Description
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful, no-bake snack mix featuring crispy Chex cereal coated in a creamy white chocolate and cream cheese blend, infused with vanilla and cherry flavors, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, freeze-dried cherries, and graham cracker crumbs for that classic cheesecake taste. Perfect for parties, snack time, or anytime you crave a sweet, crunchy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 5 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)
Coating
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 drops red food coloring (optional)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup freeze-dried cherries, slightly crushed
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal: Place 5 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside to keep it ready for coating.
- Melt Coating Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Flavor and Color: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and add 1-2 drops of red food coloring if desired, to create a cherry flavor and light pink hue in the chocolate mixture.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate and cream cheese mixture over the prepared Chex cereal. Gently fold the cereal until every piece is evenly coated with the cherry cheesecake mixture.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake well until the cereal is evenly dusted.
- Add Freeze-Dried Cherries: Add 1 cup of slightly crushed freeze-dried cherries to the bag and shake again to incorporate them evenly throughout the coated cereal.
- Set the Mixture: Spread the coated cereal mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool and set at room temperature so the coating firms up.
- Add Graham Cracker Topping: Once cooled, sprinkle 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs over the mixture to provide that classic cheesecake crust flavor and a delightful crunch.
- Store for Freshness: Store the finished Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Notes
- Use rice or corn Chex cereal depending on your preference; both work well.
- Red food coloring is optional but adds a fun cherry-themed color to the coating.
- Freeze-dried cherries add tartness and texture; if unavailable, dried cherries can be used, but texture will differ.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy melting and smooth coating.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch for up to one week.
