If you are looking for a delightful, fruity twist on a classic snack, the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe is exactly what you need. This treat beautifully combines the tangy sweetness of cherry pie filling with creamy white chocolate, crunchy Rice Chex, and just the right amount of graham cracker crumbs to give you that beloved cheesecake flavor in a fun, bite-sized form. It’s an irresistible snack that brings together comfort and decadence in every handful, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making the preparation both easy and satisfying.
- Rice Chex cereal: The crispy, light base that soaks up the delicious coating without getting soggy.
- White chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness that melts smoothly into the mix.
- Cherry pie filling: Provides a burst of fruity, tart flavor essential for that authentic cherry cheesecake vibe.
- Powdered sugar: Gives a soft, sweet dusting that mimics a cheesecake’s topping.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Brings the unmistakable crunch and flavor of a classic graham crust.
- Melted butter: Helps bind the ingredients smoothly, enhancing richness and mouthfeel.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate and Butter
Begin by melting the white chocolate chips alongside the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. The warmth will create a smooth, velvety mixture that will act as the glue for all the other delicious components.
Step 2: Stir in the Cherry Pie Filling
Once melted, gently fold the cherry pie filling into the white chocolate and butter blend. This step infuses the creaminess with fruity tartness and transforms the mixture into that signature cherry cheesecake flavor you crave.
Step 3: Coat the Rice Chex Cereal
Pour the luscious cherry and white chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal in a large bowl. Use a gentle folding technique to coat each piece evenly, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar and Graham Cracker Crumbs
Sprinkle powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs over the coated cereal. Toss everything together until the crunchy bits and sugary powder are distributed evenly, giving the puppy chow that signature texture and sweetness.
Step 5: Spread and Cool
Transfer the mixture onto a baking sheet and spread it out. Allow it to cool completely. This will help the coating set and make the snack easier to break apart for serving.
Step 6: Break Into Pieces and Enjoy
Once cooled, break the puppy chow into bite-sized chunks. Now you have a cherry cheesecake-inspired snack that’s perfect for munching anytime you want a little something sweet and satisfying.
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle mini white chocolate chips or a few dried cherries on top before serving. These additions enhance presentation and amplify the cherry and white chocolate notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee. The contrast of temperatures makes snacking even more enjoyable and perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this puppy chow in colorful bowls or individual clear cups layered with whipped cream or fresh cherries. It transforms this simple snack into a charming dessert centerpiece for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making it an ideal make-ahead snack to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this puppy chow freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will maintain its flavor and texture for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to heat this treat, but if you prefer it slightly warm, pop a portion in the microwave for just 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the white chocolate coating can soften too much and lose its crunch.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate in this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe?
While dark chocolate will change the flavor profile, you can certainly experiment with it. Keep in mind it will make the treat less creamy and sweeter flavors might be subdued, but if you like a touch of bitterness, it could be a fun twist.
Is cherry pie filling necessary, or can I substitute fresh cherries?
The cherry pie filling provides both flavor and moisture that fresh cherries can’t quite mimic. However, extra chopped fresh cherries can be added for texture, but you might want to slightly reduce other liquids to keep the coating from getting soggy.
How long does Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this recipe stays fresh for about a week at room temperature. Beyond that, it may start losing its crunch and flavor intensity.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! This is a great recipe to scale up for parties or big gatherings. Just make sure to use a large enough bowl to coat the cereal evenly and spread the mixture thinly when cooling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This depends on the ingredients you choose. Rice Chex cereal is typically gluten-free, but you must use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to keep the entire recipe gluten-free. Always check packaging to be sure.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe. It’s a fun way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cherry cheesecake without the fuss of baking. Whip this up for your next snack craving or to impress friends at your next gathering – I promise it will become a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, a sweet and crunchy snack made with crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious white chocolate and cherry pie filling mixture, then dusted with powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs for that perfect cheesecake flavor. Easy to make and perfect for parties or a tasty treat any time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips along with the melted butter by microwaving in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Cherry Filling: Add the cherry pie filling into the melted white chocolate and butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the cherry filling is evenly incorporated.
- Coat the Cereal: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cherry and white chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold the mixture until all pieces are well coated, being careful not to crush the cereal.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs evenly over the coated cereal mixture. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are covered with the sugary and crunchy coating.
- Cool the Mixture: Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature so the coating can set properly.
- Serve: Once fully cooled and set, break the mixture into bite-sized pieces and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.
Notes
- For best results, use white chocolate chips rather than white compound coating to ensure smooth melting.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with any other fruit pie filling of your choice for a flavor variation.
- Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- If the mixture feels too sticky, chilling it briefly before breaking into pieces will help it set better.
- This is a no-bake recipe, making it perfect for quick and easy snack preparation.
