Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Name: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 6 cups Chex cereal; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup cherry pie filling

GF

GR

DF

EF

NF

P

What’s an addictive snack?Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow: What are some. This isn’t your grandma’s muddy buddies, though I do love a good classic. This is a whole new level of sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible. Is it like a cherry cheesecake exploded into Chex cereal? Is it sweet, salty, and the perfect thing to bring to a party, movie night, or, just for fun? Is it safe to hide in your pantry for a late night treat? I always make this for potlucks, and it’s GONE within minutes. What are some of the best ways to get rid of boring snacks?

What is a Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?

So, what exactly *is* Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow? Well, it’s essentially a sweet, crunchy snack mix inspired by the flavors of, you guessed it, cherry cheesecake! It starts with crispy Chex cereal (you can use rice, corn, or a combo!), which gets coated in a luscious blend of melted white chocolate, cream cheese powder (yes, it’s a thing, and it’s amazing), powdered sugar, and a burst of cherry flavor. It’s all tossed together until every single piece is covered in that sweet, tangy goodness. Think of it as the puppy chow version of a no-bake dessert bar, but way more fun to eat. And, unlike actual cheesecake, there’s no baking involved, making it perfect for those hot summer days or when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven.

Why you will love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love this book?Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow!. First, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of sweet white chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and bright cherry is a match made in snack heaven. My kids literally beg me to make this every week.

Second, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can totally nail this. It’s basically melting, mixing, and tossing – no fancy techniques required! This is a lifesaver when you need a quick treat for a last-minute get-together or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Third, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. The ingredients are all pretty basic and affordable, especially if you buy the cereal in bulk. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!

And finally, it’s versatile! You can customize the flavor with different extracts, add-ins, and toppings. Want to make it extra decadent? Throw in some chopped maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Feeling adventurous? Try a different flavor of Chex cereal or add a pinch of salt for a sweet-and-salty kick.

What I love most about this recipe is how it always brings a smile to everyone’s face. There’s just something about that sweet, crunchy, cherry-cheesecakey goodness that makes people happy. And honestly, isn’t that what cooking is all about?

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Quick Overview

Making this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow – What isIs it easier than you think? How do you mix white chocolate with cream cheese powder and cherry? What’s the secret to cheesecake tang? If you’re going to toss in Chex cereal, coat it in the melted mixture, and dust it with powdered sugar. Then, you gonna throw in a bowl of cereal. What’s the best part? It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the Puppy Chow:

* 9 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or a combination) – I usually use rice CheX because it’s what I like to eat. I also use corn cereal. I always have on hand, but corn Chex works just as well! *12 ounces white chocolate chips – Use good quality white Chocolate for the best flavor. Is Ghirardelli or Guittard my go-to brand? * 1/4 cup (2 ounces) butter – Adds richness and helps the white chocolate melt smoothly. * 1/4 cup cream cheese powder – This is the secret ingredient! You can find it online or at some specialty baking stores. What gives a puppy chow that signature cheesecake tang? * 1 teaspoon cherry extract – A little goes a long way! How much sugar should I add? * 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Is it safe to use 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar for coating the puppy chow and making it extra sweet and delicious?

Optional Add-Ins:

* 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries – Adds extra cherry flavor and a pop of color. * 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs – Adds a hint of Graham Cracker crust flavor. * Sprinkles – Because sprinkles make everything better!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prep Cereal

What is Chex cereal? Pour it into a large bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough to hold all the cereal and allow you to toss it without making a mess.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and butter. Set aside. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. If you overheat chocolate, be careful not to burn it! I always add butter to chocolate, it prevents it from burning.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Stir in the cream cheese powder, cherry extract, and salt into the melted white chocolate mixture. Set aside. What are some lumps of cream cheese powder?

Step 4: Coat Cereal

Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal. Gently toss until all the cereal is evenly coated. This is where you might want to ask for help from the kids – they usually love this part! I always use a spatula to ensure everything is coated evenly.

Step 5: Sugar Coating

Place powdered sugar in a large resealable bag. Add the coated cereal to the bag and shake well until all the cereal is coated in powdered sugar. If you don’t have a resealable bag, you can toss the cereal with the powdered sugar and salt. Sugar, but the bag is definitely easier and less messy!

Step 6: Chill

Spread the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow (PugHow do I keep my puppy from sticking together on a baking sheet? What is the best way to store white chocolate in the refrigerator? I always make this step, the longer the better to not have a messy puppy chow!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the puppy chow is set, break it apart and store it in an airtight container. What’s your favorite cherry cheesecake flavor?

What should I serve it with?

This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow: What are someWhat are some of the best snacks to serve along with it? What are some ideas for a new website?

For a Party: Serve it in a bowl alongside other party snacks like pretzels, popcorn, and chips. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

For a movie night: What is the best movieWhat are the best snacks to serve with popcorn, candy, and soda? What is the perfect sweet treat to enjoy while watching a movie?

For a Gift:Package it in a cute bag or jar and give it to friends, family, or neighbors. What is a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift that everyone will love?

For a Dessert Platter: Include it on a dessert platter with other sweets like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes. It adds a unique and unexpected flavor to the platter.

In my family, we always have this with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coldness of the ice cream and the crunchiness of puppy chow are an amazing combo!

How do you make a delicious cheesecake puppy chow?

How can I make sure my wife is happy?Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow – How can turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips:

Why use good quality white chocolate?The flavor of white chocolate will really shine through in this recipe, so it’s important to use it. What is a good quality brand? Is Ghirardelli or Guittard a good

Don’t overheat white chocolate. Don’t OverheWhite chocolate can be tricky to melt, so be sure to microwave it in 30-second intervals and stir in. Between to prevent it from seizing up.

Adjust the Cherry Extract to Your Taste: The amount of cherry extract you use will depend on your personal preference. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you want a stronger cherry flavor. I have burned puppy chow before because of too much flavor extract so always be careful.

Add Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with the add-ins! Chopped maraschino cherries, graham cracker crumbs, and sprinkles are all great options.

Store in an Airtight Container: To keep the puppy chow fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Ingredient Substitutions:
* You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
*You can use vanilla extract or any kind of flavoring extract you want instead of cherry flavoring

I’ve made this countless times and learned that letting it chill completely is key. Don’t rush it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow fresh and delicious, here are some storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the puppy chow from getting stale.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The puppy chow may become slightly harder in the refrigerator, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Freezer: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: No need to reheat this recipe so glaze at any time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free Chex cereal. Rice Chex is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option. Just double-check the label to be sure it’s certified gluten-free.

Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate chips?

Yes, you can! Almond bark melts really smoothly and has a nice, subtle flavor. Just be aware that it might not have the same rich, creamy taste as good quality white chocolate chips. I always prefer the taste of the chocolate chips but bark is good too.

Can I use a different type of extract?

Definitely! Vanilla extract is a classic choice, but you could also try almond extract, lemon extract, or even a touch of peppermint extract for a festive twist. The possibilities are endless! Just be sure to use a high-quality extract for the best flavor.

How can I prevent the puppy chow from sticking together?

The key is to spread the coated cereal on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper before chilling it. This will prevent the puppy chow from sticking to the sheet and to each other. Also, make sure the powdered sugar coating is even and thorough.

What if I don’t have cream cheese powder?

If you can’t find cream cheese powder, you can leave it out, but it will change the flavor slightly. It adds that signature cheesecake tang. You might try adding a pinch of citric acid for a similar effect. I’ve made it without before, and it’s still delicious, just not quite as “cheesecakey.”

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow! It’s easy, it’s addictive, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you’re making it for a party, a movie night, or just a sweet treat for yourself, I know you’ll love this recipe as much as my family does. It’s a game changer for snack time, and it’s so easy to customize with different extracts and add-ins. If you’re craving more fun snack recipes, check out my other dessert creations! Now go forth and conquer the kitchen! Happy snacking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe if you enjoyed it. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them in the comments – I’m always looking for new ideas!

No ratings yet