If you are looking for a snack that is irresistibly sweet, festive, and downright fun, the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe is here to steal your heart. This delightful twist on the classic puppy chow snack combines the creamy tang of cheesecake pudding with the vibrant zing of cherry gelatin, all wrapped up in crunchy rice Chex coated with luscious melted almond bark. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels like a celebration in your mouth. Whether you’re preparing for a party, packing an easy dessert, or just craving a unique treat, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe is a breeze, yet each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect blend of taste and texture. From the creamy pudding mix that adds lusciousness to the crunchy Chex cereal forming the snack’s base, every ingredient is essential to capture that nostalgic, irresistible charm.
- Cheesecake pudding mix (3.4 oz): Adds creamy, tangy richness reminiscent of a classic cheesecake filling.
- Cherry gelatin mix (3 oz): Brings vibrant color and bright cherry flavor, enhancing the dessert’s fruity character.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup plus 3 tbsp): Offers sweetness with a smooth coating that makes the snack melt in your mouth.
- Rice Chex cereal (8 cups): Provides the light, crunchy foundation that holds all the glorious flavors together.
- Vanilla almond bark (1 lb): Melts into a silky, sweet coating that binds the puppy chow and adds a vanilla-almond hint.
- Optional red and pink sprinkles: Perfect for adding a festive, playful touch, especially if you’re sharing this at a gathering.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Line a Baking Sheet
Start by preparing your workspace; line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step is a game-changer as it makes cleanup simple and gives the puppy chow a perfect surface to set on without sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
In a large zip-top bag, combine the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and if you’re using them, the sprinkles. Give it a good shake or stir with a spoon so that all these flavors blend evenly before coating the cereal.
Step 3: Measure the Cereal
Pour your rice Chex cereal into a spacious mixing bowl—make sure it’s large enough to hold the coated cereal later because this puppy chow needs room to mix and absorb all those flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Melt the Almond Bark
Keep the almond bark in its tray and microwave it in one-minute increments, stirring in between, until it’s completely melted and smooth. This step ensures your coating will be silky and easy to work with when mixing.
Step 5: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal in the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir until every piece is evenly covered in the glossy vanilla-almond coating. This is where the magic starts to take shape!
Step 6: Shake to Coat
Transfer the coated cereal into the zip-top bag with your powdered sugar and gelatin mixture. Seal it up and shake vigorously so each Chex gets dusted with that sweet, tangy mixture, locking in the signature cherry cheesecake flavor.
Step 7: Set the Treats
Spread your coated puppy chow over the parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it sit until it’s set. This helps the coating firm up just enough to hold its delicious bite while remaining light and crunchy.
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe, consider sprinkling a few more red or pink sprinkles on top just before serving for an extra pop of color. Fresh cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar also add delightful finishing touches that make it irresistible to the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Side Dishes
This treat shines brightest all on its own but pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. If you want to turn it into a party spread, adding some fresh fruit or a light yogurt dip on the side will balance the sweetness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your puppy chow in small decorative bowls or clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for gift-giving. Another fun idea is layering it in a mason jar with whipped cream and fresh cherries for a playful parfait presentation, perfect for gatherings or just treating yourself at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks, making it convenient to enjoy in portions whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious snack long term, you can freeze it in a sealed bag or container. When properly stored, it maintains its texture and flavor for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
This puppy chow is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If it’s a bit cold from the freezer, simply let it sit out for 15-20 minutes for the vanilla almond bark to soften and bring out the full cherry cheesecake flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Absolutely! While the cheesecake pudding mix is essential for that classic flavor, experimenting with other cheesecake or even vanilla pudding mixes can change the profile but still make a tasty snack.
What if I don’t have almond bark, can I use white chocolate?
You can substitute high-quality white chocolate chips for the almond bark. Just melt them carefully to avoid burning, and you’ll still get a creamy vanilla coating on your cereal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Rice Chex cereal is generally gluten-free, and if you use certified gluten-free pudding mixes and almond bark, then yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Always double-check labels to be certain.
Can I make this recipe without a microwave?
Definitely! You can melt the almond bark using a double boiler on the stove, stirring gently until smooth. The key is to melt gently to avoid scorching.
Is the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely, it’s a kid-friendly treat that’s fun to make and eat together. Just watch out with the powdered sugar mess during mixing, or better yet, let the kids help!
Final Thoughts
If you want to add something special to your snack lineup or surprise your friends with a unique and delicious treat, you really can’t go wrong with the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe. It’s playful, bursting with flavor, and oh-so-easy to make, turning a simple snack into an unforgettable indulgence. Give it a try—you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it!
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix combining the flavors of cheesecake pudding, cherry gelatin, and creamy vanilla almond bark. This no-bake, easy-to-make treat is perfect for parties, holidays, or as a delightful anytime snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 (3 oz) cherry gelatin mix
- 1 cup plus 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 8 cups rice Chex cereal
- Optional: red and pink sprinkles
Wet Ingredients
- 1 lb vanilla almond bark
Instructions
- Line a Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for setting the coated puppy chow.
- Prepare the Coating: In a large zip-top bag, combine the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and if using, red and pink sprinkles. Mix these dry ingredients well and set aside.
- Measure Cereal: Pour 8 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, ready to be coated.
- Melt the Almond Bark: Place the vanilla almond bark in its tray and microwave it. Heat for 1 minute, stir well, then microwave for an additional minute until the almond bark is fully melted and smooth.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted almond bark over the rice Chex cereal. Use a rubber spatula to stir gently until every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the melted candy bark.
- Shake to Coat: Transfer the coated cereal into the zip-top bag with the dry pudding and gelatin mixture. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are thoroughly coated with the powdered sugar mixture.
- Set the Treats: Pour the fully coated puppy chow onto the lined baking sheet. Spread it out evenly and allow it to set until the almond bark hardens and the mix is dry to the touch.
- Store Properly: Once set, transfer the puppy chow to a covered airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, keeping it fresh and crunchy for snacking.
Notes
- You can substitute vanilla almond bark with white chocolate chips if preferred.
- Red and pink sprinkles are optional but add a festive touch perfect for Valentine’s Day or cherry-themed occasions.
- Ensure the almond bark is completely melted and smooth to coat the cereal evenly without clumps.
- Shaking the cereal mixture thoroughly in the bag ensures even coverage of the powdered sugar blend.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent the mix from becoming stale or sticky.
