Introduction

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack that combines the creamy flavor of cheesecake with the bright taste of cherries. This no-bake treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you need a delicious bite-sized dessert.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
Step 3: Stir the cherry gelatin mix into the melted chocolate and butter mixture until fully combined.
Step 4: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold the mixture to coat the cereal evenly.
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 thoroughly until each piece is well coated.
Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set.
Step 7: Once cooled, stir in the chopped dried cherries. Serve and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of rice and corn Chex for added texture.
For extra flavor, toast the dried cherries lightly before adding them in.
Swap cherry gelatin mix with raspberry or strawberry for a different fruity twist.
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.

Storage

Store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep it crisp, avoid refrigerating. If it softens, spread it on a baking sheet and let it air out for a bit before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate, but it will change the flavor profile. White chocolate complements the cherry and cheesecake flavors best.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This puppy chow can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just stir in the dried cherries right before serving for the best texture.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 136 reviews

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy snack mix featuring crispy Chex cereal coated in a luscious white chocolate and cherry gelatin glaze, dusted with cheesecake pudding and powdered sugar, and finished with dried cherries for a delightful burst of flavor. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you crave a fun and flavorful treat.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 cups 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)
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

Wet Ingredients

1 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

Prepare the Cereal: Place the 9 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set it aside to get ready for coating.
Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Microwave initially for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup of cherry gelatin mix to the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, creating a vibrant cherry-infused chocolate coating.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture evenly over the prepared Chex cereal. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula to ensure each piece of cereal is evenly coated.
Dust with Sugar Mixture: In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 package (3.5 oz) of instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until every piece is thoroughly covered in the sweet, tangy powder.
Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal evenly over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely and set, so the coating can harden slightly and the flavors meld together.
Add Cherries and Serve: Once the puppy chow has cooled, gently stir in 1 cup of chopped dried cherries. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for snacking later.

Notes

Use rice or corn Chex cereal based on your preference for texture and flavor.
Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate to prevent burning or graininess; stir often.
The powdered sugar and cheesecake pudding mix coating creates a creamy, tangy flavor contrast with the sweet cherry chocolate.
Dried cherries add chewiness and bursts of tartness that balance the sweetness.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for best freshness.

Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Chex Mix Snack, White Chocolate Snack, Cherry Gelatin Snack, No-Bake Dessert, Sweet Snack Mix