Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

Imagine biting into a dreamy mashup of your favorite creamy dessert and a classic childhood snack — that’s exactly what you get with Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. This delightful no-bake treat pops with tart cherry swirls, velvety cheesecake flavors, and crunchy, sweet-coated cereal that’s entirely too easy to munch by the handful. It’s the kind of quick and festive recipe that disappears impossibly fast at parties, game nights, or just curled up with a good movie. The bright cherry notes, creamy undertones, and irresistible powdered sugar finish guarantee it’ll be your new snack obsession!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples and a couple of special add-ins, making Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow couldn’t be easier. Each ingredient plays an important role in flavor, color, or crunch — don’t skip a thing!

• Rice Chex cereal: The perfect base for soaking up all the sweet, creamy flavors while keeping every bite crisp and light.
• White chocolate chips: Melted down, these add luscious sweetness and help all the delicious flavors cling to the cereal.
• Cream cheese (softened): Brings the signature cheesecake tang and creamy richness to every mouthful.
• Unsalted butter: Softens the coating mixture and intensifies the creamy flavor, binding everything together beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances that classic cheesecake taste.
• Instant cheesecake pudding mix (dry): Boosts the cheesecake effect while helping the powdered sugar stick perfectly.
• Powdered sugar: Gives that iconic “puppy chow” look and ensures every bite is sweet and satisfying.
• Cherry pie filling (strained): Provides pockets of tart, juicy cherry flavor; make sure it’s well-drained for the best texture!

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep the Cereal and Cherry Pie Filling

Start by adding your rice Chex cereal to a spacious, sturdy mixing bowl. Next, strain the cherry pie filling thoroughly to remove any excess syrup — this crucial step helps keep the puppy chow perfectly crisp instead of soggy. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go so you can move smoothly through the rest of the process.

Step 2: Melt the Creamy Coating

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, softened cream cheese, and unsalted butter. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each session, until everything is completely melted and silky smooth. This gentle approach prevents scorching and ensures you get an even, velvety mixture. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract for that extra hint of cheesecake goodness.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm, creamy coating over the Chex cereal. With a large rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until each piece is well coated but not crushed. Patience pays off here: the more gentle you are, the crunchier your end result!

Step 4: Add the Cherries

Carefully fold in the strained cherry pie filling. Take your time and mix softly to distribute little bursts of cherry throughout without damaging those delicate cereal squares. This is where the magic of Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow really shines: every handful delivers fruity, creamy and crunchy notes.

Step 5: Toss With Pudding Mix and Powdered Sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry cheesecake pudding mix and powdered sugar. Sprinkle this over the coated cereal mixture, then gently toss to coat every nook and cranny. The pudding mix not only deepens the cheesecake flavor but also keeps those powdered sugar clouds light and clump-free.

Step 6: Cool and Set

Spread your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool and dry completely — this usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature. Once everything is dry to the touch, transfer it to an airtight container or serving bowl. Get ready for sweet snacking delight!

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and fun, toss a handful of mini marshmallows, white/pink sprinkles, or even a few extra dried cherries over your finished Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow before serving. These little touches are perfect for themed parties or holidays!

Side Dishes

Balance out the sweetness with a make-your-own snack board: savory pretzels, salted nuts, or fresh berries all pair beautifully. Or, serve with cold milk or tangy lemonade for that classic snack vibe with a twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow makes charming gifts when packaged in cellophane bags tied with ribbon. For parties, serve in cupcake liners for single servings, or layer with whipped cream and extra cherry filling in parfait glasses for a quick dessert. It’s also a whimsical topping for vanilla ice cream sundaes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For an even firmer, chewier bite, you can stash it in the fridge; just be sure to let it come to room temp before serving if you prefer a softer texture.

Freezing

Yes, this snack can be frozen! Place fully cooled puppy chow in a freezer-safe zip bag and lay it flat. It’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Reheating

No reheating required! Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is designed to be enjoyed at room temp or slightly chilled. If it’s picked up moisture in the fridge or freezer, simply spread onto a baking sheet and let air-dry for 10 to 20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use another type Snack

Absolutely! While rice Chex is a classic for its light crunch and neutral flavor, feel free to try corn Chex or even crisp wheat squares. Just avoid anything too thick or dense, as lighter cereals soak up the cheesecake coating best.

Does Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily. It holds up well at room temperature for a few days, but for longer storage or to keep the coating extra firm, you can refrigerate it. Just let it come back to room temperature for the ideal snacking experience.

How do I keep the puppy chow from getting soggy?

The trick is to strain the cherry pie filling REALLY well before adding it to the mix. Any extra syrup can lead to soggy spots, so let the cherries drain in a fine mesh strainer until most of the liquid is gone.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Definitely! Most rice Chex cereals are gluten free, but always double-check the packaging (and any other brands of pie filling or pudding mix you use) to ensure your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is entirely gluten free.

Is there a way to make this less sweet?

You can cut back on the powdered sugar slightly and opt for a lower-sugar cherry pie filling. Adding a handful of roasted, salted nuts can also help balance the overall sweetness with a satisfying savory crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a no-fuss treat that delivers big smiles and bold flavor, let Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow work its magic. There’s nothing quite like the combination of creamy, fruity, crunchy, and sweet — it’s a snack you’ll want to share, but might keep all for yourself! Give it a try and watch it vanish faster than you can say “one more handful.”

Print