A sweet, crunchy and irresistible treat! This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow combines crispy rice cereal, creamy vanilla coating, delicious cheesecake flavor and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. It’s perfect for parties, holidays, movie nights and homemade gifts!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10–12
The image lists only three ingredients, so the following is a suggested complete version with quantities for the cherry flavor and powdered coating.
1. Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Chex cereal | 8 cups |
| White vanilla melting wafers or vanilla almond bark | 16 oz (450 g) |
| Instant cheesecake pudding mix | 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) |
| Powdered sugar | 1½ cups |
| Cherry gelatin powder | 2 tbsp |
| Freeze-dried strawberries or cherries, crushed (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Pink or red food coloring (optional) | A few drops |
2. Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the cereal
Measure 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Set aside.
Step 2 – Melt the vanilla coating
Place the vanilla almond bark or melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 20–30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
Step 3 – Add the cheesecake flavor
Add the instant cheesecake pudding powder to the melted vanilla coating.
Stir gently until combined.
Add a tiny drop of pink food coloring if you want a beautiful pink color.
Step 4 – Coat the cereal
Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal.
Gently fold with a spatula until every cereal piece is coated.
Work carefully to avoid crushing the cereal.
Step 5 – Prepare the powdered coating
In a large resealable food-storage bag, combine the powdered sugar and cherry gelatin powder.
Shake to mix.
Step 6 – Add the coating
Transfer the coated cereal into the bag while the coating is still slightly warm.
Seal the bag and gently shake until all the pieces are covered with the powdered mixture.
Step 7 – Add extra cherry flavor
If desired, sprinkle in crushed freeze-dried strawberries or cherries.
Gently toss to distribute.
Step 8 – Let it set
Spread the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Allow it to cool for approximately 20 minutes until the coating becomes firm.
Step 9 – Serve and enjoy!
Transfer to a large serving bowl.
Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired, and enjoy your crunchy cherry cheesecake treat!
3. Tips for the perfect Puppy Chow
- Use Rice Chex for the best crunchy texture.
- Never overheat the vanilla coating.
- Add the pudding powder to the melted coating rather than preparing it with milk.
- Shake gently to avoid breaking the cereal.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely before storing.
- For a stronger cherry flavor, add a little freeze-dried cherry powder.
4. Delicious variations
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Replace cherry gelatin with strawberry gelatin.
- Chocolate Cherry: Add melted white and dark chocolate drizzles.
- Cherry Almond: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract.
- Extra Creamy: Add a little cheesecake-flavored baking chips to the coating.
- Holiday Version: Add red and green candy pieces.
5. Storage instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in a cool, dry place.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week if your kitchen is warm.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months for best quality.
Crunchy, sweet, creamy and bursting with cherry cheesecake flavor! One handful is never enough. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!