If you love cherry cheesecake and can’t resist a good snack mix, this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is going to become your new go-to treat! It’s got all the flavors you adore—sweet white chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and that iconic cherry punch—coating crunchy cereal bites for the ultimate no-bake dessert. Whether you’re planning a movie night, holiday snack board, or something sweet for your next party, this pink-hued puppy chow is as fun to make as it is to eat. Bonus? It looks super cute in jars or gift bags for gifting!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is the perfect mashup of creamy, fruity, and crunchy! It’s a no-fuss, no-bake treat that comes together in minutes—no oven required. The bright cherry flavor and velvety cheesecake vibes make every bite taste like dessert heaven, but in snackable form. Plus, it’s totally Pinterest-worthy with its gorgeous pink color and sprinkle options. Whether you’re whipping it up for Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, or just because, this recipe is kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and dangerously addictive. Trust us: one handful won’t be enough!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this dreamy dessert snack! Most of these items are pantry staples, and a quick grocery run will cover the rest. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal (or any plain square cereal)
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake pudding mix
- ½ teaspoon cherry extract (or almond extract for a twist)
- Red or pink food coloring (optional, for color)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup freeze-dried cherries (optional, for extra flavor & crunch)
- Heart or sprinkle mix (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
This recipe comes together quickly and easily—no baking required! Just melt, mix, and shake. Here’s how to make your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow:
Instructions:
- Prep your cereal:
Pour the Rice Chex into a large mixing bowl. Set aside. - Melt the chocolate mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, cream cheese, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted (about 1½ to 2 minutes total). - Add flavor:
Stir in the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry extract, and a drop or two of red or pink food coloring if using. Mix until smooth. - Coat the cereal:
Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Be gentle—you don’t want to crush the cereal! - Add the sugar:
Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until the cereal is well-coated and no longer sticky. - Optional extras:
If desired, gently mix in freeze-dried cherries and sprinkles once everything is coated and cooled. - Cool and serve:
Spread the puppy chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it cool completely before storing or serving.
Servings and Timing
One of the best things about this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is how fast it comes together—perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests. It’s a quick fix with a big payoff in flavor!
Servings and Timing:
- Yield: About 8–10 servings (depending on how snack-happy your crowd is!)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time (microwave only): 2 minutes
- Cooling time: 10–15 minutes
- Total time: Under 30 minutes!
Tips and Variations
Want to make this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow your own? Here are a few fun ways to switch things up and customize the flavor or look for any occasion!
Tips & Variations:
- No cherry extract? Use almond extract or vanilla extract instead for a different but still delicious twist.
- Make it gluten-free: Just ensure your cereal and pudding mix are certified gluten-free!
- Add crunch: Toss in crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Holiday-themed: Use red, pink, or heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day—or go with green and red for Christmas.
- Make it fruity: Add in chopped dried cherries or strawberries for even more berry goodness.
- Vegan-friendly tip: Use dairy-free white chocolate and a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Make it a gift: Package in mason jars or cellophane bags tied with ribbon—great for party favors or edible gifts!
Storage
Puppy chow is best when it’s fresh and crunchy, but the good news is—it stores beautifully! Here’s how to keep it tasting great for days (if it lasts that long).
Storage Guidelines:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight.
- Refrigerator: You can refrigerate it if your kitchen is warm, but it may lose a bit of crunch.
- Freezer-Friendly: Yes! Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 1 month. Just let it thaw at room temp before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other cereals besides Rice Chex?
Yes! Corn Chex, Crispix, or even square puffed cereals like Golden Grahams work well.
Is this recipe safe for dogs?
Nope! Despite the name “puppy chow,” this treat is for humans only. It contains chocolate and sugar, which are unsafe for dogs.
Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes—you can skip it or replace it with cream cheese flavoring or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangy note.
How do I prevent the cereal from getting soggy?
Make sure not to use too much cream cheese or butter, and let it cool completely before storing to keep it crispy.
Can I use real cherries instead of freeze-dried ones?
Stick with freeze-dried or dried cherries—fresh ones will add too much moisture and can make the mix soggy.
What if I don’t have cherry extract?
Almond or vanilla extract makes a great substitute! You can also try a drop of cherry gelatin powder for flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to mix everything in batches so you don’t crush the cereal.
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is one of those magical treats that hits every craving—sweet, creamy, crunchy, and fruity—all in one pretty pink snack! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s quick, customizable, and totally addictive. Perfect for Pinterest-worthy parties, snack boards, or edible gifts, this no-bake dessert is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!
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Print
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy no-bake snack bursting with white chocolate, cheesecake, and cherry flavor—perfect for parties or gifting!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal (or any plain square cereal)
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake pudding mix
- ½ teaspoon cherry extract (or almond extract for a twist)
- Red or pink food coloring (optional, for color)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup freeze-dried cherries (optional, for extra flavor & crunch)
- Heart or sprinkle mix (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Pour the Rice Chex into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, cream cheese, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth (about 1½ to 2 minutes total).
- Stir in cheesecake pudding mix, cherry extract, and food coloring if using. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently toss to coat evenly without crushing the cereal.
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until the cereal is well coated.
- Optionally mix in freeze-dried cherries and sprinkles once cooled.
- Spread the puppy chow on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Use almond or vanilla extract if you don’t have cherry. Great for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or edible gifts!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 batch
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cherry cheesecake puppy chow, snack mix, no bake, dessert, party treat
