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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 29 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 15m
  • Cook Time: 0h 5m
  • Total Time: 0h 20m
  • Yield: Approximately 8 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. Prepare Cereal: Place 5 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside to keep it ready for coating.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.