Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

You ever get a craving for something sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive? Yeah, same here. And if you’ve ever had classic Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies), you know how impossible it is to stop at just one handful. Now, imagine taking that snack to a whole new level with a cherry cheesecake twist.

That’s right! Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is here to shake up your snack game. It’s got that crispy, chocolate-coated goodness of traditional Puppy Chow, but with a creamy cheesecake flavor and a burst of cherry sweetness. Perfect for holidays, movie nights, or just whenever your sweet tooth demands attention.

In this article, we’re gonna break it all down—what you need, how to make it, tips for getting it just right, and even some fun ways to serve it. Plus, I’ll answer some of the most common questions people have about this irresistible treat. Sound good? Let’s dive in!

What is Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?

The Story Behind Puppy Chow

Okay, so first things first—what exactly is Puppy Chow? No, it’s not dog food (though let’s be honest, if dogs could eat chocolate, they’d probably love it). This snack, sometimes called Muddy Buddies, is a super simple mix of Chex cereal, melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It’s been a staple at parties, sleepovers, and snack tables for decades!

The Cherry Cheesecake Twist

Now, Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow takes that classic recipe and gives it a fancy little makeover. Instead of peanut butter and chocolate, we’re using a cheesecake-flavored coating, with a pop of cherry flavor that makes it taste just like a slice of cherry cheesecake—but in crunchy, snackable form!

This version is:
✅ No-bake and quick to make
✅ Perfect for holidays (especially Valentine’s Day ❤️)
✅ Totally customizable—want more cherry flavor? Add cherry chips! More crunch? Throw in some white chocolate chunks!

Why You’ll Love It

Seriously, if you love cherry cheesecake, snack mixes, or just sweet, crunchy things in general, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s one of those “betcha can’t eat just one” treats. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you!)

Ingredients Needed for Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Alright, now that you’re officially craving this snack (I see you ), let’s talk ingredients. The great thing about Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is that it’s made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. No fancy kitchen gadgets, no complicated techniques—just a few pantry staples and about 15 minutes of your time.

Core Ingredients

These are the essentials you’ll need to make the base of this addictive snack mix:

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal – This is what gives it that light, crispy texture. You could use Corn Chex, but Rice Chex soaks up the flavors better.
• 10 oz vanilla almond bark (or white chocolate chips) – This is the glue that holds everything together. Almond bark melts beautifully, but white chocolate works too!
• 1 box (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix – The secret ingredient that gives this mix its cheesecake flavor. Don’t skip this!
• ½ cup cherry gelatin mix (Jell-O) – This is what adds that bright, fruity cherry flavor and gorgeous red color.
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar – Helps coat everything evenly, giving it that classic Puppy Chow look.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

Want to really level up your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow? Here are a few extra goodies you can toss in:

• ¼ cup cherry baking chips – More cherry flavor? Yes, please!
• ½ cup white chocolate chips – Adds creamy pockets of sweetness.
• Red and pink sprinkles – Perfect if you’re making this for Valentine’s Day or a party.

Now that your shopping list is ready, let’s get into the fun part—making it!

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Alright, time to roll up those sleeves (or, let’s be real, just grab a big mixing bowl) and make this snack! This is a no-bake recipe, so there’s no oven involved—just a microwave and a little bit of patience while everything cools.

Step 1: Melt the Coating

First things first, we need to melt the vanilla almond bark (or white chocolate). Here’s how:

1. Chop the almond bark into small chunks so it melts faster.
2. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, until it’s smooth. (Usually takes about 90 seconds total.)
3. Once melted, stir in the cheesecake pudding mix until fully combined.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Now, let’s get that crunch factor going:

1. Pour the Rice Chex cereal into a giant mixing bowl (bigger than you think you need—trust me).
2. Drizzle the melted cheesecake mixture over the cereal, gently stirring to coat each piece.
3. Keep stirring! You want every little square covered in that creamy goodness.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Flavor and Powdered Sugar

Here’s where the magic happens:

1. In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and cherry gelatin mix together.
2. Pour half of it over the cereal, then gently toss or shake to coat.
3. Add the rest of the sugar mix and toss again. The cereal should be completely coated in a sweet, cherry-cheesecake layer.

⏳ Step 4: Let It Set and Store Properly

At this point, it’s probably very tempting to dig in—but hold on!

1. Spread the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow onto a baking sheet and let it sit for about 15 minutes so the coating can harden.
2. Once it’s dry, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bags. It stays fresh for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).

And that’s it! You just made the best Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow ever.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Alright, you’ve got the basics down—but let’s make sure your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow turns out next-level good every time. Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:

Choosing the Right Melting Chocolate

Not all chocolate melts the same! Almond bark is ideal because it melts smoothly and hardens fast. If you’re using white chocolate chips, add ½ teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to keep it from seizing up. Avoid adding water—trust me, it’ll turn into a clumpy mess!

Getting That Perfect Cherry Color

Want that eye-popping cherry red color? The cherry gelatin mix will give it a nice hue, but if you want a deeper shade, you can add a drop or two of red gel food coloring into the melted coating before mixing it with the cereal. No food coloring? No problem! The Jell-O will still give it a nice pinkish-red tint.

How to Get Even Coating

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not mixing the powdered sugar and cherry gelatin evenly. Here’s how to fix that problem:

1. Toss the coated cereal in a large zip-top bag with the powdered sugar mix.
2. Shake, shake, shake! This coats every piece perfectly—no sticky clumps!
3. Spread it out on a baking sheet to set before digging in.

Now that you’ve got the perfect batch, let’s talk about the best ways to serve it!

Serving Suggestions and Occasions

One of the best things about Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is that it’s super versatile—it works for holidays, parties, or just a midnight snack attack. Here are some fun ways to serve it!

Perfect for Any Occasion

• Valentine’s Day – The pink and red colors make this the ultimate sweet treat for Valentine’s parties. Toss in some heart-shaped sprinkles for extra fun!
• Birthday Parties – Serve it in mini cupcake liners for easy snacking.
• Movie Nights – Skip the popcorn and make a big bowl of this instead!
• Holiday Gatherings – It’s festive, easy to make in big batches, and always a hit.

Fun Ways to Package and Gift It

Want to turn this into a cute homemade gift? Try these ideas:

• Mason jars with ribbon – Fill a jar with Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got an adorable DIY gift!
• Treat bags for party favors – Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or weddings.
• Snack mix bar – Set up a DIY snack bar where guests can mix this with nuts, pretzels, or dried cherries for a custom blend.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest snack recipes!

Nutritional Information and Considerations

Alright, let’s be real—Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is not a “health food,” but hey, life’s about balance, right? That said, if you’re watching your intake, here’s what you need to know.

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown (Per ½ Cup Serving)

These numbers can vary based on exact ingredients used, but here’s a rough estimate:

• Calories: ~220
• Carbs: ~35g
• Sugar: ~24g
• Fat: ~8g
• Protein: ~2g

It’s definitely an indulgent treat, but the good news? A little goes a long way!

⚠️ Allergen Information

If you or someone you’re serving has dietary restrictions, keep these in mind:

• Gluten-Free? ✅ Yes—as long as you use Rice Chex and gluten-free pudding mix.
• Nut-Free? ✅ Yup! Unlike traditional Puppy Chow (which uses peanut butter), this version is nut-free.
• Dairy-Free? ❌ Nope—cheesecake pudding and almond bark both contain dairy.

Storage Tips

To keep your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow fresh and crunchy:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer storage, freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 2 months—just let it sit at room temp before eating.

Alright, now let’s answer some of the most common questions about this treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion and Encouragement to Experiment

So, there you have it—Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in all its crunchy, creamy, cherry-flavored glory! It’s sweet, easy to make, and dangerously addictive. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party, a holiday, or just a midnight snack, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

But hey, don’t stop here! Feel free to mix things up—try different pudding flavors, swap in dried cherries, or drizzle it with extra white chocolate. The best part about Puppy Chow? You can totally make it your own.

Now, go grab those ingredients and get snacking!