Description
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a quick and easy no-bake dessert snack made with crunchy rice cereal coated in melted vanilla bark, cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin, and powdered sugar. This sweet treat delivers creamy cheesecake flavor with a fruity cherry twist in every bite, making it perfect for parties, holidays, and edible gifts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups rice square cereal (such as Chex)
- 1 lb (16 oz) vanilla bark
- 3.4 oz cheesecake instant pudding mix (1 box)
- 3 oz cherry gelatin mix (1 box)
- 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (about 140 g total)
- 2 tablespoons red and pink sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine the 3.4 oz cheesecake pudding mix, 3 oz cherry gelatin mix, 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons sprinkles if using. Seal and shake well to mix evenly. Set aside.
- Place 8 cups of rice square cereal into a large mixing bowl.
- Melt the 1 lb vanilla bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted vanilla bark over the cereal and gently stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated cereal into the prepared zip-top bag with the powdered sugar mixture. Seal tightly and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated.
- Spread the coated cereal in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet and allow it to set at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Once set, break apart any large clusters and transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Allow the coated cereal to cool completely before storing to prevent clumping.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Do not refrigerate, as moisture may cause the coating to become sticky.
- White chocolate chips can be substituted for vanilla bark; add 1 teaspoon coconut oil for smoother melting.
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free rice cereal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg