Name: Crunchy Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 11
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups rice square cereal (such as Rice Chex); 1 lb (1 pound) vanilla-flavored almond bark; 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant cheesecake pudding mix; 1 box (3 oz / 85 g) cherry-flavored gelatin mix; 1 cup plus 3 tbsps powdered sugar; Optional: red and pink sprinkles for decoration

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Sweet snacking reaches new heights with this irresistible cherry cheesecake puppy chow that combines creamy dessert flavors with a crunchy twist.

Dessert enthusiasts will adore how each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes.

Powdered sugar coats crisp Chex cereal, creating a delightful base for this playful treat.

Cream cheese and graham cracker elements add depth to the classic puppy chow formula.

Cherry-infused white chocolate brings a burst of fruity excitement to every handful.

The combination transforms a simple snack into an elegant, party-ready indulgence.

Prepare to be amazed by this delectable, no-bake sensation that promises to become your new favorite crowd-pleasing treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 230 kcal
Servings: 11

What You’ll Need For Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

For Base:

Rice Cereal Squares: Crispy foundation that provides a delightful crunch and absorbs the sweet coating perfectly.
Almond Bark: Creamy melting chocolate that binds the cereal and creates a smooth, luxurious exterior.

For Coating Mixture:

Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix: Adds rich, tangy cheesecake flavor and helps create a velvety coating.
Cherry-Flavored Gelatin Mix: Introduces vibrant cherry essence and enhances the overall sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: Provides extra sweetness and helps create a fine, smooth dusting.
Sprinkles (Optional): Adds playful color and festive texture to the final treat.

For Serving Preparation:

Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking during cooling and setting.

Tools To Create Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Large Zip-Top Bag: Perfect for mixing coating ingredients and shaking the cereal.
Microwave-Safe Tray: Ideal for melting almond bark smoothly.
Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for coating cereal with melted almond bark.
Rubber Spatula: Great for gently stirring cereal without breaking pieces.
Large Baking Sheet: Helps spread and cool the puppy chow evenly.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Simple Steps For Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Flavor Explosion

Grab a large zip-top bag and create a magical powder blend that’ll make your taste buds dance. Mix together cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin, powdered sugar, and a sprinkle of fun. Seal and shake like you’re creating a flavor symphony.

Almond Bark Magic

Unwrap the almond bark and let the microwave work its transformative powers. Zap it in short bursts, stirring between each round until it becomes a silky smooth river of sweetness.

Cereal Transformation

Pour your crispy rice squares into a roomy bowl. Drench them in the melted almond bark, gently folding until every single piece is covered in creamy goodness.

Coating Carnival

Dump the coated cereal into your flavor-packed bag. Shake, shimmy, and dance until each morsel is completely blanketed in the delightful powder mixture.

Setting and Serving

Spread your creation on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it chill and set, then break into irresistible bite-sized pieces. Get ready for a snack that’ll make everyone swoon with delight.

Flavor Ideas For Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Cheesecake Cherry Bliss Tricks
Texture Magic: Chill the coated puppy chow for 10-15 minutes to achieve a perfect crisp exterior and prevent clumping. This extra step ensures each bite stays crunchy and deliciously coated.
Flavor Boost: Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted almond bark for deeper, richer cheesecake undertones that complement the cherry notes beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rice cereal for gluten-free rice squares to make this treat safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising the delightful crunch.
Dairy-Free Twist: Replace almond bark with dairy-free white chocolate chips and use vegan pudding mix to create a completely dairy-free version that still delivers incredible flavor.

Sweet Party Platter: Serve on a decorative tray with colorful paper doilies for a festive look that catches everyone’s eye.
Dessert Parfait Delight: Layer the puppy chow with fresh whipped cream and cherry halves in clear glasses for an elegant dessert presentation.
Movie Night Munchies: Package in small individual bags with cute cherry-themed labels for easy grab-and-go snacking during film marathons.
Gifting Gourmet Treat: Pack in mason jars tied with red ribbons as a charming homemade gift for friends, family, or holiday celebrations.

How To Keep Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Crunchy

Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Seal the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the delightful texture intact.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the snack mix a day before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile. The advance preparation lets the cherry and cheesecake notes intensify wonderfully.
Freezing Friendly Option: Pack the puppy chow in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 weeks without compromising taste or texture. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
Party Portion Planning: Create single-serve snack bags by dividing the mixture into small portions. Perfect for grab-and-go treats, kids’ lunch boxes, or movie night snacking. Each portion stays fresh and crunchy when properly sealed.

Crunchy Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry cheesecake puppy chow combines classic dessert flavors in a crunchy snack mix. Creamy white chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and cherry powder coat crisp Chex cereal for a delightful treat you cannot resist.

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups rice square cereal (such as Rice Chex)
1 lb (1 pound) vanilla-flavored almond bark
1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant cheesecake pudding mix
1 box (3 oz / 85 g) cherry-flavored gelatin mix
1 cup plus 3 tbsps powdered sugar
Optional: red and pink sprinkles for decoration

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Instructions

Coating Preparation: Combine instant cheesecake pudding mix, cherry-flavored gelatin, powdered sugar, and decorative sprinkles in a spacious zip-top bag. Seal and shake vigorously to blend dry ingredients into a uniform, vibrant mixture.
Almond Bark Melting: Unwrap almond bark and microwave in original tray for one minute. Stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until completely melted and glossy, creating a smooth liquid.
Cereal Coating: Pour warm, liquid almond bark over crisp rice cereal squares in a large mixing bowl. Use a flexible spatula to gently coat each piece evenly, ensuring complete coverage without crushing the delicate cereal.
Final Tossing: Transfer almond bark-coated cereal into the prepared zip-top bag with flavored sugar mixture. Seal securely and shake enthusiastically, rotating to completely enrobe each piece with the cherry-infused coating.
Setting and Serving: Spread coated cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Allow to cool and solidify at room temperature, then break into bite-sized clusters ready for delightful snacking.

Notes

Prevent Bark Burning: Microwave almond bark slowly in short intervals, stirring between each to avoid scorching and maintain smooth texture.
Coating Technique: Use a light touch when mixing cereal with melted bark, gently folding to prevent breaking delicate rice squares.
Flavor Intensity Adjustment: Modify cherry flavor by increasing or decreasing gelatin powder amount based on personal taste preference.
Storage Wisdom: Store in airtight container at room temperature for maximum crispness, consuming within 3-5 days for optimal texture and freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Desserts, Snacks
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 11
Calories: 230
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.

Ballymaloe Cookery School

Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life.

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.