond bark or candy melts if preferred. Avoid using dark or milk chocolate as it changes the flavor profile.

How do I keep the puppy chow from getting soggy?

Make sure the coated cereal is spread out to cool completely on parchment paper before adding dried cherries. Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness and avoid moisture.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful and easy-to-make snack mix combining the crunch of Chex cereal with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate and cherry gelatin. Enhanced with cheesecake pudding mix and dried cherries, this treat offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors with a fun, powdery coating. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a special dessert, this no-bake recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside, ensuring the bowl is large enough for thorough mixing.
Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips with 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Microwave initially for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup of cherry gelatin mix to the melted white chocolate and butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is completely incorporated and the mixture is uniform.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the prepared Chex cereal. Gently fold the cereal and mixture together with a spatula or spoon until the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
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. Transfer the coated cereal into the bag, seal tightly, and shake vigorously to coat each piece evenly with the sugar and pudding powder mixture.
Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature to let the coating set and harden slightly.
Add Cherries and Serve: Once cooled, add 1 cup of chopped dried cherries and gently fold them into the coated cereal mixture. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

Use either rice or corn Chex cereal based on preference; both work well.
Make sure to stir the melted chocolate and butter mixture thoroughly to avoid burning.
Shaking the cereal in the zip-top bag ensures an even coating without making a mess.
Allowing the mix to cool fully helps the coating firm up for a crisp texture.
Store puppy chow in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to one week.
For a dairy-free alternative, use dairy-free white chocolate chips and butter substitutes.

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