Sweet Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

This sweet cherry cheesecake puppy chow is a no bake treat that blends creamy cheesecake flavour with fruity cherry notes and a soft crunch. The texture is light, crisp, and generously coated, with a balance of tangy and sweet in every handful. It is an easy recipe that suits beginners well and works beautifully for parties or gifting. From start to finish, it takes around 25 minutes including cooling time.

Ingredients

For the cereal base

• 6 cups rice square cereal

For the cherry cheesecake coating

• 200g white chocolate, chopped
• 60g cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the sweet coating

• 1 cup icing sugar
• 3 tbsp cherry powder or cherry jelly crystals
• Pink or red sprinkles, optional

How to Make Sweet Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

• Prepare the cereal: Tip the rice cereal into a large bowl, making sure there is plenty of space for mixing later.
• Melt the coating: Place the white chocolate, cream cheese, and butter in a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water. Stir slowly until smooth and glossy.
• Add flavour: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully blended.
• Coat the cereal: Pour the warm mixture over the cereal and fold gently until every piece is evenly coated.
• Dust with sugar: Combine the icing sugar and cherry powder in a large bag or bowl. Add the coated cereal and toss until well covered.
• Cool and finish: Spread onto a lined tray, leave to set for 10 minutes, then scatter with sprinkles if using.

Tips

How do I stop the puppy chow from clumping?

Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before coating the cereal and shake the sugar coating in batches.

Can I make the cherry flavour stronger?

Add an extra tablespoon of cherry powder, tasting as you go, to keep the balance right.

Why does my coating look wet?

This usually means the mixture was too warm. Let it cool briefly before adding the icing sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in small bowls for parties
• Package into gift bags for holidays
• Sprinkle over ice cream for a fun topping

Storage

Room temperature

Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days, away from heat.

Refrigerator

Store chilled for up to 7 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated fat: 9 g
• Sodium: 180 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs