Introduction
If you’re a fan of indulgent treats that are quick and easy to make, you’re going to fall in love with Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. Also known as “muddy buddies,” this sweet snack mix combines the irresistible crunch of Rice Chex cereal with creamy white chocolate, powdered sugar, and a delightful cherry cheesecake flavor. It’s a fun and festive dessert that requires no baking, just a few simple ingredients, and about 15 minutes of your time. Whether you’re preparing it for a family movie night, a holiday gathering, or as a homemade gift, this recipe will instantly become one of your go-to favorites.
My recipe story
The first time I made Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow was for a Valentine’s Day party. I wanted something festive, easy, and colorful that would stand out on the dessert table. I had already tried the classic chocolate peanut butter puppy chow many times, but I wanted a new twist that captured the creamy, fruity goodness of cheesecake. That’s when I decided to experiment with white chocolate and cherry flavoring, tossing it all together with Rice Chex cereal for that addictive crunch. To my delight, the batch disappeared within minutes, and I had people asking me for the recipe all night long. Since then, this has become one of my signature treats whenever I need something quick, fun, and utterly delicious.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes.
- No baking required, making it a hassle-free dessert option.
- Perfect balance of creamy cheesecake flavor and sweet cherry goodness.
- Customizable for different holidays with colored sprinkles or candy.
- Great for parties, edible gifts, or everyday snacking.
Ingredient breakdown
The magic of this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and some flavor boosters, you can create a dessert that tastes like a cheesecake in snack form.
Rice Chex cereal: The foundation of this recipe, Rice Chex provides a light and crunchy texture that holds up well when coated in melted chocolate. Its neutral flavor makes it the perfect canvas for sweet additions.
White chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts: The creamy white chocolate not only adds sweetness but also acts as the glue that binds the flavors together. Candy melts are a great option if you want smoother melting, but white chocolate chips work wonderfully, too.
Powdered sugar: This classic puppy chow coating ensures each piece has that signature sweet, powdery finish. It also helps prevent clumping, keeping the cereal pieces separate and snackable.
Cherry flavoring and cheesecake pudding mix (optional): For that signature cherry cheesecake flavor, a splash of cherry extract or a cherry-flavored gelatin mix does the trick. To boost the cheesecake aspect, some people like to toss in a spoonful of cheesecake-flavored instant pudding powder with the sugar—totally optional but delicious if you want that extra cheesecake vibe.
Equipment you’ll need
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Gallon-sized zip-top bag (for coating with powdered sugar)
- Wax paper or parchment paper (for cooling)
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Measure out 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Having the cereal ready ensures you can move quickly once the chocolate is melted, preventing it from hardening too soon.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of white chocolate chips (or vanilla candy melts). Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat, as white chocolate can scorch easily.
Step 3: Once the chocolate is melted, stir in a small splash of cherry extract or a tablespoon of cherry-flavored gelatin powder. Mix well to infuse the chocolate with that fruity flavor.
Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the bowl of Rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula to gently fold and coat the cereal pieces evenly, being careful not to crush them.
Step 5: Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar (and optional cheesecake pudding mix if using). Seal the bag and shake vigorously until all the cereal is coated in a snowy white layer.
Step 6: Spread the finished puppy chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool completely for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents clumping and ensures each piece stays crunchy.
Variations & substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Different flavors: Swap cherry extract for strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry to make different cheesecake-inspired versions.
- Sprinkles: Add red, pink, or themed sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, or red and green sprinkles for Christmas.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the cooled puppy chow for a two-tone effect.
- Mix-ins: Toss in dried cherries, mini marshmallows, or graham cracker crumbs for added flavor and texture.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and make sure your pudding mix is vegan-friendly.
💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Always melt white chocolate slowly and stir often to avoid burning or clumping.
- Work quickly when coating the cereal so the chocolate doesn’t harden before mixing.
- If your powdered sugar clumps, sift it before adding to the bag for even coating.
- For stronger cherry flavor, add a few drops of cherry extract instead of gelatin.
- Store in smaller containers or snack bags for grab-and-go convenience.
Storage, freezing & make-ahead
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is best enjoyed fresh but stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, though note that refrigeration may slightly soften the texture. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. This also makes it an excellent make-ahead option for parties—simply prepare it a few days in advance and keep sealed until ready to serve.
Serving ideas & pairings
This sweet snack mix is versatile and works for countless occasions. Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Serve in decorative bowls or jars at parties for a colorful treat.
- Package in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for edible gifts.
- Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy movie night snack.
- Use as a topping for ice cream or yogurt for extra crunch.
- Mix with popcorn and pretzels for a sweet-and-salty snack mix.
FAQ
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but it will taste more like chocolate cherry rather than cheesecake. White chocolate keeps the cheesecake vibe intact.
What can I use if I don’t have cherry extract?
You can substitute cherry gelatin powder or even a small amount of maraschino cherry syrup for flavoring.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Rice Chex is naturally gluten-free, but always check your pudding mix and flavorings to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
How do I prevent the puppy chow from clumping together?
Make sure to shake the bag thoroughly after adding powdered sugar, and spread the mix on parchment paper to cool fully before storing.
Is this safe for dogs since it’s called “puppy chow”?
No, this is a human snack only. Despite its playful name, it contains chocolate and sugar, which are not safe for dogs.
Final thoughts
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a fun, festive, and foolproof recipe that brings together everything we love about cheesecake in an easy, snackable form. It’s perfect for parties, makes a wonderful homemade gift, and can be customized endlessly with different flavors and mix-ins. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a sweet treat that disappears quickly no matter where you serve it. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this has become one of my most requested recipes year after year.
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet, crunchy snack mix made with Chex cereal, white chocolate, and powdered sugar for a cheesecake-inspired treat with a cherry twist. Perfect for parties or gifting!
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips (or vanilla candy melts)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 box (3.4 oz) cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix
- 1 cup cherry-flavored candy melts or red candy melts
- ½ cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- ½ cup dried cherries (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Place the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Melt the white chocolate chips (or vanilla candy melts) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Add the cheesecake pudding mix and powdered sugar into a large resealable bag. Add the coated cereal, seal, and shake until fully covered.
- Melt the cherry candy melts in a separate bowl until smooth, then drizzle over the coated cereal. Toss lightly to distribute.
- Add mini marshmallows and dried cherries, if using, and stir to combine.
- Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Great for holiday treats, snack tables, or as a homemade gift in jars or bags.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes (melting chocolate)
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American