Playful Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe for Sweet Snackers

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Best Time To Share Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

• 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

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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.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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