If you have a soft spot for sweet, crunchy snacks that bring a playful twist to classic flavors, then you are going to fall head over heels in love with this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe. It’s a vibrant, luscious mix that perfectly balances the creamy tang of cheesecake-inspired coating with the bright, fruity pop of cherry. Every bite delivers that irresistible combo of crispy Rice Chex cereal enveloped in a smooth white chocolate and cherry goodness, dusted with powdered sugar and a hint of graham cracker—like dessert and snack joining forces to make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy movie night or an impromptu party, this little bowl of joy will make everyone ask for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in creating an unforgettable flavor and textural experience. The beauty lies in the simplicity—easy-to-find pantry staples that come together effortlessly to produce a snack that tastes anything but ordinary.
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal: The perfect crunchy base that holds all the coatings without getting soggy.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness and smooth texture that envelops every Chex piece.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Brings that classic cheesecake tang and richness that makes this snack extra decadent.
- 1/4 cup cherry jam or preserves: Infuses bright, fruity flavor offering a beautiful balance to the sweet white chocolate.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Gives a sweet, delicate dusting reminiscent of powdered sugar on traditional puppy chow.
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs: Adds nostalgic, buttery crunch and depth that echoes the cheesecake crust.
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries (optional): Offers bursts of chewy fruitiness and an extra pop of cherry love.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
Start by placing the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. This crunchy foundation is what your luscious coating will cling to, so be sure to use a bowl big enough to toss everything without making a mess.
Step 2: Melt the Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, softened cream cheese, and cherry jam. Microwave the mixture in 20-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each, until the mixture becomes silky smooth. The cream cheese adds that beautiful tang to the sweet white chocolate, while the cherry jam brings fruity brightness to the blend.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
After your mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. This little addition deepens the flavor, making every bite taste even more like a luxurious cherry cheesecake dessert in miniature.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex and gently fold or toss the cereal to coat every piece evenly. Take your time here so the sweet, tangy coating envelops each crispy piece for the best flavor and texture combination.
Step 5: Dust with Powdered Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Sprinkle this deliciously nostalgic combo over the coated cereal and toss gently again. This step not only adds sweetness but also gives a subtle crunch and the faint warmth of a classic cheesecake crust that perfectly complements the cherry and cream cheese notes.
Step 6: Add Chopped Dried Cherries (Optional)
If you’re craving extra bursts of cherry flavor, fold in the chopped dried cherries now. They add chewy, fruity pops that surprise and delight with each mouthful.
Step 7: Set and Serve
Spread your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow onto parchment paper and let it set for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the coating firm up just right, ensuring every bite stays irresistibly crisp, creamy, and fruity.
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few whole dried cherries or edible glitter on top before serving to make your treat look as delightful as it tastes. Mini white chocolate chips or finely crushed graham crackers sprinkled over the top can also add charm and texture.
Side Dishes
This snack pairs wonderfully with cool, refreshing beverages like iced tea or a sparkling cherry lemonade to balance the sweetness. It also acts as a fantastic light dessert following a rich meal or alongside a cheese platter for an unexpected burst of sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe in individual mason jars or small cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go snack portions. You can also layer it in a clear trifle bowl with fresh cherries and whipped cream for a beautiful, crowd-pleasing dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This ensures the cereal stays crisp and the coating fresh and flavorful without becoming sticky or stale.
Freezing
While we don’t recommend freezing because the texture may suffer, if you need to, place the puppy chow in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw fully at room temperature before serving and toss gently to refresh the coating.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake snack, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If it feels a little soft, spread it out on parchment paper and let it air dry for a few minutes to regain some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other kinds of cereal instead of Rice Chex?
Absolutely! Corn Chex or even Cheerios can work well. You want something light and crunchy that will hold the coating without becoming soggy.
Is there a dairy-free option for the cream cheese and white chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and vegan white chocolate chips to make this suitable for dairy-free diets, though flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
Fresh cherries add moisture that might soften the cereal, so dried cherries are best for maintaining crispness and providing those juicy bursts without sogginess.
How do I make this recipe less sweet?
Try reducing the powdered sugar dusting or use a tart cherry jam to balance the sweetness. Adjusting these elements lets you customize the flavor to your preference.
What occasions are best for serving Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe?
This snack is perfect for casual get-togethers, movie nights, holiday parties, or even as a sweet treat for lunchboxes. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser any time!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe a whirl. It’s playful, delicious, and surprisingly easy to whip up, making it the perfect treat to brighten any day. So grab a big bowl, invite some friends, and enjoy every sweet, crunchy bite of this unique and unforgettable snack!
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful and easy-to-make snack featuring crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious mixture of white chocolate, cream cheese, and cherry jam. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs and optionally mixed with dried cherries, this sweet treat offers a perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup cherry jam or preserves
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating and Topping
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside to ensure it’s ready for coating.
- Melt the Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, softened cream cheese, and cherry jam. Microwave this mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until it becomes smooth and well blended.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cherry cheesecake flavor profile.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and gently toss until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: In a small bowl, blend the powdered sugar with the graham cracker crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the coated cereal and toss again to evenly distribute the sweet, crunchy topping.
- Add Cherries (Optional): Fold in the chopped dried cherries to add bursts of fruity sweetness and extra texture throughout the snack.
- Set and Serve: Spread the coated cereal mixture on parchment paper in a thin, even layer and allow it to set at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth coating mixture.
- Microwave heating times may vary; stir frequently to prevent burning.
- The dried cherries are optional but add a nice tart contrast to the sweet coating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute cherry jam with other berry preserves for a different flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
