Easy Strawberry Shortcake Chow

This strawberry shortcake puppy chow transforms the classic muddy buddies into a pink-hued, berry-infused treat that everyone adores. The freeze-dried strawberries give it an authentic berry flavor that pairs perfectly with the white chocolate coating.

I first made this for my daughter's princess-themed birthday party, and it was such a hit that it's now requested for every gathering. The bright pink color makes it especially popular for Valentine's Day and spring celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce package freeze-dried strawberries: The concentrated berry flavor is key to this recipe without adding moisture that would make the cereal soggy
• 4 cups rice or corn chex mix cereal: Either works great, but I find rice Chex holds the coating a bit better
• 1 cup white chocolate chips: Good quality chips melt more smoothly, look for ones with cocoa butter listed in ingredients
• 1/3 cup icing sugar: Also called powdered sugar, it creates the perfect sweet coating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Strawberries:

Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until they become a fine powder. Make sure there are no chunks left as this ensures even distribution of strawberry flavor throughout your puppy chow. If you purchased strawberry powder, you can skip this step.

Mix the Coating:

Combine the strawberry powder with the icing sugar in a large zip-top bag or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake or stir well to create a uniform pink coating mixture. The powders should be completely integrated with no streaks of white.

Melt the Chocolate:

Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval. This slow melting prevents the white chocolate from seizing or burning. Continue until completely smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler for more control.

Coat the Cereal:

Pour the cereal into a large mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cereal while gently folding with a rubber spatula. Continue folding until every piece is evenly coated. Work quickly but carefully to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.

Add the Powder Mixture:

Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to your zip-top bag or container with the strawberry-sugar mixture. Seal securely and shake gently but thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with the pink powder. If needed, add more powdered sugar to reach your desired level of coating.

Cool and Set:

Spread the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for about 15 minutes until the chocolate sets. The coating should no longer feel tacky when touched.

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My family has a tradition of making this every Valentine's Day. We package it in little cellophane bags tied with ribbon and attach handwritten notes to give to friends. The natural pink color from the strawberries makes it so much more special than versions made with artificial coloring.

Adding Extra Dimensions

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is delightful on its own, but you can easily customize it for different occasions. Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted white chocolate for a stronger shortcake flavor. For a cookies and cream twist, mix in some crushed Oreo cookies after coating. During Christmas, I sometimes add crushed candy canes for a strawberry-peppermint version that disappears in minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This puppy chow shines on its own as a snack, but it also makes an incredible topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt. I sometimes use it as a colorful layer in parfait cups with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a deconstructed strawberry shortcake experience. For parties, serve it alongside fresh fruit for a sweet-tart contrast that balances the flavors beautifully.

Make It Foolproof

Working with white chocolate can sometimes be tricky. If your chocolate seizes or becomes grainy during melting, try adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to smooth it out. Make sure all utensils are completely dry before they touch the chocolate, as even tiny water droplets can cause problems. For the crunchiest result, make sure the cereal is completely cool and dry before storing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I store strawberry shortcake puppy chow?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep its crunch and flavor for up to 1 week. Avoid refrigeration to prevent the coating from becoming sticky.

→ Can I use a substitute for freeze-dried strawberries?

Yes, you can use dried strawberry powder as a substitute for freeze-dried strawberries in the recipe.

→ What type of cereal works best?

Rice or corn chex mix cereal is recommended for its crisp texture and ability to hold the coating well.

→ How long does it take to make this treat?

The preparation takes 10-20 minutes, while the cooking time is just 5-10 minutes, making it a quick and easy snack to prepare.

→ What should I do if the coating settles at the bottom?

Gently shake the storage container every couple of days to ensure the powdered coating remains evenly distributed.