Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a deliciously sweet and tangy snack mix that combines crunchy cereal with creamy white chocolate and cherry flavors. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you want an easy dessert treat.

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

1. Step 1: Place the Chex cereal in a large bowl and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: Stir the cherry gelatin mix into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold the mixture until the cereal is evenly coated.
5. 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 until each piece is well covered.
6. Step 6: Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool and set.
7. Step 7: Once cooled, stir in the chopped dried cherries. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of rice and corn Chex for added texture and flavor.
• For a festive touch, add white nonpareils or sprinkles after coating the cereal.
• Substitute dried cranberries if you prefer a tart contrast to the sweet coating.

Storage

Store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For best texture, avoid refrigerating as moisture can make it soggy. If needed, re-crisp by warming gently in the oven at low heat for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of gelatin flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with different gelatin flavors such as strawberry or raspberry to customize the taste, but cherry provides the classic flavor profile for this recipe.

Is it necessary to melt the chocolate and butter together?

Melting the chocolate and butter together creates a smooth coating that adheres well to the cereal. Separating them may result in clumps or uneven coverage.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix featuring Chex cereal coated in a creamy cherry-flavored white chocolate mixture, dusted with cheesecake pudding and powdered sugar, and studded with dried cherries. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you crave a delightful, fruity, and creamy treat.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 9 cups 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Cereal Base

• 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)

Coating

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix (like Jell-O)

Dusting Mix

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix

Add-Ins

• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside to be coated later.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Microwave initially for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
3. Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix to the melted white chocolate and butter mixture. Stir until the gelatin is fully incorporated, creating a smooth cherry-flavored coating.
4. Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the prepared Chex cereal. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula or large spoon to ensure every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the cherry white chocolate mixture.
5. Dust with Sugar Mixture: In a large zip-top bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and a 3.5 oz package of instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal into the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are well coated with the sugar and cheesecake pudding mix.
6. Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal out evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely so the coating sets and the pieces become crisp.
7. Add Cherries and Serve: Once cooled, transfer the coated cereal into a large bowl and gently stir in 1 cup of chopped dried cherries. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

• Use rice or corn Chex cereal based on your preference for texture and flavor.
• Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate to prevent burning; stir frequently during melting.
• For an extra festive look, consider adding freeze-dried cherries as garnish.
• Store puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for best freshness.
• This recipe is easily doubled or halved to suit the size of your gathering.

Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow Snack Mix, Cherry Snack Mix, Chex Mix Dessert, White Chocolate Puppy Chow