Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

ByMadison Rae
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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow: A Delicious & Easy Dessert Recipe

There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of sweet cherry flavor and creamy cheesecake. If you are someone who enjoys these flavors, imagine the joy of bringing them together in a crispy, crunchy treat that’s not only easy to make but is also addictively delicious. Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, making it ideal for parties, movie nights, or simply when you need a little pick-me-up.

With layers of flavor, a satisfying crunch, and a delightful pink hue, this treat is sure to impress everyone who gets a taste. Whether you are preparing it for a special occasion or just looking to enjoy a sweet dessert at home, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.

Why Make This Recipe

  • The flavors of cherry and cheesecake blend beautifully to create a unique snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
  • It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.
  • The finished product looks stunning, making it a great choice for gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Creating Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow at home is not only an enjoyable process but also a rewarding one as you create a delicious treat that will please everyone. Let’s dive into the steps necessary to whip up this delightful snack.

Ingredients

Before we get started, make sure you have the following ingredients:

  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cherry flavored gelatin powder (like Jell-O)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
  • Red food coloring (optional)

Directions

  1. Melt the White Chocolate and Butter: In a spacious, microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips along with the salted butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, taking care to stir thoroughly after each interval until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. If preferred, you can achieve this using a double boiler.
  2. Incorporate the Cream Cheese: To the melted chocolate and butter mixture, add the softened cream cheese. Stir until completely smooth and the mixture is homogeneous.
  3. Add the Vanilla Extract: Next, mix in the vanilla extract, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your cherry cheesecake.
  4. Mix in the Cherry Gelatin: Now, sprinkle in the cherry-flavored gelatin powder. Stir continuously until it’s completely dissolved and evenly blended into the mixture.
  5. (Optional) Add Red Food Coloring: For an extra pop of color, and to make your puppy chow visually appealing, add a few drops of red food coloring. Continue stirring until you achieve your desired shade of red.
  6. Pour the Cereal into a Large Bowl: Transfer the Rice Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl, creating a base for your delightful mixture.
  7. Pour the Coating over the Cereal: Carefully pour the melted cherry cheesecake coating over the Rice Chex cereal, ensuring all cereal pieces will benefit from the luscious coating.
  8. Gently Toss to Coat: Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss the cereal with the coating, making sure every piece of cereal is coated evenly.
  9. Combine Powdered Sugar and Crushed Graham Crackers: In a very large resealable plastic bag, combine the powdered sugar and crushed graham crackers. This provides a delicious sugary crunch to your snack.
  10. Add the Coated Cereal to the Bag: Pour the coated cereal into the bag filled with the powdered sugar and graham crackers.
  11. Shake, Shake, Shake!: Seal the bag tightly. Shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are well-coated in the sugary mixture.
  12. Spread on Wax Paper to Cool: Now, spread the puppy chow in a single layer on wax paper or parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely.
  13. Break Apart and Store: Once cooled, break the puppy chow apart into individual pieces and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow: A Delicious & Easy Dessert Recipe

Storing Leftover Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

To keep your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow fresh and delicious for as long as possible, follow these storage guidelines:

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • If you need to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Always allow it to reach room temperature before eating if stored in the freezer, as this maintains its delightful crunch.

Best Ways to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is not only a treat on its own but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some ideas to elevate your experience:

  • As a Snack: Enjoy it straight from the bowl during a movie night.
  • Dessert Table Addition: Incorporate it into dessert tables for parties or birthdays. It adds color and excitement to your spread.
  • Gift Bags: Package the puppy chow in cute bags with ribbons as a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and family.
  • Breakfast Treat: Sprinkle some over yogurt for a sweet breakfast surprise.
  • Party Favors: Fill small mason jars with puppy chow to give guests a tasty treat to take home.

Tips to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

To enhance your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow experience, here are a few essential tips to consider:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavors, ensure your cream cheese is fresh and your ingredients are not expired.
  • Chill Cream Cheese: A slightly softened cream cheese makes mixing easier. Leave it out a bit before you start your recipe.
  • Personalize with Extras: For an extra crunch, add chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even sprinkles to your puppy chow before shaking it in the powdered sugar mixture.

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to mix things up a bit or align this recipe with dietary restrictions, consider these variations:

  • If you prefer a different flavor profile, swap the cherry gelatin for raspberry or strawberry gelatin for a delightful twist.
  • For a healthier option, consider substituting white chocolate chips with yogurt chips and using almond butter instead of butter to add creaminess while reducing calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Absolutely! Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow can be made a few days in advance, and it tastes delicious even after a couple of days.

Q: Can I use different cereals?

A: Yes! While Rice Chex is traditional, you can experiment with other cereals like Corn Chex or even a combination, but rice-based options work best for texture.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?

A: Simply ensure you’re using gluten-free Rice Chex cereal and double-check the labels on your powdered sugar and gelatin for any hidden gluten.

Q: How do I keep it from being too sticky?

A: Ensure you allow the mixture to cool completely before storing, and incorporate enough powdered sugar to give it a light coating.

Nutritional Info

While specific nutritional values will vary based on exact ingredient quantities, here’s an approximate idea:

  • Calories: 150 per serving (1/2 cup)
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 1g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best results from your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, avoid these pitfalls:

  1. Overheating the White Chocolate: If melted too quickly, white chocolate can scorch. Always melt it gradually and stir frequently.
  2. Not Coating Evenly: Make sure to toss the cereal thoroughly in the coating to achieve an even distribution of flavors.
  3. Using Cold Ingredients: Using cold cream cheese or butter can cause clumping. Make sure they are at room temperature for smooth mixing.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a confection that balances flavor, texture, and ease of making it. With its perfect blend of sweet and creamy, every bite offers an explosion of deliciousness that will leave you wanting more. Whether you indulge alone or share with friends and family, this delightful snack is bound to bring joy and smiles. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and treat yourself to something incredibly special. Happy snacking!

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Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A delightful blend of cherry and cheesecake flavors in a crispy, crunchy treat that’s perfect for parties and movie nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cherry flavored gelatin powder (like Jell-O)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
  • Red food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt the white chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  2. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely smooth.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. Add the cherry gelatin powder and stir until dissolved.
  5. Add red food coloring for color, if desired.
  6. Pour the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
  7. Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently toss to coat.
  8. Combine powdered sugar and crushed graham crackers in a resealable plastic bag.
  9. Add the coated cereal to the bag and shake until well-coated.
  10. Spread the mixture on wax paper to cool.
  11. Once cooled, break apart into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Cherry, Cheesecake, Puppy Chow, Dessert, Snack

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Hi there—I’m Madison Rae, but everyone just calls me Maddy. I’m 38 years old, born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, and these days I run a small but lively kitchen tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My hands smell like garlic more often than not, and my happiest moments are when I’m elbow-deep in a pot of something simmering, rich, and a little unpredictable.

I didn’t grow up in a culinary family. My mom was a school librarian, and my dad fixed motorcycles. But there was always food around—big Sunday breakfasts, church potlucks, and neighbors dropping off casseroles “just because.” I learned early that food isn’t just nourishment—it’s connection, comfort, and sometimes, even courage. My first real foray into cooking came when I was twelve and decided to surprise my parents with shrimp and grits. The grits were lumpy, the shrimp rubbery, and I mistook cayenne for paprika, but they smiled and ate every bite. That night, something clicked—I could feed people, really feed them.

After college, I worked every job you can imagine—hostess, barista, pastry assistant, line cook—anything to stay close to the heat. I eventually studied at the Culinary Institute of America, but honestly, most of my learning happened shoulder-to-shoulder with folks who’d been cooking long before me, in diners, food trucks, and open-air barbecues. I’ve burnt things, over-salted plenty, and once accidentally lit a towel on fire during a catering gig (don’t ask). But each mistake made me better—and more humble.

These days, my cooking leans rustic with Southern roots, but I’m always pulling in new flavors. I’ve fallen in love with Korean gochujang, Moroccan preserved lemons, and the slow joy of making pasta by hand. I don’t believe in rules for the sake of rules—just respect for ingredients, patience, and a willingness to taste as you go.

I write my own recipes now, but more importantly, I try to make cooking feel doable. Whether you’ve got a pantry full of spices or just salt and pepper, there’s always something beautiful you can create. I want home cooks to know they don’t have to be perfect. Just curious. Just hungry. Just willing to try.

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the culinary world. If you’re looking for hearty food, honest stories, and the occasional kitchen mishap, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking.

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