I have a confession to make. I’m a snacker. Not just any snacker, but the kind who gets a very specific craving and simply cannot rest until it’s satisfied.
The other day, it was cherry cheesecake. But I didn’t want to bake a whole cheesecake. I wanted that creamy, tangy, sweet-and-fruity flavor in a form I could eat by the handful while watching a movie.
That’s when the lightning bolt struck: combine the gloriousness of cherry cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of puppy chow. It sounds a little wild, I know. But trust me on this.
This isn’t your average muddy buddy. It’s a no-bake masterpiece that brings together the best of both worlds. You get the sweet, crunchy cereal base, a creamy cheesecake-flavored coating, and bursts of tart cherry. Let’s make some magic.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s your shopping list.
- Chex Cereal: Rice or Corn Chex work best for their light, crispy texture.
- White Chocolate Chips: This forms the creamy base of our coating.
- Cream Cheese: You can’t have cheesecake without it! Use the block kind, softened.
- Butter: Just a little to help everything melt smoothly.
- Cheesecake Instant Pudding Mix: This is the secret weapon for that authentic cheesecake flavor. Just the dry mix!
- Powdered Sugar: For the classic dusty coating that makes puppy chow so famous.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: This provides the “crust” element and adds a wonderful texture.
- Freeze-Dried Cherries: These give you an intense cherry flavor without adding extra moisture that would make the cereal soggy.
Tools of the Trade
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one. Here’s the short list of tools to grab.
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Silicone Spatula
- Large Resealable Plastic Bag (at least 2-gallon size is best)
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
This comes together in just a few simple steps. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before you devour the whole batch!
Step 1: Measure your Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl. Make sure the bowl is bigger than you think you need; it makes coating the cereal so much easier.
Step 2: In your microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, cubed cream cheese, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each one. Be patient here. Stop heating as soon as it’s smooth and melted.
Step 3: Sprinkle the dry cheesecake pudding mix into the melted white chocolate mixture. Stir until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps.
Step 4: Pour the white chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal in the large bowl. Use your spatula to gently fold and stir until every piece of cereal is evenly coated. Try not to crush the cereal.
Step 5: Let the coated cereal sit for about 5 minutes to cool down slightly. This helps the final coating stick better.
Step 6: While the cereal cools, combine the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs in your large resealable bag. Give it a little shake to mix them up.
Step 7: Carefully transfer the coated cereal into the bag with the sugar mixture. Seal the bag, leaving some air inside, and shake it gently until all the cereal is covered in the sweet dust.
Step 8: Open the bag and add the crushed freeze-dried cherries. Seal it again and give it a few more gentle shakes to distribute the fruit.
Step 9: Pour the finished puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it into a single layer and let it cool completely to set the coating.
Pro Tips
I’ve made my fair share of puppy chow over the years. Here are a few tricks I’ve learned that make the process go a lot smoother.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate. White chocolate is notorious for seizing up if it gets too hot. Low and slow is the key. Stop microwaving before it looks fully melted and let the residual heat do the rest of the work as you stir.
- Use Freeze-Dried Fruit. It might be tempting to use fresh cherries or pie filling, but the extra moisture will turn your crunchy treat into a soggy mess. Freeze-dried fruit gives you all the flavor with none of the water.
- Work Quickly but Gently. Once you pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal, the clock is ticking before it starts to set. Fold gently but efficiently to get everything coated before it hardens, but not so aggressively that you end up with cereal dust.
- Cool in a Single Layer. Spreading the finished puppy chow on a baking sheet is a crucial step. If you leave it in a pile, the heat gets trapped and the pieces will fuse into one giant clump. A single layer ensures every piece is perfectly crisp.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 5 minutes | 15 minutes | About 12 |
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about a recipe like this is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Different Fruits: Not a cherry fan? Try this with freeze-dried strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Strawberry cheesecake puppy chow is just as amazing.
Change the “Crust”: Instead of graham crackers, try using crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.
Add Nuts: A handful of sliced almonds or chopped pecans would add a great crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cheesecake and cherry.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once the puppy chow has cooled, melt a little semi-sweet or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an extra decadent touch.
| Original Ingredient | Fun Variation | Resulting Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Cheesecake Pudding | Lemon Pudding | Lemon Meringue |
| Freeze-Dried Cherries | Freeze-Dried Strawberries | Strawberry Cheesecake |
| Graham Cracker Crumbs | Crushed Golden Oreos | Golden Oreo Cheesecake |
Nutritional Info and Dietary Swaps
Let’s be clear, this is a dessert! It’s a wonderful treat meant to be enjoyed. But if you have specific dietary needs, here are some possible adjustments.
For a Gluten-Free Version: This is an easy one! Simply use either Rice Chex or Corn Chex, as both are gluten-free. Double-check that your pudding mix and other ingredients are certified GF as well.
For a Dairy-Free Version: This is trickier, but possible. You’ll need to source dairy-free white chocolate chips, a plant-based block cream cheese substitute, and use a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The final flavor and texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
| Dietary Need | Ingredient to Swap | Suggested Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Chex Cereal | Use Rice or Corn Chex |
| Dairy-Free | All Dairy | Plant-based alternatives |
Leftovers and Storage
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
I don’t recommend refrigerating it, as the moisture in the fridge can make the cereal lose its crispness over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My white chocolate got thick and pasty when I melted it. What happened?
Ans: This is called seizing. It happens when white chocolate gets too hot or is exposed to even a tiny drop of water. To prevent this, use a clean, dry bowl and microwave on a lower power setting for short bursts, stirring often.
Q2. Can I use cherry pie filling instead of freeze-dried cherries?
Ans: I would advise against it. The high moisture content in pie filling will make the puppy chow soggy very quickly. Freeze-dried fruit is definitely the way to go for maintaining that perfect crunch.
Q3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Ans: Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead snack. You can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just store it in a sealed container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.
Q4. Why didn’t the powdered sugar coating stick very well?
Ans: This usually happens if the chocolate coating has cooled too much before you put it in the bag. You want it to be slightly cooled (so it doesn’t melt the sugar) but still tacky enough for the powder to adhere to. The 5-minute cooling time is usually the sweet spot.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—a snack that’s crunchy, sweet, creamy, and bursting with cherry cheesecake flavor, all without ever turning on your oven. It’s the perfect treat for a party, a movie night, or just to satisfy a serious snack attack.
I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s become a new favorite in my house, and I think it will in yours, too.
If you do make it, please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear how it turned out, or if you tried any fun variations of your own.
