Ever get a craving for cherry cheesecake but have zero desire to turn on your oven? I’ve been there. You want that creamy, sweet, and tangy flavor, but not the hours of baking and cooling.
Well, you’re in the right place. This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow recipe is your no-bake answer. It’s a crunchy, sweet snack that hits all the right notes, and it’s ridiculously easy to make.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. The freeze-dried cherries are key for getting that real fruit flavor without making everything soggy.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Chex Cereal | 9 cups | Corn Chex works too. |
| White Chocolate Chips | 12 oz (1 bag) | Good quality chips melt better. |
| Cream Cheese | 2 oz | Full-fat, softened. |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons | |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 ½ cups | |
| Graham Cracker Crumbs | ½ cup | |
| Freeze-Dried Cherries | 1 cup | Crushed into a powder. |
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy equipment for this. Just a few kitchen basics will do the job perfectly.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Mixing Bowl | For mixing the cereal and coating. |
| Microwave-Safe Bowl | To melt the chocolate mixture. |
| Spatula | For stirring and scraping the bowl. |
| Large Zip-Top Bag | For coating the cereal with the powders. |
| Baking Sheet | To spread out the puppy chow to cool. |
| Parchment Paper | Makes cleanup a breeze. |
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
This comes together in just a few simple steps. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before you eat it all.
Step 1: Pour the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, cream cheese, and butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal. Use a spatula to gently fold and stir until all the cereal is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
Step 4: In a large zip-top bag, add the powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and crushed freeze-dried cherries. Seal the bag and shake it to mix the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Add the coated cereal to the bag with the powdered sugar mixture. Seal it tightly and shake until every piece is covered in the pink powder.
Step 6: Spread the finished puppy chow in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Let it cool completely to allow the coating to set.
Pro Tips
After making this countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These small things make a big difference.
- Don’t Overheat Your Chocolate: White chocolate can burn easily. Melt it slowly in the microwave and stir often. If it gets clumpy, it’s been overheated.
- Cool the Coating Slightly: Let the melted chocolate mixture cool for a minute or two before pouring it over the cereal. This helps prevent the Chex from getting soggy.
- Crush Cherries Well: For the best flavor distribution, make sure your freeze-dried cherries are crushed into a fine powder. You can do this by putting them in a bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is easy to change up. Feel free to play around with different flavors and textures.
| Substitution | Idea |
|---|---|
| Cereal | Use Crispix, Golden Grahams, or even popcorn. |
| Fruit | Try freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries instead of cherries. |
| Add-ins | Mix in some mini white chocolate chips or festive sprinkles after it has cooled. |
Make-Ahead Tips
You can easily make this snack ahead of time. It’s perfect for parties or just to have on hand for a sweet treat.
Prepare the puppy chow as directed and let it cool completely. Once it’s set, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for several days.
Leftovers and Storage
If you have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Just place the puppy chow in an airtight container or a sealed bag.
Keep it on the counter at room temperature. It should stay crunchy and delicious for up to a week. I don’t recommend refrigerating it, as that can make it a little soft.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?
Ans: No, fresh or frozen cherries have too much water. They will make the cereal soggy and the snack will not store well. Freeze-dried is the way to go.
Q2. My white chocolate got thick and lumpy. What did I do wrong?
Ans: This is called “seizing.” It happens when white chocolate is overheated or comes into contact with even a tiny drop of water. Heat it slowly and make sure your bowls and utensils are completely dry.
Q3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Ans: Yes. Just use Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal, as both are gluten-free. Always double-check the labels on your other ingredients to be safe.
Wrapping Up
Now you have a simple, delicious recipe for Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow that you can whip up anytime. It’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies that cheesecake craving without any of the baking fuss.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear about any fun variations you come up with in the comments below
