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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

4.8 from 732 reviews

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.

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

  1. Prepare the Cereal: Place the 9 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside to prepare for coating.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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