Try This Irresistible Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe Today

Sweet snackers adore this cherry cheesecake puppy chow that combines dessert magic with irresistible crunch.

Kernels of crispy cereal dance with creamy white chocolate coating.

Tangy dried cherries add bursts of fruity excitement to each delectable bite.

Powdered sugar creates a delicate snow-like dusting across every morsel.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum enjoyment for anyone seeking a quick treat.

Chocolate chips provide an extra layer of decadent surprise.

You’ll want to make a double batch because this snack disappears faster than expected.

How to Make Cheesecake-Flavored Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a clean workspace for your delicious treat.

Step 2: Prep Cereal Base

Pour Rice Chex cereal into a spacious mixing bowl, ready for transformation.

Step 3: Melt Delightful Coating

• Cherry chips
• White chocolate
• Butter

Microwave in short 20-second bursts, stirring between each interval until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Blend Flavor Enhancers

Stir in cream cheese powder and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a rich, creamy coating.

Step 5: Coat Cereal Generously

Gently pour the melted mixture over the cereal, folding carefully to ensure every single piece gets an even, delectable coating.

Step 6: Create Sugar Shell

Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or container.

Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cereal.

Step 7: Shake and Coat

Seal the bag and shake vigorously, creating a complete sugar coverage on each cereal piece.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing it to cool and set completely.

Step 9: Serve or Store

Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container or serve immediately for a sweet, crunchy snack.

Tips for a Crunchy, Sweet Puppy Chow Mix

• Use low microwave power and stir frequently to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing.
• Gently fold the melted mixture onto cereal using a spatula to ensure even, delicate coverage without breaking the Chex pieces.
• Sift cream cheese powder and powdered sugar to eliminate lumps and create a smoother, more consistent coating.
• Keep puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining its crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried cherries on top for an extra burst of authentic cherry taste and beautiful color contrast.

How to Store Puppy Chow and Keep It Fresh

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the puppy chow crisp and fresh. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.
• Pack in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Keeps well for 2-3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Keep in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal crunch and flavor.
• Add a small silica gel packet to the storage container to maintain dryness and prevent sugar from becoming sticky.

What to Pair with Cherry Cheesecake Mix

• Pair Creamy Dessert Beverage: Sip a cold glass of cherry-infused milk that complements the sweet cheesecake flavors and enhances the puppy chow's delicate texture.
• Boost Champagne Experience: Select a light rosé champagne that matches the cherry hints and provides a sophisticated, bubbly contrast to the crunchy snack.
• Create Coffee Companion: Brew a vanilla latte with a subtle cherry syrup drizzle, which balances the dessert's sweetness and offers a rich, warm counterpoint.
• Elevate Dessert Wine Option: Choose a sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti, whose light, fruity notes perfectly align with the cherry cheesecake profile and cleanse the palate.

Sweet Swaps for Puppy Chow Flavors

• Gluten-Free Cherry Bliss: Replace Rice Chex with gluten-free crispy rice cereal, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Cherry Dream: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free white chocolate chips, and substitute cream cheese powder with cashew-based cream cheese powder for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Delight: Reduce powdered sugar and use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in the coating, perfect for those watching their sugar intake or following a low-carb diet.
• Nut-Free Cherry Crunch: Confirm all ingredients are nut-free and use alternative coatings like powdered coconut sugar for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

• What are cherry chips, and can I substitute them?

Cherry chips are specialty baking chips with a cherry flavor. If unavailable, melt white chocolate chips and add cherry gelatin powder to create a similar cherry flavor profile.

• Is cream cheese powder necessary for this recipe?

Cream cheese powder adds a tangy cheesecake flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use a small amount of softened cream cheese, but the texture might be slightly different.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free Chex cereal and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination.

• How long will this Puppy Chow stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow will remain fresh for 5-7 days. Keep it away from direct heat and moisture to maintain its crispness.

Why You’ll Crave Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

• This puppy chow recipe requires minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for beginner cooks and baking enthusiasts of all levels.
• Easily swap ingredients like cherry chips with white chocolate and gelatin, allowing personal twists and creative flavor experiments.
• Prepare this delightful snack in just a few simple steps, with minimal cooking time and straightforward microwave melting technique.
• Ideal for gatherings, movie nights, potlucks, and casual celebrations where guests love bite-sized, sweet and crunchy snacks.

Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

• Rice Chex Cereal: Crunchy base for the puppy chow.
• Cherry Chips, White Chocolate: Provides sweet cherry flavor and coating.
• Butter: Helps melt and blend the coating smoothly.

• Cream Cheese Powder: Adds tangy cheesecake-like taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts overall flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates sweet, powdery outer layer for the puppy chow.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry cheesecake puppy chow delivers a delightful twist on classic snack mix. Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly crunchy, you’ll find this treat impossible to put down.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup cherry-flavored baking chips (or white chocolate chips)

Binding/Melting Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese powder
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cherry gelatin powder (optional)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, creating a clean surface for cooling the puppy chow.
2. Transfer Rice Chex cereal into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring ample room for coating.
3. Combine cherry chips (or white chocolate mixed with gelatin) and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second increments and stirring between each interval until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.
4. Incorporate cream cheese powder and vanilla extract into the melted mixture, whisking thoroughly to create a uniform blend with no lumps.
5. Gently cascade the warm mixture over the cereal, using a spatula to carefully fold and ensure each cereal piece is evenly and generously coated.
6. Carefully pour the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or container, preparing for the powdered sugar dusting.
7. Seal the bag securely and vigorously shake to distribute the powdered sugar, creating a complete and even coating on each cereal piece.
8. Spread the finished puppy chow across the prepared baking sheet, allowing it to cool and set at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes.
9. Once fully cooled and crisp, transfer to an airtight container for storage or serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.

Notes

• Pick white chocolate chips for a more authentic cherry flavor when cherry chips are unavailable.
• Use food-grade gelatin to enhance the cherry essence and create a more vibrant taste profile.
• Chill the mixture briefly to help the coating set faster and prevent clumping during sugar coating.
• Adjust powdered sugar quantity based on desired sweetness level, allowing personal taste preferences to guide the process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg