Introduction

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on a classic snack mix, blending sweet cherry flavors with creamy cheesecake and crunchy cereal. Perfect for sharing or a cozy treat, this no-bake snack is easy to make and irresistibly tasty.

A white bowl full of small, square pieces of red candy coated in white powder is placed on a red and white checkered cloth. Among the small squares, some whole red dried berries are scattered, adding a slightly glossy texture and deeper red color. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with a soft focus on more red berries in the background, all set against a white marbled texture. The candy pieces have a rough, powdery outer layer and a rich, fruity red color underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
Step 2: Stir in the cherry gelatin mix and the instant cheesecake pudding mix into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Chex cereal to the bowl and gently fold it in until every piece is evenly coated with the cherry cheesecake mixture.
Step 4: Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake well to coat the cereal completely and absorb any excess moisture.
Step 5: Remove the puppy chow from the bag into a large serving bowl, then stir in the chopped dried cherries.
Step 6: Let the mixture set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the coating to firm up before serving.

Tips & Variations

Substitute dried cranberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to enhance the cherry cheesecake taste.

Storage

Store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigeration to keep the cereal crisp. If stored longer, the texture may soften. Enjoy at room temperature or chilled, but allow it to come back to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled almost to the top with small square cereal pieces coated in a light layer of powdered sugar, giving them a dusty white look over their red color. Among the squares, several whole dried cranberries are scattered, adding deeper red spots with a shiny texture. The bowl sits on a red and white checkered cloth, placed on a wooden table with a soft focus of extra cranberries and stacked white plates in the background. The overall scene is warm and inviting, with a clear emphasis on the contrast between the sugary cereal and the bright cranberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cheesecake pudding mix?

Yes, you can use homemade cheesecake pudding mix, but adjust the quantity to match the flavor intensity of the instant mix for best results.

Will the dried cherries soften in the mixture?

The dried cherries will absorb some moisture but should remain pleasantly chewy, adding a nice texture contrast to the crunchy cereal.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 89 reviews

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful, sweet snack mix combining crispy Chex cereal coated in a creamy white chocolate and cheesecake pudding mixture, infused with the fruity flavor of cherry gelatin and studded with chopped dried cherries. Perfect for parties, snacking, or a fun dessert treat, this no-bake recipe offers a creamy, crunchy, and tangy experience in every bite.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)
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

Wet Ingredients

1 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

Prepare the Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. This creates the creamy base for the coating.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry gelatin mix, powdered sugar, and instant cheesecake pudding mix. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
Combine Cereal and Coating: Pour the melted white chocolate and butter mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly without breaking the cereal.
Add the Dry Mix: Sprinkle the dry powdered mixture over the coated cereal. Place the mixture into a large sealable plastic bag, seal, and shake vigorously until the cereal pieces are thoroughly coated with the dry mixture and no clumps remain.
Incorporate Dried Cherries: Transfer the coated puppy chow to a large bowl and fold in the chopped dried cherries evenly throughout.
Chill and Serve: Allow the mixture to set by chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps the coating firm up slightly and enhances the flavors.

Notes

You can use either rice or corn Chex cereal based on your preference.
Ensure the white chocolate chips and butter are fully melted to avoid clumps in the coating.
Shaking the mixture thoroughly in a bag ensures every piece of cereal is evenly coated.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts or white chocolate drizzle as a garnish.

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