If you’re looking for a party-perfect, easy-to-make sweet treat that bursts with nostalgic flavor, you’ll absolutely love Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. This vibrant, crave-worthy snack combines crisp Chex cereal tossed in rich, melted vanilla almond bark, then coated in a dreamy blend of cheesecake pudding and cherry gelatin. It’s as fun to make as it is to share—the kind of recipe you’ll want to bring to every gathering year-round!

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is deliciously simple, calling for just a handful of ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each item plays a starring role in creating a snack that’s sweet, fruity, and joyfully crunchy.

Cheesecake pudding mix: Adds all the luscious, creamy tang you love in real cheesecake, but in snack form.
Cherry gelatin mix: Infuses every bite with bright cherry flavor and a pop of playful color.
Powdered sugar: Helps everything coat evenly and brings an irresistible sweetness.
Rice Chex cereal: The crisp, airy base that soaks up all the flavors while staying perfectly light.
Vanilla almond bark: Creates a silky, rich “glue” that holds each flavor-packed granule in place.
Optional: red and pink sprinkles: For a festive finish that tingles with color and crunch—especially cute for holidays!

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Line Your Baking Sheet

Begin by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps cleanup easy and lets you spread out the finished Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow so it cools and sets without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Up the Flavorful Coating

In a large zip-top bag, combine the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin mix, powdered sugar, and a sprinkle of those optional red and pink sprinkles if you’re feeling festive. Seal the bag and shake it up to make sure the powders are totally blended—this is the delicious magic that will coat every textured nook of the cereal.

Step 3: Measure and Prep the Cereal

Pour 8 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. You want enough space to stir generously without squishing the cereal, ensuring those delicate squares stay crispy.

Step 4: Melt the Vanilla Almond Bark

Microwave the vanilla almond bark in its tray for one minute, then give it a careful stir. Pop it back in for another minute, if needed, until it’s fully melted and silky smooth. This will help every piece of cereal get an even, luscious coating.

Step 5: Coat the Cereal

Drizzle the melted almond bark all over the rice Chex. With a rubber spatula, gently fold and stir so every piece is thoroughly coated—don’t rush, and be gentle to avoid breaking the cereal.

Step 6: Shake On the Flavor

Transfer the warm, coated cereal into your prepared zip-top bag with the pudding and gelatin mixture. Seal it tightly and shake (kids love this part!). As you shake, the mix clings to every square, giving the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow its signature flavor and colorful, frosted appearance.

Step 7: Let It Set

Once you’re coated to perfection, scatter the cereal onto your lined baking sheet. Let the puppy chow cool and set completely—this ensures everything is crisp and ready to eat by the handful!

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Garnishes

For pops of color and presentation, scatter extra red or pink sprinkles over the tray while the mix is still setting. A dusting of powdered sugar or edible glitter makes a super festive finish, especially for birthday parties or Valentine’s Day gatherings!

Side Dishes

Pair your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow with bowls of fresh berries, fruit kabobs, or even a bowl of fluffy whipped cream for dipping. For a sweet-and-salty twist, offer bowls of pretzels or salted nuts alongside the puppy chow at your next party.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond bowls! Serve your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in adorable mini cupcake liners, mason jars with ribbon, or sealed cellophane treat bags for party favors. Layering with marshmallows or pastel candies in clear containers creates a stunning sweet table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crisp and flavorful for up to two weeks, so you can make it well ahead for parties or snacking.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the puppy chow in zip-top freezer bags for up to one month. Thaw it at room temperature before serving—the cereal will stay crunchy and fresh.

Reheating

No reheating required! Simply let the puppy chow come to room temperature. If you find it’s a little sticky from storage, spread it on a tray at room temperature for a few minutes and it will crisp up again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vanilla almond bark with white chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use white chocolate chips in place of almond bark. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil when melting to get a smooth, pourable consistency, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice Chex and confirm your pudding mix and almond bark are certified gluten-free. Always check packaging for cross-contamination warnings.

Can I make this without the cheesecake pudding mix?

The cheesecake pudding is what brings the classic cheesecake flavor, but in a pinch, vanilla pudding mix works as a substitute—it will just have a slightly different flavor profile.

How can I keep the coating from turning soggy?

Allow the puppy chow to cool completely before storing it. Ensure the almond bark is fully melted and the cereal is spread in an even layer to set, so things stay crisp rather than mushy.

What’s the best way to package this for gifts?

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow makes a fantastic edible gift! Fill decorative treat bags or mason jars, then tie with colorful ribbons and gift tags for a personalized, homemade touch everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

With just a few pantry staples and a touch of creativity, you can whip up Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re sharing it at a birthday bash or tucking some into lunchboxes for the week, this snack is pure joy in every bite. Go ahead—dive in and make your own batch!

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: About 8 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful sweet snack mix that combines the flavors of cheesecake and cherry in a crunchy, coated cereal treat. Perfect for parties or a fun snack!

Ingredients

Scale

Cheery Cheesecake Puppy Chow Ingredients:

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

Instructions

Line a Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Coating: In a large zip-top bag, add the pudding mix, gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and optional sprinkles. Mix well to combine and set aside.
Measure Cereal: Measure the rice Chex cereal into a large bowl.
Melt the Almond Bark: Keep the almond bark in its tray and place it in the microwave. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and heat for an additional minute until fully melted.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted candy over the cereal and stir with a rubber spatula until the cereal is completely coated.
Shake to Coat: Dump the coated cereal into the bag with the powdered sugar mixture and shake until all the cereal is coated.
Set the Treats: Pour the whole batch onto the lined baking sheet until set.
Store: Store in a covered airtight container for up to 2 weeks.