Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Name: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Chex cereal; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup cherry jam or preserves; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries (optional)

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic snack mix, combining the sweet and tangy flavors of cherry and cheesecake. It’s a quick and easy treat, perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever a sweet craving hits.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms the traditional puppy chow into something unique and irresistible. The combination of white chocolate, cream cheese, and cherry jam creates a creamy coating that clings to every piece of cereal. The addition of graham cracker crumbs gives it that signature cheesecake touch, while the optional dried cherries add bursts of chewy sweetness. It’s an easy, no-bake treat that’s always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 cups Rice Chex cereal

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup white chocolate chips

1/4 cup cherry jam or preserves

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup chopped dried cherries (optional)

Directions

In a large bowl, add the Rice Chex cereal and set it aside.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, cream cheese, and cherry jam. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Pour the creamy mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and gently stir until the cereal is evenly coated.

In a separate small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs.

Add the coated cereal to the powdered sugar mixture, tossing gently until evenly coated.

If using, fold in the chopped dried cherries for extra flavor.

Spread the puppy chow out on a large sheet of parchment paper to cool and set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal per serving

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled puppy chow for a richer flavor.

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds or pecans for extra crunch and nuttiness.

Lemon Cheesecake: Swap the cherry jam for lemon curd for a zesty variation.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Use strawberry preserves instead of cherry for a different fruity twist.

Extra Crunch: Mix in mini marshmallows or crushed freeze-dried cherries for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store this puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want it to last longer, I keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freezing is also an option—I place it in a sealed bag and freeze it for up to a month. Before serving, I let it come to room temperature so it isn’t too firm.

Related Recipes:

Dill Pickle Chex Mix

FAQs

How do I prevent the puppy chow from becoming soggy?

I make sure the melted mixture isn’t too hot when pouring it over the cereal and mix gently to avoid crushing the pieces. Letting it cool on parchment paper helps prevent sogginess.

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, but Rice Chex works best because of its light and crispy texture. Corn Chex or Crispix would also work well.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

For a dairy-free option, I use vegan cream cheese or omit it altogether and just use white chocolate and cherry jam.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Fresh cherries have too much moisture and may make the puppy chow sticky. I stick to dried cherries or freeze-dried cherries for the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Rice Chex cereal is gluten-free, but I make sure to use gluten-free graham crackers if I need to keep the recipe entirely gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a fun and flavorful snack that combines the best parts of classic puppy chow with the delicious taste of cherry cheesecake. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and is perfect for sharing. Whether I make it for a party or just to have on hand for a sweet treat, it never disappoints.

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