Introduction
Hey there! I’m excited to share with you my all-time favorite dessert recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. This deliciously addictive treat combines the flavors of cherry cheesecake with the crunchiness of the classic puppy chow. It’s the perfect sweet snack for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I need a quick and easy dessert that will impress everyone. My family goes crazy for this because it’s a unique twist on the traditional puppy chow recipe. The combination of the tangy cherry and creamy cheesecake flavors is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s so addictive that you won’t be able to stop at just one bite!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow:
- 5 cups rice cereal squares
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Optional: fresh cherries for garnish
Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! I sometimes use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor. You can also experiment with different flavored pie fillings, like blueberry or strawberry, to customize the recipe to your liking.
Directions
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this heavenly dessert:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice cereal squares and graham cracker crumbs. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture and gently toss until all the squares are coated.
- Spread the coated cereal squares onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them cool for a few minutes.
- In a small saucepan, heat the cherry pie filling over low heat until warm.
- Drizzle the warm cherry pie filling over the coated cereal squares.
- Using a spatula, gently toss the mixture to distribute the cherry flavor evenly.
- Let the puppy chow cool completely before transferring it to a large resealable bag.
- Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously to coat the cereal squares.
- Once fully coated, transfer the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cherries if desired.
Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage – it always does! The final result will be absolutely delicious, I promise.
Notes and Variations
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered a few tips and tricks to make this recipe even better:
Firstly, make sure to let the puppy chow cool completely before adding the powdered sugar. This will prevent the sugar from melting and clumping, ensuring a perfect coating.
If you’re not a fan of cherry pie filling, you can substitute it with strawberry jam or even Nutella for a chocolatey twist. Get creative and experiment with different flavors!
For a fun variation, try adding mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the mix. These extra toppings will add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Equipment
You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe. Just grab a large mixing bowl, a microwave-safe bowl, a spatula, a small saucepan, a baking sheet, and some parchment paper. If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the white chocolate chips using a double boiler on the stovetop.
Storage
Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day! But if you have any leftovers, store the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to a week. However, I doubt it will last that long!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this indulgent treat as a dessert at parties or potlucks. It also makes for a delightful homemade gift. Just package it in cute jars or bags, tie them with a ribbon, and voila! You have a delicious and thoughtful present.
Personally, I enjoy eating the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow by the handful, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
Pro Tips
Based on my past mistakes, here are a few tips to help you achieve puppy chow perfection:
Don’t rush the cooling process. Allowing the coated cereal squares to cool completely will ensure that the powdered sugar sticks to them evenly.
When drizzling the cherry pie filling, try to distribute it as evenly as possible. This will ensure that every bite is bursting with that delicious cherry flavor.
On second thought, I find it works better if you gently fold the cereal squares instead of tossing them vigorously. This prevents them from breaking and maintains their crunchy texture.
FAQ
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate to suit your taste preferences. Milk chocolate will give the puppy chow a sweeter and creamier flavor.
Q: Can I use almond milk instead of cow’s milk?
A: Yes, you can use almond milk as a dairy-free alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored to maintain the balance of flavors in the recipe.
Q: Can I freeze the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?
A: I haven’t tried freezing it myself, but I would recommend enjoying it fresh for the best taste and texture. The powdered sugar coating might become less crisp after thawing.
Well, there you have it! My tried-and-true recipe for Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. I hope you enjoy making and devouring this delightful treat as much as I do. Happy snacking!
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful and addictive sweet snack that combines the flavors of cherry cheesecake with the crunchiness of the classic puppy chow. Perfect for any occasion, this treat will impress everyone with its unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Ingredients
- 5 cups rice cereal squares
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Optional: fresh cherries for garnish
Directions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice cereal squares and graham cracker crumbs. Set aside.
-
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and creamy.
-
Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture and gently toss until all the squares are coated.
-
Spread the coated cereal squares onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them cool for a few minutes.
-
In a small saucepan, heat the cherry pie filling over low heat until warm.
-
Drizzle the warm cherry pie filling over the coated cereal squares.
-
Using a spatula, gently toss the mixture to distribute the cherry flavor evenly.
-
Let the puppy chow cool completely before transferring it to a large resealable bag.
-
Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously to coat the cereal squares.
-
Once fully coated, transfer the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cherries if desired.