Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is the easiest way I know to turn a craving for cheesecake into an irresistible crunchy snack. Think cherry cheesecake and classic muddy buddies in one sweet bite. This recipe has become my favorite treat for movie nights and any last-minute party I host.

This recipe truly comes together in a pinch. The first time I made it for a Valentine’s get-together everyone kept coming back for seconds and asked for the recipe before the night ended.

Ingredients

• Rice cereal squares: Provide that light crisp base and soak up all the cheesecake coating. Look for fresh unbroken cereal for the best texture.
• White chocolate chips: Melt with the cream cheese for a creamy sweet shell. Use quality white chocolate for ultra smooth results.
• Cream cheese: Adds tang and the signature cheesecake richness. Full fat cream cheese gives the boldest flavor.
• Cherry pie filling: Packs the punch of cherry cheesecake. Opt for whole cherries if you want bits of fruit in the mix.
• Powdered sugar: Creates that classic sweet puppy chow finish. Make sure it is fresh and lump free.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors. Choose pure vanilla for the best result.
• Graham cracker crumbs: Bring in that taste of classic cheesecake crust. Crush your own for a rustic touch and extra crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Measure the Cereal:

Pour five cups of rice cereal squares into a large mixing bowl. Make sure it is large enough for tossing everything without spills.

Melt the White Chocolate and Cream Cheese:

In a microwave safe bowl mix white chocolate chips with softened cream cheese. Microwave in thirty second bursts stirring thoroughly after each burst. This helps the chocolate melt evenly and prevents scorching. Continue until the mixture is silky smooth.

Blend in the Cherry Pie Filling and Vanilla:

Stir cherry pie filling and vanilla extract into the melted mixture until smooth and uniformly pink with cherry pieces.

Coat the Cereal:

Pour the warm cherry cheesecake mixture over the cereal squares. Gently fold with a large spatula. Use a delicate hand so the cereal stays crisp and unbroken. Coat every piece as evenly as possible.

Sugar Shake:

Spoon the coated cereal into a large resealable bag. Add powdered sugar, zip it closed, then shake the bag briskly so every bit gets a powdered coating. This step ensures each bite is perfectly sweet.

Cool and Set:

Spread the cereal mixture out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool completely so the coating sets and becomes less sticky.

Graham Cracker Finish:

Dust the top of the cooled puppy chow with graham cracker crumbs. Channel that classic cheesecake crust flavor. Sprinkle evenly for best results.

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The cream cheese is always my secret weapon in this recipe. It thickens the coating and brings that real cheesecake flavor even in a no bake snack style. My little cousin always volunteers to shake the bag and gets powdered sugar everywhere but it is such a fun job.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store your cherry cheesecake puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps well for about a week though it usually disappears long before that. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the coating too firm and the cereal less crispy. For longer storage freeze in a sealed bag for up to a month and thaw briefly on the counter before serving.

Ingredient Swaps

This recipe is flexible. If you are out of cherry pie filling, try strawberry or blueberry for a new fruity twist. No white chocolate chips? Milk chocolate can work in a pinch, but you will lose a bit of that cheesecake style. Cream cheese spread can replace block cream cheese in a hurry, though the flavor will be milder.

Perfect Ways to Serve

Serve in a big bowl for parties or package into cellophane bags for sweet gifts. This recipe shines on dessert tables, especially at birthdays, baby showers or holiday gatherings. For extra pizzazz, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top right before adding graham cracker crumbs. It is also great as a little lunchbox treat.

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I will always remember making a double batch of this for my niece last summer. She kept sneaking handfuls before the puppy chow had even cooled down. The smell of cherry cheesecake filled the house and now it is her most requested treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different cereal types for this dessert?

Yes, you can substitute with similar crispy cereal squares, though the texture may vary slightly.

→ What’s the best way to melt white chocolate and cream cheese?

Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval until smooth for best results.

→ How do I keep the puppy chow from getting soggy?

Let the coated cereal cool and set fully on a lined baking sheet before storing in an airtight container.

→ Is fresh or canned cherry filling preferred?

Canned cherry pie filling offers convenience and consistent flavor, but fresh can be used if thickened properly.

→ How long does this sweet snack stay fresh?

When stored in a sealed container at room temperature, it remains delicious for up to one week.