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

Scale

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)

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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