Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow for Any Occasion

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow: A Sweet and Tangy Treat That’ll Make You Smile

Introduction
If there’s one thing that always takes me back to my childhood, it’s puppy chow. This crunchy, sweet, and sometimes gooey snack has been a favorite for years, and it’s something I always associate with cozy afternoons, family get-togethers, and sharing a treat with loved ones. But what if we could make this classic even better? Enter Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow—a twist on the beloved snack that brings together the tart, fruity flavor of cherries with the creamy richness of cheesecake.

Imagine the crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in velvety white chocolate, mixed with the tang of cheesecake pudding, and finished off with freeze-dried cherries for a burst of fruitiness. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, there’s the option to drizzle a little cream cheese for an added cheesecake kick. This treat is perfect for parties, holidays, or simply whenever you’re craving a bite of something sweet and nostalgic.

So let’s dive right in and take a closer look at how to make this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. Trust me, it’s as easy as it is delicious.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Ingredients:

6 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 ½ cups white chocolate chips (or vanilla candy melts)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (3.4 oz) box cheesecake pudding mix (instant)
½ cup cherry chip cake mix (or strawberry cake mix if cherry isn’t available)
1 cup freeze-dried cherries
4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional – for a drizzle)

Instructions:

Prep coating: In a large Ziploc bag, mix together powdered sugar, pudding mix, and cake mix. Set aside.
Melt chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20–30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Coat cereal: Pour melted chocolate over the Chex cereal and gently stir to coat evenly.
Shake: Transfer the coated cereal into the prepared bag with the dry mix. Seal and shake until well coated.
Add mix-ins: Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment to cool. Sprinkle with freeze-dried cherries or cherry candies while still slightly tacky.
Optional drizzle: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and drizzle lightly over the cooled puppy chow for a cheesecake tang (store chilled if you do this).
Let set completely before storing in an airtight container.

Tips, Substitutions, and Serving Suggestions

This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is an incredibly versatile treat that can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are a few tips and substitutions to make sure you get the perfect batch every time:

Cake Mix Substitute: If you can’t find cherry chip cake mix, don’t worry! Strawberry cake mix is a great alternative, and it still complements the cherry flavor beautifully.
Chocolate Options: While the recipe calls for white chocolate chips, you can also use vanilla candy melts for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just be sure to stir the mixture well as it melts to avoid any clumping.
Freeze-Dried Cherries: These cherries add a lovely burst of flavor, but if they’re hard to find, feel free to use cherry-flavored candies or even dried cranberries for a unique twist.
Cheesecake Drizzle: The cream cheese drizzle is optional, but it’s such a great way to elevate the flavor and add that authentic cheesecake taste. If you’re in a rush, you can skip it, but if you have the time, go for it! It gives the puppy chow a beautiful tangy creaminess that really sets it apart.

When to Enjoy Your Puppy Chow
This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is perfect for so many occasions. Here are a few ideas:

Parties and Gatherings: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a simple get-together, this puppy chow will quickly become a favorite snack at any event.
Movie Nights: Grab a big bowl, curl up on the couch, and enjoy this sweet and crunchy treat while watching your favorite film.
Gift Giving: Package it in cute jars or bags tied with ribbons to give as a homemade gift. It’s the perfect way to share a little love and sweetness with others.
Afternoon Snack: For those moments when you just need something to satisfy your sweet tooth, this puppy chow hits the spot.

Storage and Freezing Tips
To keep your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last for about 5–7 days, though it’s so delicious that you’ll likely finish it well before then! If you want to make a batch in advance, you can also freeze it. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will last for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw for a bit before serving.

FAQ

1. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
Yes, absolutely! While white chocolate gives the treat a creamy, sweet flavor, you can use milk or dark chocolate chips if that’s what you prefer. It’ll change the flavor slightly, but still delicious!

2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, you’ll need to use dairy-free alternatives. For the chocolate, you can find vegan white chocolate chips or melt down dairy-free white chocolate. For the drizzle, you can skip the cream cheese drizzle or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

3. How can I make this spicier or more flavorful?
If you want to add a little extra kick, consider sprinkling in some cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the powdered sugar mixture. This will give your puppy chow a sweet and spicy twist.

4. Can I use fresh cherries instead of freeze-dried cherries?
Fresh cherries might not work as well since they can become too soft and soggy when added to the mix. Freeze-dried cherries are perfect because they stay crispy and retain their intense flavor.