06/27/2025
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Ingredients:
5 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup cherry-flavored gelatin mix
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup freeze-dried cherries, crushed
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Directions:
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will make cleanup a breeze and keep your puppy chow from sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, measure out the Rice Chex cereal. Set it aside for now, but keep it within arm's reach.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and softened cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. This should take about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as white chocolate can seize up if it gets too hot.
Once your chocolate and cream cheese mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a nice depth of flavor to your coating.
Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold the cereal with a spatula until every piece is well-coated. Take your time here to ensure even coverage.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cherry-flavored gelatin mix, powdered sugar, and crushed freeze-dried cherries. This is where the cherry cheesecake magic happens.
Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add the cherry mixture to the bag, seal it up, and shake vigorously until the cereal is evenly coated. You want every piece to have that cherry cheesecake flavor.
Spread the cereal mixture out on your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the top, giving it that classic cheesecake crust vibe.
Let the puppy chow sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until the coating is set. If you're in a hurry, you can pop it in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
Once set, break apart any large clusters and transfer your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow to a serving bowl. It's ready to enjoy, but be warned—it's addictive!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, if it lasts that long.