If you’re craving that perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and sweet with a playful crunch in every bite, you absolutely have to try Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. This snack is brilliantly easy to make, impossibly fun to eat, and tastes uncannily like cherry cheesecake wrapped in a light, crispy coating. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for movie night, or looking for a colorful homemade edible gift, this recipe is pure joy in a bowl – with that nostalgic puppy chow twist!

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow comes together with a handful of ingredients, each one adding something special to recreate the classic dessert in snack form. Don’t skip anything – every element, from the pudding mix to the sprinkles, has a part in making this treat completely unforgettable.

Cheesecake pudding mix: This is your shortcut to that rich, creamy cheesecake flavor, no baking necessary!
Cherry gelatin mix: For a burst of tangy cherry flavor and a pop of gorgeous color that makes this chow so eye-catching.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps form that classic sugary coating everyone loves on puppy chow.
Rice square cereal (like Chex): The heart of the recipe, giving the mix its signature crunch and making it perfect for snacking.
Vanilla bark: Melted vanilla bark acts as the glue, wrapping the cereal in a creamy layer that binds other flavors beautifully.
Optional red and pink sprinkles: For a festive touch, these make your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow even more irresistible and party-ready!

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by lining a large baking sheet with foil. This step isn’t just for easy cleanup – it also gives you a perfect, nonstick surface for cooling your freshly coated puppy chow before storage (if you can resist snacking immediately!).

Step 2: Mix the Flavored Coating

Combine the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin mix, powdered sugar, and those adorable optional sprinkles in a large zip-top bag. Seal it and give it a little shake to mix things up. This not only blends the flavors evenly but also makes the next shake-and-coat step a total breeze.

Step 3: Get Your Cereal Ready

Measure out your rice square cereal into a large bowl. This gives you enough room to stir freely, ensuring every piece of cereal gets an even coating of that creamy, melty vanilla bark!

Step 4: Melt the Vanilla Bark

Leave the vanilla bark in the tray it comes in and microwave for one minute. Stir well, then pop it back in for another minute until it’s completely melted and smooth. Don’t walk away – vanilla bark can go from perfectly melty to scorched quickly, so keep an eye on it!

Step 5: Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm, melted vanilla bark over the cereal in the bowl. Quickly and gently fold everything together so that every square is gloriously coated. Move fast here for best results – the vanilla bark sets fairly quickly.

Step 6: Shake with Flavor Dust

Spoon the coated cereal into your large zip-top bag filled with the powdered sugar mixture. Seal it tightly and shake, shake, shake until each piece is covered in that dreamy cherry cheesecake “dust.” This is the most fun part, and you can definitely involve little helpers!

Step 7: Cool and Set

Dump everything out onto your prepared foil-lined baking sheet. Let the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow set and cool completely. Patience is key! Once cool, you’re ready to snack or store.

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Garnishes

Dress things up with extra sprinkles, a dusting of crushed freeze-dried cherries, or even a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra indulgence. These little embellishments make your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow feel even more special – perfect for parties or gifting!

Side Dishes

Pair this colorful snack with a creamy milkshake or fruit punch for the full dessert experience. For a fun spread, serve alongside fresh strawberries, cubes of cheesecake, or bowls of classic puppy chow to create a snack board everyone will swoon over.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop portions into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for adorable party favors or holiday gifts. Try piling the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in a trifle dish with layers of whipped cream and cherries for a shareable, jaw-dropping centerpiece. Or simply scatter it around a cake stand at your next get-together for an edible confetti effect!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, transfer your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to two weeks, staying crisp and fresh as long as it’s sealed well. Perfect for prepping ahead before a party or holiday gathering!

Freezing

This puppy chow freezes like a dream! Stash in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter for an hour or two before serving; the texture rebounds perfectly and the flavor stays vibrant.

Reheating

No reheating is needed for puppy chow, but if yours feels a bit firmer than you’d like after freezing, simply let it come to room temperature. For a melty twist, some folks even pop it in the microwave for a few seconds – it’s gooey, sweet, and a totally different (but still delicious!) experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Absolutely! Vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix will yield a slightly different but still delicious result. The cheesecake flavor really nails that classic taste, though, so try to use it if you can for the most authentic Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow.

What if I can’t find vanilla bark?

White chocolate chips or almond bark are great substitutes for vanilla bark. Just be sure to melt them gently and add a teaspoon of coconut oil if the melted chocolate seems too thick.

Does the cherry flavor overpower the cheesecake?

Not at all! The cherry gelatin adds a bright, fruity note, but the cheesecake pudding keeps things creamy and balanced. You’ll get both flavors in every bite of this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just choose a certified gluten-free rice square cereal and double-check your pudding and gelatin mixes to ensure they’re gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally free from gluten-containing ingredients.

How can I keep the puppy chow from getting soggy?

It’s all about letting it cool and set completely before sealing it into an airtight container. Any steam or residual moisture can make it lose its crunch, so be patient and let your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow cool thoroughly on the tray first!

Final Thoughts

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow takes everything you love about classic puppy chow and gives it a vibrant, crowd-pleasing twist. It’s easy, festive, and downright fun to make and eat. You’ll want to share this one with friends and family – if you don’t finish it yourself first! Give it a try and see how many smiles you can sprinkle around with this cheerful treat.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 6 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: About 10 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix that combines the flavors of cheesecake and cherry in a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Powdered Sugar Mixture:

3.4 ounce cheesecake pudding mix
3 ounce cherry gelatin mix
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Additional Ingredients:

8 cups rice square cereal (like Chex)
1 pound container vanilla bark
Optional red and pink sprinkles

Instructions

Prepare Foil-lined Pan: Line a large baking sheet with foil.
Mix Powdered Sugar: In a large zip-top bag, combine the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin mix, powdered sugar, and optional sprinkles. Set aside.
Prepare Cereal: Measure the cereal into a large bowl.
Melt Vanilla Bark: Keep the vanilla bark in its container and microwave for 1 minute, stir, then heat for an additional minute.
Coat Cereal: Pour the melted vanilla bark over the cereal and stir until well coated.
Coat with Sugar Mixture: Transfer the coated cereal into the bag with the powdered sugar mixture. Shake until all the cereal is coated.
Set Puppy Chow: Spread the coated cereal onto the foil-covered pan and allow it to set.
Store: Store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in a covered container for up to 2 weeks.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Microwaving, Mixing
Cuisine: American