Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow transforms Chex cereal into pink cheesecake-flavored crunch coated in melted white chocolate and cherry Jello dust.
This no-bake party snack serves 10 in 15 minutes with perfect sweet-tart crunch.
Why This Recipe Works
Cherry Jello powder creates natural pink color and bright fruit flavor. Cheesecake pudding mix delivers tangy creaminess without actual dairy. White chocolate seals cereal preventing sogginess. Powdered sugar creates snowy exterior. Double-bag method ensures even coating every piece.
Ingredients & Prep
8 cups Rice Chex cereal, 1 lb vanilla almond bark or white chocolate chips, 3.4 oz cheesecake instant pudding mix, 3 oz cherry Jello powder, 1 cup + 3 tbsp powdered sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Line two baking sheets with parchment. Melt almond bark in microwave 1-minute intervals stirring until smooth. Pour over cereal in large bowl; stir gently until evenly coated. Combine pudding mix, Jello powder, powdered sugar in 2-gallon zip-top bag. Add coated cereal in batches; shake vigorously until completely covered in pink dust. Spread on prepared pans to set 15 minutes. Break up clumps; store airtight.

Flavor Variations
| Variation Key | Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Shortcake | Strawberry Jello + pound cake cubes | Picnic classic |
| Blueberry Cheesecake | Blueberry Jello + lemon pudding | Summertime |
| Lemon Raspberry | Raspberry Jello + lemon pudding | Tart bright |
| Cookies & Cream | Vanilla bark + crushed Oreos | Dessert bar |
Storage Tips
Airtight room temperature 5 days. Freeze 3 months; excellent straight from freezer. Keeps crispness perfectly.
FAQs
Clumpy? Microwave bark longer for smoother coating + shake bags more vigorously. Too sweet? Reduce powdered sugar by ¼ cup. Chocolate seized? Stir in 1 tsp neutral oil + continue melting.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow delivers cheesecake crunch in addictive handfuls pink, tart, perfectly coated perfection.
PrintCherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow transforms classic muddy buddies into pink cheesecake heaven using rice chex coated in vanilla almond bark, then tumbled in cheesecake pudding mix, cherry jello powder, and powdered sugar. No-bake party snack with perfect sweet-tart crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 18 servings (½ cup each) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Base:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 lb vanilla candy coating or almond bark
- Coating Mix:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box cheesecake instant pudding mix
- 1 (3 oz) box cherry Jell-O powder
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar
- Optional Garnishes:
- Red & pink sprinkles
- ¼ cup crushed graham crackers
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- 1. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Measure cereal into extra-large bowl; set aside.
- 2. Chop vanilla almond bark into chunks. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted and smooth (about 2 minutes total).
- 3. Pour melted coating over cereal. Gently stir with rubber spatula until every piece is evenly coated.
- 4. In 2-gallon ziplock bag, combine pudding mix, cherry Jell-O powder, and powdered sugar. Add coated cereal in batches. Seal and shake vigorously until fully coated pink.
- 5. Spread onto prepared pans in single layer. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs and sprinkles while still sticky. Let set 15 minutes at room temperature.
- 6. Break apart clusters. Store airtight up to 3 days.
Notes
- Microwave candy coating at 50% power to prevent scorching.
- Use room temperature spatula for coating cereal evenly.
- Double bag coating mix if single bag too full; shake in smaller batches.
- Cherry Jell-O creates natural pink color and tart flavor.
- Add 2 tbsp cherry extract to melted coating for intensified flavor.
- Perfect for parties, Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or movie nights.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Keywords: cherry cheesecake puppy chow, muddy buddies, cheesecake muddy buddies, cherry puppy chow

