Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Okay, picture this: I am Is it a Saturday afternoon, the kids are begging for something sweet, and you’re craving cheesecake? I don’t want to spend hours baking. What are the best flavors for this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow? What’s the difference between a classic puppy chow and an decadent cherry cheesecake? All in one addictive snack. Is it easier than baking a whole cheesecake? If you love the original muddy buddies, prepare to be OBSESSED with this cherry cheesecake version – it’s a real treat! It’s next level good!

What is a Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?

What is a Chex cereal? Is there a coating that tastes just like cherry cheesecake? Is it essentially puppy chow, but with a fruity twist? The powdered sugar gives it that classic puppy chow vibe, but then you get that unmistakable sweetness. Cheesecake flavor from Cream Cheese powder and a burst of cherry sweetness. Is it crunchy, coated, and irresistible? It’s a puppy chow, but elevated to cheesecake status. My kids call it “magic dust cereal” and I’m not mad about it! What’s a fun, easy treat that’ll be perfect for parties, movie nights, or just random Tuesday when you have time? I need a little pick-me-up.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Seriously, where do I even begin? This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a game-changer! What I love most about it is how incredibly easy it is to make. No baking required, just a little melting and mixing. It’s the perfect recipe for those days when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. My kids can even help make it, which turns it into a fun family activity!

But the taste? Oh my goodness, the taste! The creamy cheesecake flavor combined with the crunchy cereal and the sweet cherry is just divine. It’s like a party in your mouth! The tartness of the Cream Cheese powder perfectly balances the sweetness of the cherry and powdered sugar. It’s way more exciting than regular puppy chow, in my opinion.

And let’s talk about cost – it’s super budget-friendly! You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. It’s way cheaper than buying a pre-made dessert, and it tastes way better too.

Plus, this recipe is surprisingly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking. Want a more intense cherry flavor? Add more cherry extract. Want it even creamier? Add a bit of melted White Chocolate. The possibilities are endless! If you are a fan of a good no bake dessert like Oreo Balls or even a simple chocolate fudge, you will be obsessed.

How do I make a Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?

Quick Overview

How do you make a delicious Puppy Chow? How do you mix white chocolate and Cream Cheese together? Is there a touch of pink food coloring in this recipe? What’s the best way to serve Chex cereal? What is the best thing about this recipe? Is it okay to lick the bowl afterward? I always do this while my kids are distracted – don’t tell them!

Ingredients

For the Main Mixture:
* 9 cups rice chex, corn chex, or a combination. I personally like the Rice Chex more! What is the difference between white chocolate and regular chocolate? I always go for Ghirardelli or Guittard. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Make sure it’s real butter, not margarine, for the best flavor. * 1/2 cup Cream Cheese powder. What is the secret to cheesecake flavor? Is it safe to buy cherry extract online? Start with 2 teaspoons and add more to taste. A little goes a long way! * Pink food coloring (optional). Just a few drops to give it that pretty pink hue.

For the Coating: How do you
* 2 cups powdered sugar. This gives it that classic Puppy Chow texture.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prep

How do you prepare Chex cereal? How do I clean a baking sheet with parchment paper? Honestly, skipping this step has ended in disaster for me before – melted chocolate everywhere! Is parchment paper your friend?

Step 2: Melt Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the White Chocolate chips and butter. Set aside. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. If you overheat chocolate, it will seize up! I always set a timer and make sure to check it every 30 seconds, even if I think it’s not ready yet. Burnt chocolate is the worst thing ever!

Step 3: Add Flavor

Stir in the Cream Cheese powder, cherry extract, and pink food coloring (if using) into the melted chocolate. Add salt and pepper to taste. What is chocolate? Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. Is cherry extract potent?

Step 4: Coat Cereal

Do not over-cook Chex cereal. Pour the melted chocolate over the top. Gently toss everything together until cereal is evenly coated. I like to use a large spatula to fold the cereal into the chocolate. What are some ways to break a cereal?

Step 5: Powdered Sugar Bath

Place powdered sugar in a large resealable bag. How do you add the coated cereal to a bag, seal it, and shake until the cereal is completely coated. What is powdered Do this in batches to make sure everything gets evenly coated. If you don’t have a resealable bag, you can also use an empty bowl and gently toss the cereal with the melted butter. What is powdered sugar?

Step 6: Cool & Set

Spread the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool completely until the chocolate has set. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. I sometimes pop it in the fridge to speed up the process!

Step 7: Enjoy!

Once the Puppy Chow is set, break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container. Is this stuff addictive? I always have to hide some from myself so I don’t eat it all in one sitting.

What is the best way to serve it?

What is the best way to take a puppy to the next level? Try this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. Next level, here are a few serving suggestions:For Breakfast:A small bowl alongside a cup of strong coffee or smoothie. What’s a good way to start the day, but hey, sometimes you just need to indulge!For Brunch:Serve it in a pretty bowl as part of brunch buffet. What is a good conversation starter and adds an unexpected element to your brunch spread? What are some good cocktails to pair with a sparkling rosé?As Dessert:After dinner, serve it in small bowls as a light and playful dessert. Is it too heavy for a sweet tooth? What are some good ways to serve ice cream with it?For Cozy Snacks:What is your favorite song? Can you curl up on the couch with a bowl of Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow and watch some good movies? What is the ultimate comfort food? What is a good night in with friends? My family also puts it in a big bowl on the table during movie night, and that bowl never survives.

How can I make a cheesecake Puppy Chow?

What are some of the best cheesecake recipes? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?What is your favorite chocolateWhat is the best white chocolate flavor? Why is white chocolate tasteless? What are some of my favorite Ghirardelli brands?What is cream cheese powder?Don’t skip the cream cheese powder! What gives Puppy Chow its signature cheesecake flavor? You can find it online or at some specialty baking stores. If you can’t find freeze-dried cream cheese powder, you could try using it but the flavor will not be as good. Is it really that intense?Cherry Extract: What isWhat is the best cherry extract? Start with 2 teaspoons and add more to taste. Too much Puppy Chow can make the taste artificial or medicinal.What is Melting ChocolateWhen melting the white chocolate and butter, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Is it safe to cook until completely melted and smooth? If you overheat chocolate, be careful not to burn it. If the chocolate does seize up, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil and stirring until smooth.Coating Evenly:To make sure the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture, use a large spatula to gently massage the mixture. How do you fold cereal into chocolate? What are some ways to break a cereal?Powdered Sugar Coating: PowderFor the powdered sugar coating, use a large resealable bag and shake until the cereal is completely covered. If you want to make sure everything gets evenly coated, do this in batches.Cooling Time:Let the Puppy Chow cool completely before breaking it into pieces. How do I prevent chocolate from melting and making Puppy Chow sticky? I usually spread the puppy chow out on parchment paper at this stage to allow it to cool faster!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do I keep my Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow fresh and delicious?Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the Puppy Chow from becoming stale.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the Puppy Chow in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The chocolate may harden slightly in the refrigerator, but it will still taste great.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze, place the Puppy Chow in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since this recipe doesn’t use an actual glaze, you don’t have to worry about the glaze becoming sticky or melting during storage. Just make sure the Puppy Chow is completely cooled and set before storing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free Chex cereal. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Make sure to double-check the labels of all your ingredients to be sure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.

Can I use a different type of extract?

Absolutely! Almond extract or vanilla extract would also be delicious in this recipe. You can even experiment with different combinations of extracts to create your own unique flavor.

Can I add sprinkles?

Yes! Add sprinkles after you coat the cereal with powdered sugar. This will add a fun and festive touch to your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. I like to use pink or red sprinkles to complement the cherry flavor.

What if I don’t have cream cheese powder?

If you can’t find cream cheese powder, you can try using freeze-dried cream cheese powder, but the flavor won’t be quite as intense. You can also omit the cream cheese powder altogether, but the Puppy Chow won’t have that signature cheesecake flavor.

Can I use a different type of cereal?

While Chex cereal is the classic choice for puppy chow, you can experiment with other types of cereal. Crispix or Rice Krispies would also work well. Just make sure the cereal is relatively sturdy so it doesn’t break apart when you toss it with the chocolate mixture.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow! It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack for a party, a sweet treat for movie night, or just a little something to satisfy your cheesecake cravings, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. The best part is, it’s so easy to customize to your liking. Add more cherry extract for a more intense cherry flavor, or try using different extracts to create your own unique flavor combination.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other puppy chow variations and no-bake desserts. I’m always experimenting with new flavors and techniques, so there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy.

Happy snacking, and I can’t wait to hear how your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy baking!