Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

This cherry cheesecake puppy chow transforms the classic snack into a decadent treat with tangy cheesecake flavor and bright cherry sweetness. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or gift-giving, this irresistible remix combines creamy white chocolate with the nostalgic crunch of Chex cereal.

I created this recipe for a Valentine's Day party last year, and it quickly became my most requested treat. The cherry-cheese combination reminds me of my grandmother's famous cheesecake but in a fun, portable form that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

• Chex cereal: Makes the perfect base with its honeycomb structure that catches all the delicious coating. The light texture allows the flavors to shine without being too heavy.
• White chocolate chips: Provide a creamy sweetness and help the other ingredients adhere to the cereal. Choose high-quality chips for the best melting properties.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the perfect consistency for coating. Always use unsalted to control the salt level in your sweet treats.
• Cherry gelatin mix: Delivers that vibrant color and fruity flavor that makes this recipe special. The powder dissolves beautifully into the chocolate mixture.
• Powdered sugar: Creates the classic puppy chow coating and balances the tartness of the cherries. Its fine texture coats each piece evenly.
• Instant cheesecake pudding mix: The secret ingredient that brings the cheesecake flavor without any actual cream cheese. Look for the instant variety for proper dissolution.
• Dried cherries: Add texture contrast and intensify the cherry flavor with bursts of tanginess. Choose tart Montmorency cherries if you can find them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Pour your Chex cereal into a large bowl, making sure there's plenty of room for tossing and coating. Use a bowl that's at least twice the volume of your cereal to prevent overflow when mixing.

Create the Cherry Coating:

Combine white chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating carefully in short intervals to prevent scorching. The mixture should be completely smooth with no visible chips remaining. Immediately stir in the cherry gelatin powder until fully dissolved, creating a vibrant pink mixture with no specks or streaks.

Coat the Cereal:

Pour the warm cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal and fold gently with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Work quickly but carefully, turning the cereal from bottom to top until every piece is evenly coated. The gentle folding motion prevents the cereal from breaking while ensuring complete coverage.

Create the Sweet Coating:

Mix the powdered sugar and cheesecake pudding powder thoroughly in a large zip-top bag. Add the coated cereal in batches if necessary, seal the bag removing excess air, and shake gently to coat. The powdered mixture creates that signature puppy chow coating while adding the tangy cheesecake flavor.

Set and Finish:

Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to cool completely, which helps the coating set firmly and prevents sticking. Once cooled, gently mix in the dried cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

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The dried cherries are truly what elevates this recipe from good to extraordinary. I discovered their importance when I made a batch without them and found it lacked dimension. That pop of chewy, intense cherry flavor creates a wonderful contrast to the crunchy, sweet-coated cereal.

Storing Your Puppy Chow

This cherry cheesecake puppy chow stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Mason jars work beautifully for storage and make for an attractive presentation if giving as gifts. Avoid refrigeration as this can make the coating sticky and compromise the cereal's crunch.

Customization Options

The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations to suit your taste preferences. For a more intense cheesecake flavor, increase the pudding mix to 1½ packages. White chocolate lovers can fold in additional white chocolate chips at the end with the dried cherries. For a chocolate-covered cherry experience, substitute half of the white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate chips. You can also experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries or blueberries to create your own signature version.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this cherry cheesecake puppy chow shines as part of a larger dessert spread. Serve it alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a deconstructed cheesecake experience. For parties, create a puppy chow bar with different varieties and toppings. It makes a beautiful addition to Valentine's Day or holiday dessert tables with its festive red and white appearance. I like to serve it in paper cups or cones for individual portions that avoid the need for everyone to reach into the same bowl.

The History of Puppy Chow

Despite its name, puppy chow has nothing to do with dog food! This beloved American snack earned its name from its resemblance to dog kibble, but its sweet flavor is strictly for human enjoyment. Traditional puppy chow originated in the Midwest using chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Our cherry cheesecake version represents the evolution of this comfort food classic, bringing sophisticated flavor combinations to a nostalgic treat. The recipe demonstrates how beloved classics can be reinvented for contemporary tastes while maintaining their approachable, shareable appeal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can substitute Chex cereal with any similar square-shaped cereal. Ensure it is sturdy enough to hold the coating.

→ How do I store Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch and flavor for up to a week.

→ Can I omit the dried cherries?

Yes, you can skip the dried cherries or replace them with another dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a different flavor.

→ Can I use other flavors of gelatin mix?

Absolutely! Experiment with other gelatin flavors like strawberry or raspberry for a unique twist.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, choose dairy-free white chocolate chips and a butter substitute to make this snack suitable for a dairy-free diet.

→ Can I prepare this ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare it a day or two in advance, store in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh and tasty for your event.