Puppy Chow , it’s a crunchy snack mix that loads of people go crazy for . It’s made by coating crispy cereal in a sweet chocoⅼate and peanut butter blеnd . Folks often call it Muddy Buddies ; and over time it’s grown into a base for tons of cool flavors and ideas . From the classic combo to fun new twists , Puppy Chow can be changed up any way you like in your own kitchen .
One twist that’s been catching on is Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow . It packs that rich cherry cheesecake vibe into a crunchy, munchable treat . You get the tart pop of cherries mixed with creamy cheesecake taste , all stuck to little cereal squares — it’s weirdly addictive .
Using fruits that are in season can really take a snack like this up a notch . When cherries are everywhere in the summer , making a batch of Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow feels like celebrating the best flavors of the year . Plus , trying new things in the kitchen gives you that warm, homey feeling .
This article is here to walk you through everything about Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow . You’ll learn what it is , why it’s special , plus an easy recipe and some ideas to switch it up and present it in fun ways .
What is Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?
Puppy Chow , sometimes called Muddy Buddies , is a no-bake snack made by tossing cereal in melted chocoⅼate and then shaking it in powdered sugar . It first popped up in the 1980s in the U S and quickly became a hit with kids and grown-ups . Rice Chex is the usual choice because it stays light and crispy under all that sweet coating . Since then , people have mixed in all sorts of flavors : peanut butter , caramel , fruit extracts — you name it .
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow takes that simple idea and gives it the iconic cherry cheesecake flavors . You mix in cherry extract and cream cheese so each bite has a tangy-cherry kick plus that smooth cheesecake taste . The result is a snack that’s richer and more memorable than the basic version .
The texture’s part of the fun too : you get the snap of the cereal , the smoothness of the cream cheese mix , and if you like , the chew of dried cherries or the crumbly crunch of graham cracker bits . You can even make it gluten-free or use dairy-free subs so more people can enjoy it .
Nutrition-wise , it’s still a treat you want to eat in moderation . A serving is usually around 150 – 200 calories , depending on how much chocoⅼate and extras you add . But hey , every now and then it’s ok to indulge a bit for something this tasty .
III. Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Here are the must-haves for making this cherry cheesecake snack :
- Chex cereal: Rice Chex is best for that light, crispy feel .
- White chocolate or almond bark: Gives the sweet, creamy coating .
- Cherry-flavored extract: Brings the tangy cherry note .
- Cream cheese (or vegan option): For that smooth cheesecake vibe .
- Powdered sugar: Makes it look and taste like classic puppy chow .
You can also boost the flavor with these optional add-ins :
- Dried cherries (fresh or chopped): For extra chew and fruity bursts .
- Graham cracker crumbs: A nod to the cheesecake crust .
Need to watch diets? Try these swaps :
- Dairy-free: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free chocoⅼate .
- Gluten-free: Pick gluten-free Chex or another crispy gluten-free cereal .
IV. Step-by-Step Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Ingredients Section
- 9 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or almond bark)
- 1 teaspoon cherry-flavored extract
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Optional: ½ cup dried cherries, chopped
- Optional: ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
Directions Section
- Prepare the work area : Lay out parchment or wax paper so cleanup is easy .
- Melt the white chocolate : Heat in microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds at a time , stirring until smooth .
- Stir in extract and cream cheese : Mix until you get a creamy blend with no lumps .
- Coat the cereal : Pour the chocoⅼate mix over Chex in a big bowl , then stir gently so each piece is covered .
- Add powdered sugar : Sprinkle the sugar over the coated cereal and toss until everything’s white and sweet .
- Let it set : Spread it out on your paper and wait about 30 minutes or until it firms up .
Advice and Tips
Melting Tip : Stir a lot when heating the chocolate so it doesn’t burn and stays silky .
Storage : Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week , or chill for longer freshness .
V. Variations on the Classic Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Want to switch it up? Try these ideas :
- Dark or milk chocoⅼate : Use whichever you like for a richer or sweeter coating .
- Add nuts : Walnuts or pecans give a savory crunch that balances the sweet .
- Vegan version : Go full plant-based with coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate .
- Gluten-free : Make sure your cereal’s GF so everyone can snack worry-free .
VI. Where to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
This snack’s great for any event :
- Birthday parties : A fun treat that both kids and adults love .
- Holiday get-togethers : Adds a sweet twist to your dessert spread .
- Movie nights : Perfect for munching while you watch films with friends .
More serving ideas :
- Pack as gifts : Put in cute bags or mason jars for easy homemade presents .
- Individual cups : Use small jars or cupcake liners so guests can grab them fast .
VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What’s the shelf life? About a week in an airtight container at room temperature .
- Can I freeze it? Yes . Just use a freezer-safe container and thaw a bit before munching .
- What if I don’t have white chocolate? You can swap in regular chocoⅼate for a different but still yummy taste .
- Is peanut butter needed? Nope , this recipe uses cream cheese instead so it stays peanut-free .
- Any cereal substitutes? Crisp rice cereal or other gluten-free puffs work fine too .
VIII. Conclusion
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is an awesome remix of a classic snack , pairing the zesty cherry and creamy cheesecake flavors with a satisfying crunch . Give it a try , play around with the add-ins , and don’t forget to share your own spin on this treat !
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 microwave-safe bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 Ziploc bag
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips Can be substituted with milk or dark chocolate.
- 1 cup cherry-flavored candy melts
- 1 cup powdered sugar Adjust based on desired sweetness.
- ½ cup cream cheese Softened.
- ¼ cup maraschino cherries Chopped.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For added flavor.
- to taste sprinkles Optional for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare your work area by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal and chopped maraschino cherries. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and cream cheese. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract into the melted mixture.
- Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and cherries. Gently fold to coat all the cereal pieces evenly.
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the cherry-flavored candy melts following the same method as before.
- Once melted, pour the candy melt mixture over the coated Rice Chex, folding gently to ensure even coating.
- In a Ziploc bag, add the powdered sugar and the coated cereal mixture. Seal the bag and shake well until all pieces are well-coated with powdered sugar.
- Spread the Puppy Chow onto the prepared baking sheet to cool. Optionally, sprinkle with additional sprinkles for decoration.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
