Description
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a quick, no-bake snack mix featuring creamy white chocolate, tangy cherry bursts, and a hint of cheesecake flavor on crunchy cereal. It’s perfect for parties, gifting, or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups rice Chex cereal (or corn Chex)
- 8 oz white chocolate chips (or white candy melts)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry-flavored candy melts (or red candy melts plus 1/4 tsp cherry extract)
- 1 cup freeze-dried cherries, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure out all ingredients.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and softened cream cheese. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth and melted (about 1–1.5 minutes). If thick, add 1–2 tsp coconut oil.
- Stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, melt cherry-flavored candy melts using the same microwave method. Swirl the cherry melts into the white chocolate mixture, leaving some streaks for a marbled effect.
- Place Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a rubber spatula until coated.
- Sprinkle in freeze-dried cherries and any optional mix-ins (mini marshmallows, mini chips). Stir gently to distribute.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Seal and shake vigorously until every piece is coated.
- Spread the puppy chow out on the prepared baking sheet. Let cool and set for 10–15 minutes (refrigerate if needed).
- Break apart any large clumps and transfer to a serving bowl. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent chocolate from seizing. Freeze-dried cherries are essential for tang and texture; avoid regular dried cherries. For gluten-free, use gluten-free Chex and swap graham crumbs for gluten-free cookie crumbs. Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: puppy chow, snack mix, cherry cheesecake, muddy buddies, no-bake dessert, party snack, easy recipe, homemade gift