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
Scale
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
