Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 6 cups crispy rice or corn-based Chex cereal
Coating Mix
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup butter (half a stick)
- 1/3 cup cream cheese powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins & Finishing
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried cherries
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Your Cereal: Place 6 cups of crispy Chex cereal in a large bowl, ensuring there’s enough room to toss the cereal later without spilling.
- Melt the White Chocolate and Butter: Combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Cream Cheese Powder and Vanilla: Stir in 1/3 cup cream cheese powder and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted white chocolate and butter mixture until well combined.
- Mix with Cereal and Freeze-Dried Cherries: Pour the creamy mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently fold to coat every piece evenly, then toss in 1/2 cup freeze-dried cherries to distribute throughout.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal and cherries into a large paper or zip-top bag. Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully dusted and evenly coated.
- Cool and Enjoy: Spread the coated puppy chow onto a parchment-lined tray. Allow it to cool and set for about 15 minutes before serving in bowls.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate and fresh cream cheese powder for best flavor.
- Stir gently to maintain the crunch of the cereal and avoid breaking it.
- Allow the coated snack to cool so the coating firms for perfect texture.
- Freeze-dried cherries add flavor without moisture, keeping the snack crisp.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free cereal)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cherry, cheesecake, puppy chow, snack, dessert, white chocolate, freeze-dried cherries, sweet treat, gluten free