If you’re looking for a fun and tasty treat to brighten your day, you’ve come to the right place! This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic recipe that will have everyone reaching for more. The creamy cheesecake flavor combined with the sweetness of cherry Vegan vegan gelatin creates a snack that’s both irresistible and memorable. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or just some well-deserved me-time, this treat is sure to be a hit!

I love making this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow for movie nights or when friends pop over. It’s quick to whip up and always brings smiles. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about those crunchy bites coated in sweet goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time.
Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet, creamy flavors.
Perfect for sharing: Great for parties, get-togethers, or just a delicious snack at home.
Make-ahead convenience: Store it in an airtight container and enjoy it for days!
Customizable fun: Add your favorite sprinkles or toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a breeze! They are all simple and wholesome, making this recipe as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat. Let’s check out what you need:

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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

Add more fruit flavor: Swap out the cherry gelatin for raspberry or strawberry for a different fruity twist.
Mix in nuts: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Get festive: Use seasonal sprinkles or colored candy melts to match your occasion.
Try different cereals: Experiment with other cereals like Corn Chex or even granola for varied textures.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

First things first! Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is important because it keeps your Puppy Chow from sticking and makes cleanup super easy later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large zip-top bag, add the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry Vegan vegan gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and optional sprinkles. Give it a good shake until everything is well combined. This mixture adds that lovely sweetness that makes each bite special!

Step 3: Measure Your Cereal

Now it’s time to measure out the rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. Make sure you have enough room to stir later; trust me, you’ll want plenty of space!

Step 4: Melt the Almond Bark

Keep the almond bark in its tray and pop it into the microwave. Heat it for one minute, stir gently, then heat again for another minute until it’s fully melted. Melting properly ensures that every piece of cereal gets coated evenly.

Step 5: Coat the Cereal

Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal in your bowl. Using a rubber spatula, stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of cereal is coated in that luscious chocolatey goodness.

Step 6: Shake It Up!

Dump all that deliciously coated cereal into your prepared bag with the powdered sugar mixture. Seal it up tight and give it a good shake until everything is evenly coated. This step is where all that sweetness comes together!

Step 7: Spread It Out

Pour the whole batch onto your lined baking sheet so it can set properly. Spread it out evenly; this helps prevent clumping.

Step 8: Store Your Treats

Once set (this shouldn’t take long at all!), store your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long!

With these simple steps, you’ll have yourself a delightful snack that’s sure to please everyone who tries it! Enjoy making this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow as much as you’ll enjoy eating it!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Creating the perfect Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a fun adventure, and these tips will help you nail it every time!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh pudding mix and gelatin ensure a vibrant flavor. This keeps your treats tasting their best and enhances the overall experience.
Don’t rush the melting: Melting the almond bark slowly in increments helps prevent burning. This ensures a smooth, even coating for your cereal, making it easier to mix and coat evenly.
Shake it up well: When you combine the coated cereal with the powdered sugar mixture, shake thoroughly until each piece is well-coated. This maximizes flavor and sweetness in every bite.
Let it cool completely: Allowing your Puppy Chow to set on the baking sheet ensures it hardens properly. This prevents clumping and gives you that delightful crunch with every munch!
Store in an airtight container: Keeping your Puppy Chow sealed tight helps maintain its freshness for longer. You’ll want to enjoy this treat at its best!

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Presenting your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some creative ideas to showcase this sweet treat:

Garnishes

Red and pink sprinkles: Add a sprinkle of festive colors to make your dish pop visually. They bring an extra element of fun, especially for parties or celebrations.
Cherries on top: Fresh cherries or cherry halves can make for a gorgeous garnish. Not only do they look appealing, but they also tie in beautifully with the cherry flavor of the dish.

Side Dishes

Fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad pairs wonderfully with the richness of Puppy Chow. Choose seasonal fruits like berries, melons, or citrus for a vibrant contrast.
Ice cream: Serve alongside a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The creaminess complements the crunchy texture of the Puppy Chow perfectly!
Popcorn: For a playful snack combination, offer popcorn tossed with a bit of salt or cinnamon sugar. The contrasting textures create an enjoyable snacking experience alongside your sweet treat.

These serving suggestions will elevate your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow from simple snack to spectacular treat! Enjoy sharing (or keeping it all to yourself) this delicious creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is not only a delightful treat but also a perfect option for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
It will stay delicious for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
For best results, keep it away from direct sunlight and humidity.

Freezing

While this treat is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed.
Place the Puppy Chow in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it with the date!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this snack; it’s meant to be enjoyed as-is!
If you prefer, you can thaw frozen Puppy Chow at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I use other flavors of pudding mix in my Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different pudding flavors like vanilla or strawberry. Each variation will bring its own unique twist!

How do I make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow gluten-free?

To ensure your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is gluten-free, simply choose certified gluten-free rice Chex cereal. All other ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free!

Can I use regular gelatin instead of Vegan gelatin in Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?

It’s best to stick with Vegan gelatin for this recipe, as regular gelatin may change the texture and flavor of your treat.

How should I serve Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow for parties?

This treat is perfect for parties! Serve it in a large bowl with fun scoops or individual bags for guests to take home as party favors!

What makes Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow special?

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with fruity cherry flavor, making it a standout dessert that’s both festive and fun!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow! It’s such a special recipe that brings together delightful flavors and easy preparation. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, I’m sure you’ll love every crunchy bite. Happy snacking!

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re searching for a delightful treat to brighten your day, look no further than Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. This fun twist on the classic snack combines creamy cheesecake flavors with a burst of cherry sweetness, making it an irresistible choice for gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, each crunchy bite is coated in sweet goodness that will delight both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re enjoying it during a movie night or as a festive party treat, this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is sure to bring smiles all around!

Ingredients

Scale

1 (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix
1 (3 oz) cherry 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

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Instructions

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a zip-top bag, combine cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin powder, powdered sugar, and optional sprinkles. Shake well.
Measure rice Chex cereal into a large bowl.
Melt almond bark in the microwave in one-minute intervals until smooth.
Pour melted almond bark over cereal and stir gently to coat evenly.
Transfer the coated cereal to the zip-top bag with the powdered sugar mixture and shake until well-coated.
Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet to set.
Store in an airtight container once set.