If you love a snack that bursts with sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors all at once, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe. This delightful treat transforms the classic puppy chow into a festive, fruity sensation that tastes like a cherry cheesecake in every bite. With its perfect balance of crunchy rice Chex cereal coated in luscious vanilla almond bark and dusted with cheesecake pudding and cherry gelatin powder, it’s a snack that’ll keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re prepping for a party, craving an afternoon pick-me-up, or looking to impress friends with something unique, this recipe is simple, irresistible, and incredibly fun to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe a total success. Each element plays a key role in creating that perfect texture and irresistible flavor that makes this snack so special.
- Cheesecake pudding mix (3.4 oz): Adds creamy cheesecake flavor and a smooth powdery coating that binds everything beautifully.
- Cherry gelatin mix (3 oz): Brings vibrant color and a punch of cherry deliciousness to the mix.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup plus 3 tbsp): Sweetens the snack while helping the coating stick perfectly to the cereal.
- Rice Chex cereal (8 cups): Provides the ideal crispy and light base to hold all those amazing flavors.
- Vanilla almond bark (1 lb): Melts into a creamy, vanilla-coated candy that envelopes every piece of cereal.
- Optional red and pink sprinkles: Adds festive flair and a little extra crunch for a party-ready look.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Line a Baking Sheet
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is key because it prevents the puppy chow from sticking as it sets, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring your treat comes off the tray easily without losing any of that delicious coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
Grab a large zip-top bag and add the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and if you like, sprinkle in some red and pink sprinkles for that extra touch of sweetness and color. Shake the bag or stir gently to combine all the powders well—this mixture will be your magical coating later.
Step 3: Measure the Cereal
Pour 8 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. The light, crisp nature of the cereal creates the perfect canvas for the luscious coatings we’ll be adding next.
Step 4: Melt the Almond Bark
Place the vanilla almond bark in its tray and pop it in the microwave. Heat it for one minute, stir well, then microwave for an additional minute until it’s smooth and fully melted. This step is essential for achieving that creamy, vanilla coating which brings the cherry and cheesecake flavors together.
Step 5: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal. Use a rubber spatula to stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bit of cereal is evenly coated. This step gives the mixture its rich, buttery texture that makes each bite so addictive.
Step 6: Shake It Up
Immediately dump the coated cereal into the zip-top bag filled with the powdered sugar and gelatin mix. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until every piece is wonderfully dusted, creating that signature puppy chow powder coating bursting with cherry cheesecake flavor.
Step 7: Let It Set
Spread the coated cereal evenly onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool and set for a few minutes until the coating hardens just enough to hold everything together without losing its crunch. Once set, it’s ready to be enjoyed or stored.
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe presentation, sprinkle some extra red and pink nonpareils, or crushed freeze-dried cherries over the top. These garnishes add a pop of color and texture, making the treat irresistible at first glance and delightful to nibble on.
Side Dishes
This sweet, flavorful puppy chow pairs beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a chilled glass of dessert wine. For a playful snack plate, add some fresh fruit like strawberries or cherries on the side to complement the cherry cheesecake notes and make your snack time feel decadently complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the puppy chow in clear glass jars tied with bright ribbons for gift-giving, or arrange it in festive bowls at parties to encourage everyone to dig in. You can also layer it with whipped cream and fresh cherries in parfait glasses for an impressive, no-bake dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This will maintain the crisp texture of the cereal and preserve the vibrant cherry and cheesecake flavors perfectly. Just be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Freezing
If you want to store your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe longer, freezing works wonderfully. Place the puppy chow in a freezer-safe sealed container or zip-top bag, and it will keep its freshness for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it at room temperature.
Reheating
Since this is a cold snack, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended as it may alter the texture. Instead, just allow frozen portions to thaw naturally, then toss lightly before serving to restore that irresistible coating and crunchiness.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of gelatin instead of cherry?
Absolutely! While cherry gives the recipe its signature flavor and color, you can experiment with strawberry or raspberry gelatin to create your own fruity twist on the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe.
What can I substitute for vanilla almond bark?
If you can’t find vanilla almond bark, white chocolate chips or a vanilla candy coating are great alternatives. Just be sure to melt gently to avoid burning, and use the same amount to keep the flavor balanced.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using gluten-free rice Chex cereal makes this recipe safe for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check that all your other ingredients, especially the pudding mix and gelatin, are certified gluten-free if needed.
How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?
This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe takes about 18 minutes to whip up, making it a quick and satisfying treat whether you’re prepping for a party or a cozy night in.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this puppy chow?
You sure can! Adding chopped nuts like almonds or dried cherries can add extra texture and flavor that complements the cherry cheesecake theme beautifully. Just toss them in when mixing the coated cereal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe that makes it stand out among all the snack mixes. Its vibrant flavors, crunchy texture, and ease of preparation make it an absolute winner for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll have so much fun making it and an even better time sharing it with friends and family. Trust me, once you taste it, this will become your go-to sweet snack!
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 delightful and easy-to-make snack mix featuring rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious blend of cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin, and vanilla almond bark. This sweet treat combines creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures perfect for parties, snack time, or gifting.
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
Wet Ingredients
- 1 lb vanilla almond bark
Optional
- Red and pink sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for setting the coated cereal.
- Prepare the Coating: In a large zip-top bag, combine the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and optional red and pink sprinkles. Seal and shake well to thoroughly mix the dry coating ingredients.
- Measure Cereal: Pour the 8 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, ready for coating.
- Melt the Almond Bark: Place the vanilla almond bark in its tray and microwave for 1 minute. Stir the melted portion, then heat for an additional minute or until completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal in the bowl. Use a rubber spatula to gently stir and coat all the cereal pieces evenly with the melted candy.
- Shake to Coat: Immediately transfer the coated cereal into the prepared zip-top bag with the dry coating mixture. Seal and shake vigorously until every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the powdered sugar and gelatin mixture.
- Set the Treats: Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly onto the lined baking sheet. Allow it to set completely and firm up.
- Store Properly: Once set, store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in a covered, airtight container. It can be kept fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the almond bark is fully melted and smooth for easier coating of the cereal.
- Shaking the cereal in the bag ensures an even distribution of the powdered sugar and gelatin coating.
- Using parchment paper on the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Optionally, add colored sprinkles to enhance the festive appearance.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the puppy chow fresh and crunchy.
