Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining sweet white chocolate, tangy cherry gelatin, and creamy cheesecake flavor. This crunchy, sweet treat is perfect for parties, snacking, or gifting during the holidays.
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 until the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: Add the cherry gelatin mix to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Step 4: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal, gently folding to coat evenly without breaking the pieces.
- Step 5: In a large zip-top bag, mix the powdered sugar and instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal, seal the bag, and shake well until every piece is coated.
- Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it cool completely.
- Step 7: Once cooled, fold in the chopped dried cherries. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Tips & Variations
- Use white chocolate candy melts instead of chips for easier melting.
- Add nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
- Substitute dried cranberries if you prefer a different tart fruit.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle some red and white holiday sprinkles before the mixture sets.
Storage
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid storing in humid areas to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of gelatin?
Yes, you can experiment with other gelatin flavors, but cherry gives this treat its signature tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake flavor.
Is it necessary to use instant cheesecake pudding mix?
The instant cheesecake pudding mix adds creamy flavor and helps the coating stick better, but you can omit it if unavailable; just increase powdered sugar slightly for coating.
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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy snack mix featuring crispy Chex cereal coated in a luscious cherry-infused white chocolate mixture, dusted with cheesecake-flavored powdered sugar, and studded with dried cherries for a delightful burst of fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Cereal
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)
Chocolate Mixture
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix (like Jell-O)
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside, ensuring the cereal is evenly distributed to allow for uniform coating later.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips with 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture becomes smooth and fully melted.
- Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup of cherry gelatin mix to the melted white chocolate and butter, stirring thoroughly until the gelatin is completely integrated into the mixture, creating a rich cherry-flavored coating.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the prepared Chex cereal. Gently fold the cereal using a spatula or spoon to evenly coat every piece without breaking the cereal.
- Dust with Sugar Mixture: In a large zip-top bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 3.5 oz of instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until each piece of cereal is well coated with the powdered sugar and pudding mixture.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow the mixture to cool and the coating to set completely at room temperature, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Cherries and Serve: Once the coated cereal has cooled, transfer it back into a large bowl and gently fold in 1 cup of chopped dried cherries. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.
Notes
- Use either rice or corn Chex cereal depending on your preference; both work well.
- If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, consider adding an extra 1-2 tablespoons of cherry gelatin mix.
- Ensure the melted white chocolate mixture is smooth before combining with cereal to achieve even coating.
- Storing the puppy chow in an airtight container keeps it fresh for up to one week.
- This snack is perfect for parties, holiday treats, or as a fun dessert mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Chex mix, white chocolate snack, dessert snack mix, no-bake snack, sweet snack mix, dried cherries, cheesecake flavor
