Irresistible Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe for Sweet Snackers

Snacking just got a delightful makeover with this cherry cheesecake puppy chow that delivers a sweet twist on the classic treat.

Bursting with creamy cheesecake flavor, the recipe combines crunchy cereal with tangy cherry goodness.

Powdered sugar coats each bite, creating an irresistible texture that melts in your mouth.

The blend of cream cheese and cherry brings a dessert-inspired excitement to this beloved snack mix.

Small batches disappear quickly, making it perfect for parties or midnight cravings.

Each handful promises a nostalgic yet gourmet experience that transforms ordinary snacking into something extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with this addictive treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Is Snack Time Gold

• Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delightful treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Sprinkles and pudding mix allow for simple personalization to match any celebration or mood.
• Simple steps make this recipe great for involving children in cooking, creating fun family moments.
• Zero oven time means less hassle and more enjoyment, ideal for warm days or when you want a stress-free dessert.

Ingredient Rundown for Cheesecake Puppy Chow

• Chex Cereal: A crisp and light base that provides the perfect crunch for this sweet treat.
• Vanilla Bark: A smooth, meltable chocolate that helps coat the cereal evenly.

• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix, Cheesecake Pudding Mix: Adds a rich, creamy cheesecake flavor to the coating.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, fine dusting that helps the coating stick to the cereal.
• Gelatin: Enhances the flavor profile and helps bind the coating.

• Sprinkles, Optional Sprinkles: Provides a fun, colorful touch to the final puppy chow mix.

Essential Snack Mix Tools

• Large Baking Sheet: Essential for spreading and setting the puppy chow.
• Foil: Helps line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Large Zip-Top Bag: Perfect for mixing and coating the cereal with dry ingredients.
• Large Bowl: Needed for mixing cereal with melted chocolate.
• Microwave-Safe Tray: Used to melt vanilla bark smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps stir chocolate and coat cereal thoroughly.
• Covered Container: For storing the finished puppy chow.

Easy Steps for Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a spacious baking sheet with aluminum foil to create a smooth landing spot for your delightful treats.

Step 2: Create Flavor Powder

• Cheesecake pudding mix
• Cherry gelatin powder
• Powdered sugar
• Colorful sprinkles (optional)

Step 3: Ready the Crunchy Base

Pour crisp corn cereal into a generously sized mixing bowl.

Step 4: Melt Sweet Coating

Unwrap white chocolate bark and place in microwave-safe container.

Heat for 60 seconds, stir gently, then heat another 60 seconds until completely smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Transform Cereal

Drizzle melted white chocolate over cereal pieces.

Use a spatula to gently fold and coat every single morsel until they’re completely dressed in chocolatey goodness.

Step 6: Add Flavor Dust

Transfer chocolate-covered cereal into the prepared flavor bag.

Seal tightly and shake vigorously until each piece is completely coated with the cherry cheesecake powder.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Spread the coated cereal pieces across the foil-lined baking sheet.

Allow to rest and set at room temperature.

Once dry, transfer to an airtight container.

These sweet bites will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Tips for the Best Puppy Chow Crunch

• Line the baking sheet with foil to ensure easy removal and cleanup of the puppy chow.
• Add the optional sprinkles to the coating mix for extra burst of cherry cheesecake taste and colorful visual appeal.
• Microwave vanilla bark in short intervals, stirring between each to avoid burning and achieve smooth melting.
• Gently stir cereal in melted chocolate, making sure each piece gets completely covered for maximum flavor.
• Store in a covered container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, keeping the puppy chow crunchy and delicious.

Flavor Twists for Snack Mix Fans

• Gluten-Free Cherry Crunch: Replace regular cereal with gluten-free rice Chex, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap vanilla bark for dairy-free white chocolate chips and use coconut-based powdered sugar to create a lactose-free version.
• Low-Sugar Delight: Substitute regular powdered sugar with a monk fruit or stevia-based powdered sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor.
• Vegan Cherry Blast: Use plant-based white chocolate, coconut-based cream cheese powder, and vegan-friendly cereal to craft an entirely animal-product-free snack mix.

How to Serve Puppy Chow at Gatherings

• Sweet Party Platter: Arrange on a festive tray with colorful sprinkles scattered around for a playful dessert display.
• Dessert Garnish Boost: Top individual servings with fresh cherries, white chocolate drizzle, or extra sprinkles for added visual appeal.
• Gift-Ready Packaging: Pack in clear cellophane bags tied with cute ribbon for adorable homemade treat gifts that friends will love.
• Movie Night Companion: Serve in small decorative bowls during movie marathons or game nights as a delightful sweet snack everyone can enjoy.

Storage Pointers for Snack Mixes

• Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days, keeping the puppy chow cool and fresh.
• Place in freezer-safe bag or container, seal tightly, and store for 1-2 months without losing crunch.
• Keep in sealed container away from direct sunlight, maintaining quality for 2 weeks.
• Spread on baking sheet for 5 minutes at room temperature to restore original crispy texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this puppy chow its cherry cheesecake flavor?

The pudding mix and gelatin provide the distinct cherry cheesecake taste, while the vanilla bark adds a creamy sweetness that mimics a classic cheesecake flavor profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids can help measure ingredients, mix the coating, and shake the bag to coat the cereal, making it a fun and easy kitchen activity that doesn’t require complicated cooking skills.

• Can I make this recipe without sprinkles?

Yes, sprinkles are completely optional. The recipe will taste the same and still have a delightful cherry cheesecake flavor even if you skip the sprinkles.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry cheesecake puppy chow combines classic dessert flavors in a crunchy snack mix. Crisp cereal coated with cream cheese and cherry glaze creates an irresistible treat for casual gatherings and quick indulgences.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 8 cups rice square cereal (Chex)
• 1 pound (16 ounces / 453 grams) vanilla bark

Coating Mixture:

• 3.4 ounces (96 grams) cheesecake pudding mix
• 3 ounces (85 grams) cherry gelatin mix
• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons (255 grams) powdered sugar

Decorations:

• Red and pink sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil to create a clean workspace for cooling and setting the puppy chow.
2. Combine instant vanilla pudding mix, cherry gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and colorful sprinkles inside a spacious zip-top plastic bag, creating a vibrant coating mixture.
3. Pour crisp cereal into a generously sized mixing bowl, preparing it for chocolate enrobing.
4. Unwrap vanilla bark and microwave in its original container for approximately 1 minute, stir thoroughly, then continue heating for an additional minute until completely smooth and liquefied.
5. Drizzle melted chocolate over cereal, gently folding and stirring to ensure each piece receives a thorough, even chocolate coverage.
6. Transfer chocolate-glazed cereal into the prepared zip-top bag containing the powdered sugar mixture, then vigorously shake to coat every morsel with the sweet, fruity mixture.
7. Carefully spread the coated cereal across the foil-lined baking sheet, allowing it to set and dry at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer to an airtight container for storage up to 2 weeks.

Notes

• Customize Sweetness Adjust powdered sugar quantity to control overall sweetness level, making it more or less sugary based on personal preference.
• Ensure Even Coating Gently toss cereal while coating with chocolate to guarantee each piece gets fully covered, preventing clumping or dry spots.
• Control Texture Add extra sprinkles or crushed graham crackers for additional crunch and flavor complexity.
• Storage Hack Keep in airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crisp texture and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg