Irresistible Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow (Print version)

Crunchy cereal coated in vanilla candy, cherry cheesecake powder, and graham crumbs for a sweet no-bake snack mix.

# Ingredients:

For the cereal base

01 - 8 cups (250 g) rice square cereal, such as Rice Chex

02 - 16 oz (450 g) vanilla almond bark or white candy coating, chopped

For the cherry cheesecake coating

03 - 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

04 - 1 package (3.4 oz or 96 g) instant cheesecake pudding mix

05 - 1 package (3 oz or 85 g) cherry gelatin mix

06 - 1/2 cup (55 g) fine graham cracker crumbs

07 - 1/2 cup (15 g) freeze-dried cherries, lightly crushed

For finishing

08 - 1/4 cup red, pink, or white sprinkles, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl with enough room to fold gently.

02 - In a large zip-top bag, combine powdered sugar, cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin mix, and graham cracker crumbs. Seal and shake to blend, then break up any lumps with your fingers.

03 - Microwave the chopped vanilla almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring after each burst, until smooth. This usually takes 1 1/2-2 minutes total.

04 - Pour the melted coating over the cereal. Fold gently with a silicone spatula until the cereal is evenly covered and no dry patches remain.

05 - Transfer half the coated cereal to the bag of dry coating. Seal well and shake until evenly coated. Spread it onto the prepared pan, then repeat with the remaining cereal.

06 - While the coating is still slightly tacky, scatter the crushed freeze-dried cherries and sprinkles over the puppy chow. Toss lightly on the tray if needed.

07 - Let the mix stand at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, until dry and firm. Break apart large clusters and store in an airtight container.

# Good to know:

01 - Best texture comes from fresh cereal and a fully dry coating.

02 - Store airtight at cool room temperature for up to 1 week.

03 - Avoid cherry pie filling in this dry snack mix because it softens the cereal.

Back