Description
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is the sweet, snackable treat you didn’t know you needed. This no-bake dessert takes crispy cereal squares, coats them in a creamy white chocolate and cheesecake-flavored mixture, and finishes with a dusting of cherry-flavored powdered sugar. It’s the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and fruity—great for parties, gifting, or just indulging by the handful.
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Ingredients
For the Puppy Chow Base:
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6 cups rice or corn square cereal (like Rice Chex)
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1½ cups white chocolate chips
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2 tbsp butter
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cherry Cheesecake Coating:
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1½ cups powdered sugar
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3 tbsp cherry gelatin powder (like cherry Jell-O)
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½ cup freeze-dried cherries, crushed (optional for texture and flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
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Pour 6 cups of cereal into a large mixing bowl.
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Set aside while you prepare the coating.
Step 2: Melt the Coating
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In a small saucepan over low heat (or microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals), melt white chocolate chips and butter until smooth.
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Add softened cream cheese and stir until fully incorporated and smooth.
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Stir in vanilla extract. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
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Immediately pour the warm cheesecake mixture over the cereal.
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Gently fold with a spatula until the cereal is fully coated but not crushed.
Step 4: Add the Flavor & Powdered Sugar
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In a large zip-top bag, mix the powdered sugar and cherry gelatin powder.
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Optional: Add crushed freeze-dried cherries for an extra punch of cherry flavor.
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Add the coated cereal to the bag.
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Seal and shake well until all pieces are evenly coated with the cherry cheesecake powder.
Step 5: Let It Set
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Spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Let it cool and set for 10–15 minutes before serving or storing.
Step 6: Serve or Store
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Transfer to a bowl for snacking, or portion into bags for gifting or parties.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
Use Fresh Ingredients – Old chocolate chips or cereal can affect texture and flavor.
Crush Gently – Don’t overmix or you’ll crush the cereal.
Sift the Powder – For a smoother coating, sift the powdered sugar and gelatin before mixing.
Cool Before Storing – Let it dry completely to avoid sogginess.
Try Different Flavors – Swap cherry gelatin for strawberry or raspberry for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Cuisine: American