Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
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
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
- 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