If you’re searching for an irresistibly sweet, snackable treat that combines the tang of cheesecake and the bold pop of cherry, you’ve just found your new obsession: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. This delightful no-bake mix has the creamy richness of cheesecake and the nostalgic crunch of classic puppy chow, all dusted in a blushing pink hue that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or a special movie night in. Each bite delivers a bite-sized blast of flavor—trust me, this recipe is dangerously delicious and always disappears faster than you’d imagine!

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each element has a starring role, contributing to the dreamy flavors, satisfying texture, or that instantly recognizable color.

Cheesecake Pudding Mix: Adds instant cheesecake flavor, making this treat taste like dessert in every morsel.

Cherry Gelatin Mix: Achieves that beautiful cherry color and delivers sweet, fruity notes.
Powdered Sugar: Helps to create a light, sweet coating that’s both beautiful and melt-in-your-mouth good.

Rice Chex Cereal: The signature crunch and perfect surface for grabbing all that flavor-packed coating.
Vanilla Almond Bark: Melts smoothly and binds everything together with a gentle vanilla creaminess.

Red and Pink Sprinkles (Optional): A fun, festive finish that adds extra charm for holidays or celebrations.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Line a Baking Sheet

First things first, set yourself up for easy cleanup by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only keeps your counters mess-free but also ensures your puppy chow doesn’t stick as it sets—making life easier for you later.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a large zip-top bag, combine the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and those optional red and pink sprinkles if you’re feeling festive. Give the bag a good shake or massage to evenly blend the powders—this is what gives Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow its signature tangy-sweet flavor and vibrant color.

Step 3: Measure the Cereal

Scoop your 8 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Make sure you use a bowl big enough for tossing, since you’ll need room to coat every piece perfectly.

Step 4: Melt the Almond Bark

Keep the vanilla almond bark in its microwavable tray or move it to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for about 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 30-second bursts until it melts to a smooth, pourable consistency. You want it totally lump-free, but be careful not to scorch it!

Step 5: Coat the Cereal

Pour the melted almond bark over the rice Chex and gently stir with a rubber spatula. Make sure every square cereal piece is coated—a gentle folding motion works best so you don’t crush the cereal.

Step 6: Shake to Coat

Now comes the fun: dump the cereal into your prepared zip-top bag with the powdered sugar mixture. Zip the bag closed tight and shake, shake, shake it up until every piece of cereal is perfectly enveloped in the cherry cheesecake coating. You’ll see the magic happen right before your eyes!

Step 7: Set the Treats

Pour the entire batch of puppy chow onto your lined baking sheet and let it set at room temperature. This step ensures everything cools and the coating locks in all those dreamy flavors. Now try to resist sneaking handfuls—it smells as amazing as it tastes!

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Garnishes

For extra visual pizzazz, sprinkle a bit more powdered sugar or additional red and pink sprinkles right before serving. The pop of color looks beautiful in snack bowls and adds a fun touch for parties or themed events.

Side Dishes

This sweet treat pairs perfectly with salty snacks like popcorn or pretzels for the ultimate snack mix! Or set it out alongside bowls of fresh cut fruit—grapes, strawberries, or even pineapple complement its fruity undertones deliciously.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Fill mason jars or clear gift bags with Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, tie on a ribbon, and gift them to friends. For parties, pile it high in a big trifle dish or scatter it along a dessert board among other sweet treats. It’s equally at home in snack cones at weddings or in themed cups for birthday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow fresh by storing it in a covered, airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay perfectly crunchy and delicious for up to two weeks—if it isn’t devoured first!

Freezing

Need to make it way in advance? No problem. Store your puppy chow in a zip-top freezer bag, and pop it in the freezer. It holds up beautifully for about 1 month. Before serving, just let it thaw at room temperature—no need to reheat.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, as it’s best enjoyed at room temperature. If it’s cold from the fridge or freezer, simply let it sit out to release its full flavors and for the texture to crisp up again.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cereal instead of rice Chex?

Absolutely! While rice Chex gives the classic puppy chow crunch, corn Chex, wheat Chex, or even similar square cereals work great. Just ensure they have enough surface area to hold the delicious coating.

What if I can’t find cheesecake pudding mix?

If cheesecake pudding is unavailable, substitute with vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding and add a drop or two of cheesecake extract if you have it. The result will still taste creamy and deliciously rich!

Can I add mix-ins?

Of course! Mini white chocolate chips, dried cherries, or yogurt-covered raisins make flavorful additions. Just wait until the puppy chow is fully set and cooled before adding these extras to prevent melting.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes! Use a dairy-free pudding mix and dairy-free melting chocolate bark. Double-check all package labels to ensure compliance based on your dietary needs. The finished treat is just as delightful and full of flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is easy to make gluten-free—simply use certified gluten-free rice Chex and make sure your pudding, gelatin, and almond bark are also gluten-free. Always read ingredient labels to be safe!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and fun about sharing an easy, crowd-pleasing snack like Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, packing it up for a road trip, or just treating yourself after a long day, it’s guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Grab those ingredients and give it a try—you might just find yourself making extra for “just in case!”

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 15 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 17 minutes

Yield: About 10 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fun and festive twist on the classic puppy chow snack, this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of cheesecake and cherry in a crunchy, sweet snack mix.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Puppy Chow Mix:

1 (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix
1 (3 oz) cherry gelatin mix
1 cup plus 3 tbsp powdered sugar

8 cups rice Chex cereal

Coating:

1 lb vanilla almond bark
Optional: red and pink sprinkles

Instructions

Line a Baking Sheet – Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Coating – In a large zip-top bag, combine the pudding mix, gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and optional sprinkles. Mix well and set aside.
Measure Cereal – Place the rice Chex cereal in a large bowl.

Melt the Almond Bark – Microwave the almond bark in its tray for 1 minute, stir, then heat for an additional minute until fully melted.
Coat the Cereal – Pour the melted candy over the cereal and stir until coated.
Shake to Coat – Transfer the coated cereal into the bag with the powdered sugar mixture and shake until fully coated.

Set the Treats – Spread the mixture onto the lined baking sheet to set.
Storage – Store in a covered airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

This puppy chow makes a great party snack or homemade gift.

Feel free to customize the sprinkles to match different occasions or holidays.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes

Category: Snack
Method: Mixing, Melting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 190
Sugar: 15g

Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g

Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g

Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow recipe, Cheesecake Puppy Chow, snack mix