Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a sweet and tangy twist on a classic snack with this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. With the creamy white chocolate and cheesecake flavor balanced by bright cherry notes, it’s perfect for parties or a delightful treat anytime.

Ingredients

• 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: Stir the cherry gelatin mix into the melted chocolate and butter until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold to evenly coat all pieces.
5. Step 5: In a large zip-top bag, mix the powdered sugar and instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it, and shake until each piece is thoroughly covered.
6. Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set.
7. Step 7: Once cooled, stir in the chopped dried cherries and your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans along with the dried cherries.
• If white chocolate chips aren’t available, substitute with vanilla-flavored baking chips for a similar flavor.
• Make sure to cool the coated cereal completely before adding dried cherries to prevent them from sticking.

Storage

Store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep it away from heat or humidity to maintain crispness. This snack is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently broken apart if it clumps over time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, Rice Chex or Corn Chex both work well because they hold up to the coating without getting soggy. Avoid cereals that are too fragile or absorb too much moisture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Chex cereal and ensure the other ingredients, such as gelatin and pudding mix, are labeled gluten-free, the recipe will be safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful sweet snack mix featuring crispy Chex cereal coated in a luscious white chocolate and cherry gelatin mixture, dusted with powdered sugar and instant cheesecake pudding mix, and studded with sweet dried cherries. This no-bake, easy-to-make treat offers a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake flavor with a vibrant cherry twist.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Cereal Mix

• 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)

Chocolate Mixture

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix (like Jell-O)

Sugar Coating

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix

Add-ins

• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal in a large bowl and set it aside to be coated later.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
3. Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix to the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the gelatin blend is fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the prepared Chex cereal. Gently fold the cereal with a spatula or spoon until every piece is evenly coated with the chocolate-berry mixture.
5. 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. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until every piece of cereal is thoroughly coated with the powdered sugar and cheesecake pudding dusting.
6. Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool and set so that the coating hardens and becomes crisp.
7. Add Cherries and Serve: Once the coated cereal is completely cooled, gently fold in 1 cup chopped dried cherries. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

• Use either rice or corn Chex cereal depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
• Ensure the white chocolate and butter mixture is fully melted and smooth before adding the gelatin mix for an even coating.
• Shake the coated cereal well in the sugar and pudding mixture to achieve a consistent dusting on every piece.
• You can substitute dried cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or blueberries if desired.
• Store this snack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for best freshness.

Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix Snack, Sweet Snack Mix, No-Bake Dessert, Cherry Snack, Cheesecake Flavor, Holiday Snack