Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

If you’re looking for a fun and easy treat that’ll brighten up your day, you’ve come to the right place! This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is not only delicious but also super simple to whip up. With its creamy cheesecake flavor and the sweet tang of cherry, it’s a delightful twist on the classic Puppy Chow that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a movie night with friends, a family gathering, or just a cozy evening at home, this quick snack is perfect for any occasion.

What makes this recipe so special is that it’s completely no-bake and can be made in just under 20 minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen—who doesn’t love shaking up a bag of sugary goodness? So grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this tasty treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out—shaking the cereal in the bag is always a hit!
• No-Bake Delight: No need to turn on the oven; everything is mixed together without any baking required.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this treat ahead of time, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.
• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet cherry flavors makes every bite a joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple and wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow:

• 1 (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix
• 1 (3 oz) cherry Vegan vegan gelatin mix
• 1 cup plus 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 8 cups rice Chex cereal
• 1 lb vanilla almond bark
• Optional: red and pink sprinkles

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have or personal tastes. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Change the Flavor: Swap out the cherry gelatin for strawberry or raspberry for a different fruity twist.
• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for an added crunch.
• Make It Colorful: Use different colored sprinkles or even drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra flair.
• Go Nutty: Substitute some of the cereal with peanut butter-flavored Chex for a nutty delight.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help keep your Puppy Chow from sticking and make cleanup easier later on!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large zip-top bag, combine the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry vegan gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and optional sprinkles. Give it a good shake until everything is well mixed. This mixture will coat our cereal later, creating that signature sweet flavor.

Step 3: Measure Out the Cereal

Take 8 cups of rice Chex cereal and pour it into a large bowl. It’s important to measure carefully so that each piece gets coated evenly.

Step 4: Melt the Almond Bark

Keep your vanilla almond bark in its tray and pop it into the microwave. Heat it for one minute, then stir before giving it another minute until fully melted. Be careful not to overheat; we want it smooth and creamy!

Step 5: Coat the Cereal

Pour that luscious melted almond bark over the rice Chex cereal. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until every piece of cereal is completely coated in that sweet goodness.

Step 6: Shake It Up!

Now comes the fun part! Dump your coated cereal into the zip-top bag with your powdered sugar mixture. Seal it up tightly and shake away until all pieces are covered in that sugary coating.

Step 7: Set It All Together

Pour your coated Puppy Chow onto the lined baking sheet in an even layer. Let it cool until set—this usually takes just about 10 minutes!

Step 8: Store Your Treat

Once set, transfer your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow into an airtight container. It can last up to two weeks (if it lasts that long!). Enjoy this delightful treat whenever you need something sweet!

Now you’re all set! Enjoy making this delicious Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow—it’s sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Making Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a fun and straightforward process, but a few insider tips can enhance your experience and results!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh pudding mix and gelatin will give you the best flavor and texture. Old ingredients might not set or taste the same.

• Be patient with melting – When melting the almond bark, do it in short increments. Stirring occasionally helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth consistency.

• Shake gently – When coating the cereal with the powdered sugar mixture, shake gently to avoid breaking the cereal pieces. This helps maintain their crunchiness!

• Customize your sprinkles – Use themed sprinkles for different occasions! Red and pink sprinkles are perfect for Valentine’s Day, while green can be great for St. Patrick’s Day.

• Store properly – To keep your Puppy Chow fresh, use an airtight container. This helps maintain its crunchiness and flavor for up to two weeks!

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Presenting your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow can be as delightful as making it! Here are some creative ways to serve this tasty treat.

Garnishes

• Whipped topping – A dollop of non-dairy whipped topping on the side adds creaminess and complements the cheesecake flavor beautifully.

• Fresh cherries – Add a few halved fresh cherries on top or around the serving dish for a vibrant touch that echoes the cherry flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the sweet richness of the Puppy Chow.

• Veggie platter – Serve with a colorful veggie platter featuring hummus or guacamole. The crunchiness of fresh veggies offers a nice balance to your sweet snack.

• Popcorn – Sweet or savory popcorn can make for a fun side! Try drizzling some chocolate over popcorn for an indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with your Puppy Chow.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas, and enjoy sharing this delightful treat with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is not only a delightful treat but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply to have on hand for snacking throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Place in a cool, dry area to avoid moisture.
• Consume within two weeks for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

• While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed.
• Spread the Puppy Chow evenly on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to one month.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat; this treat is delicious served straight from the container!
• If frozen, allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow!

Can I use different flavors of pudding mix?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various flavors of pudding mix to create your own unique twist on Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. Just remember to match the gelatin flavor accordingly!

How long does Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Enjoy it as a delightful snack during that time!

Is there a vegan alternative for almond bark?

Yes! Look for vegan chocolate or candy melts as an alternative to vanilla almond bark. This will keep your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow completely plant-based!

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even other sprinkles to customize your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow just the way you like it.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow as much as I do! It’s such a fun and easy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with friends at a gathering or keeping it all to yourself for movie night, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Happy snacking!