Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on a classic snack mix, blending sweet cherry flavor with creamy cheesecake notes. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a tasty treat any time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 oz cherry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Step 2: Mix in the softened cream cheese until fully combined, then add the cherry-flavored gelatin and stir well.
- Step 3: Pour the melted mixture over the Chex cereal in a large bowl and gently mix until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Transfer the coated cereal into a resealable bag with the powdered sugar. Seal the bag tightly and shake until all the pieces are thoroughly covered.
- Step 5: Spread the mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, try adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the mix before coating with powdered sugar.
- Use flavored cream cheese varieties, like strawberry or raspberry, to complement or enhance the cherry taste.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar to 3/4 cup.
Storage
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigeration is fine but bring it back to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture. Avoid storing in humid conditions to keep it crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, you can substitute Chex with other sturdy cereals like Rice Krispies or Cheerios, but make sure they hold up well when coated with the mixture.
Is it necessary to chill the cream cheese before mixing?
The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother coating. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps and uneven coverage.
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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow recipe is a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fruity burst of cherry gelatin. Made with Chex cereal coated in a luscious mixture of white chocolate, cream cheese, and cherry-flavored gelatin, then dusted with powdered sugar, this treat is perfect for parties, snack time, or gifting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex cereal
- 3 oz cherry-flavored gelatin
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and unsalted butter in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Gelatin: Add the softened cream cheese to the melted white chocolate mixture and blend well until smooth and fully combined. Then stir in the cherry-flavored gelatin powder until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the creamy cherry mixture over the Chex cereal in a large bowl. Gently toss the cereal with a spatula or spoon until all pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Shake with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake vigorously to cover every piece of cereal with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated, sugared cereal evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to let the coating firm up for perfect texture.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth blending with melted chocolate.
- You can substitute cherry-flavored gelatin with other fruit flavors like strawberry or raspberry for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crunch.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, add a few drops of cherry extract to the white chocolate mixture.
- Make sure to spread the puppy chow out on the baking sheet so it cools evenly and doesn’t clump together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Chex mix, no-bake dessert, white chocolate snack, cherry gelatin treat, sweet snack mix
