Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a wonderfully sweet and crunchy snack mix that combines the flavors of white chocolate, cherry, and cheesecake. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you want a deliciously addictive snack.
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 butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Step 3: Stir the cherry gelatin mix into the melted chocolate and butter until completely combined.
- Step 4: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold the mixture to coat the cereal evenly without crushing it.
- Step 5: In a large zip-top bag, combine 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 with the sugar mixture.
- Step 6: Spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and set.
- Step 7: Once the mixture is cooled, stir in the chopped dried cherries. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Try adding chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use yogurt-covered raisins instead of dried cherries for a different twist.
- To enhance the cherry flavor, sprinkle a little extra cherry gelatin mix over the coated cereal before it sets.
Storage
Store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer it chilled, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Avoid storing in humid conditions to keep the cereal crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use any type of Chex cereal?
Yes, both rice and corn Chex cereal work well in this recipe. You can also try using a mix of both for added texture.
Is it necessary to melt the chocolate and butter together?
Melting the white chocolate chips with butter helps create a smooth coating that evenly adheres to the cereal. This step is important for the best texture and flavor balance.
PrintCherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful and easy-to-make snack that combines crunchy Chex cereal coated in a smooth, cherry-flavored white chocolate mixture and dusted with a sweet cheesecake pudding and powdered sugar blend. Enhanced with dried cherries, this treat offers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures, ideal for parties, movie nights, or anytime you crave a sweet and fun snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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 aside to prepare for coating.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix to the melted white chocolate and butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is fully incorporated, creating a cherry-flavored white chocolate coating.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in the bowl. Gently fold the cereal to evenly coat every piece without crushing them.
- Dust with Sugar Mixture: In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and one 3.5-ounce package of instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal into this bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until each piece is well covered in the sweet cheesecake-sugar coating.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool completely to allow the coating to set and harden, ensuring a perfect crunch.
- Add Cherries and Serve: Once cooled, transfer the puppy chow back into a large bowl and gently stir in 1 cup chopped dried cherries for bursts of fruity flavor. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Be gentle when folding the cereal with the chocolate mixture to avoid breaking the pieces.
- For best flavor, use dried cherries that are unsweetened or lightly sweetened.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can substitute rice Chex with corn Chex based on preference without affecting the taste.
- If white chocolate chips are not available, high-quality white chocolate bars chopped finely can be used.
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, White Chocolate Snack, Chex Mix Dessert, Cherry Gelatin Snack, No Bake Snack, Cheesecake Pudding Mix, Dried Cherry Treat
