Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Cherry cheesecake puppy chow is a sweet, crunchy snack that captures all the flavor of a classic cherry cheesecake in one irresistible bite. Coated cereal pieces are tossed in a creamy, tangy cheesecake-flavored coating and finished with cherry-flavored powdered sugar or mix-ins for a fun and fruity twist. It’s a no-bake treat that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns a classic dessert into a bite-sized, snackable version that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or gifting. It’s super easy to make with minimal ingredients, and I don’t even need to turn on the oven. The combination of tangy cream cheese flavor and sweet cherry is nostalgic and comforting, with a playful crunch that makes it hard to stop eating.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rice or corn Chex cereal

• White chocolate chips or candy melts

• Cream cheese powder or cheesecake pudding mix

• Powdered sugar

• Cherry gelatin powder or cherry drink mix

• Optional: dried cherries, crushed freeze-dried cherries, or cherry chips for extra cherry flavor

Directions

1. I start by measuring out the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl—this gives me plenty of space for tossing everything together later.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, I melt the white chocolate chips in short bursts, stirring until smooth.

3. I stir in cream cheese powder or a few spoonfuls of cheesecake pudding mix until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

4. I pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently fold everything together until all the pieces are coated.

5. In a large zip-top bag or clean bowl with a lid, I combine the powdered sugar and cherry gelatin powder (or drink mix) to make a flavorful coating.

6. I add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it, and shake until every piece is covered in cherry cheesecake-flavored sugar.

7. Once coated, I spread the puppy chow out on a baking sheet to cool and set completely before transferring it to a container for storage.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 cups of puppy chow, which serves 8 to 10 people for snacking. It only takes around 15 minutes to put together, plus a few extra minutes for cooling and setting.

Variations

Sometimes I like to mix in crushed graham cracker crumbs with the powdered sugar for more of a cheesecake crust flavor. For a punchier cherry flavor, I add chopped dried cherries or freeze-dried cherries right after coating. If I want it extra creamy, I drizzle a bit more melted white chocolate over the finished mix. I’ve even used strawberry gelatin instead of cherry for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store this puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. It stays fresh and crunchy as long as it’s sealed well. I avoid refrigerating it because the coating can get sticky. If I make a large batch, I freeze it in a zip-top bag for up to a month, then let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use real cream cheese instead of powder?

I don’t recommend it because it adds too much moisture. Cream cheese powder or cheesecake pudding mix gives the flavor without affecting the texture.

What kind of cereal works best?

I always use Rice Chex or Corn Chex—they hold the coating well and stay nice and crispy.

Can I make this without cherry gelatin powder?

Yes, I can use powdered freeze-dried cherries or cherry drink mix as an alternative for that cherry flavor and color.

How do I keep the coating from clumping?

I make sure the chocolate mixture is evenly melted and mix the cereal gently. Shaking in a large bag helps coat everything without clumping.

Is this safe for kids to help make?

Absolutely. Since it’s no-bake, I often let kids help with stirring, pouring, and shaking the bag—it’s a fun hands-on recipe.

Conclusion

Cherry cheesecake puppy chow is one of my favorite no-bake snacks to whip up when I want something sweet, crunchy, and fun. It’s packed with nostalgic flavor and easy enough to make in minutes. Whether I’m serving it at a party, gifting it in bags, or just grabbing a handful from the kitchen counter, it always disappears fast.

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