Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on a classic snack mix, bursting with sweet white chocolate and tangy freeze-dried strawberries. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a fun everyday snack.
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the Chex cereal in a very large bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, softened cream cheese, and unsalted butter. Melt the mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until smooth and glossy, about 1½ to 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the vanilla extract once the mixture is smooth. Pour the coating over the Chex cereal and gently fold with a rubber spatula until all pieces are thoroughly coated. Let it cool and begin to set for 5–10 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry powdered sugar blend. In a blender or food processor, combine powdered sugar, freeze-dried strawberries, graham cracker crumbs, and salt. Blend until the strawberries are finely pulverized and incorporated, creating a pink powder.
- Step 4: Divide the coated cereal into two large gallon-sized zip-top bags. Add half of the strawberry powdered sugar mixture to each bag. Seal with air inside and shake gently but vigorously until every piece is coated.
- Step 5: Spread the puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely and set before serving. Handle minimally to maintain the perfect texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the powdered sugar mixture for a subtle citrus twist.
- Use fresh strawberries blended with sugar as a replacement for freeze-dried strawberries, but reduce moisture to avoid sogginess.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the puppy chow crunchy and fresh.
Storage
Store the strawberry cheesecake puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend its freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before serving, let it come to room temperature to fully enjoy the creamy texture. Avoid storing in humid environments to maintain crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cereal instead of Chex?
Yes, you can substitute with other sturdy cereals like Rice Krispies or Crispix, but be sure they can hold up well to the coating without becoming soggy.
What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?
If freeze-dried strawberries aren’t available, you can pulse fresh strawberries with powdered sugar in a food processor, though be mindful of added moisture. Alternatively, strawberry powder from specialty stores works well.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful and easy-to-make snack featuring crispy Chex cereal coated in a smooth white chocolate and cream cheese mixture, then dusted with a vibrant strawberry and graham cracker powdered sugar blend. Perfectly sweet with a hint of tangy strawberry flavor, this treat is ideal for parties, snack time, or gifting.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Powdered Sugar Blend
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal and Coating: Measure out 9 cups of Chex cereal and place it into a very large bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 12 ounces of white chocolate chips, 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Melt this mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until smooth and glossy, about 1 ½ to 2 minutes.
- Add Vanilla and Coat Cereal: Stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted white chocolate and cream cheese mixture. Immediately pour this luscious coating over the Chex cereal in the large bowl. Gently fold and stir the cereal with a rubber spatula until every piece is thoroughly coated. Set aside and allow the mixture to cool slightly and begin to set for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Make Strawberry Powdered Sugar: While the cereal is cooling, prepare the strawberry powdered sugar blend. In a blender or food processor, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, and a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of salt. Blitz until the freeze-dried strawberries are completely pulverized and fully integrated, creating a beautiful pink-hued powder.
- Coat the Cereal with Strawberry Powder: Once the coated cereal has cooled slightly, divide it into two large gallon-sized zip-top bags. Add half of the strawberry powdered sugar mixture to each bag. Seal each bag tightly, leaving some air inside. Shake vigorously but gently until every piece of coated cereal is completely covered in the strawberry powder. Repeat with the second bag using the remaining powder.
- Set and Serve: Spread the finished puppy chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely and set before serving. Avoid over-handling before it’s set to maintain its perfect texture.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure it melts smoothly with the white chocolate and butter.
- Shaking the zip-top bags gently but thoroughly ensures even coating without breaking the cereal pieces.
- Store puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, increase freeze-dried strawberries by 1/4 cup in the powdered sugar blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Chex Mix, White Chocolate Snack, Strawberry Snack Mix, No-Bake Dessert, Party Snack
