Description
A delicious no-bake twist on classic puppy chow featuring creamy vanilla bark coating with tangy cheesecake and bright cherry flavors, creating a vibrant pink and white treat perfect for parties and gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups rice square cereal (like Chex)
- 1 pound container vanilla bark (almond bark or candy coating)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 package (3 oz) cherry gelatin mix
- 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Red and pink sprinkles (optional)
- Mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, or freeze-dried cherries (optional mix-ins)
Instructions
- Set out a large mixing bowl for cereal and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Pour rice square cereal into the bowl.
- Break vanilla bark into chunks and melt in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth.
- Immediately pour melted vanilla bark over cereal and fold gently with rubber spatula until every piece is evenly coated.
- In separate bowl, combine powdered sugar, cheesecake pudding mix, and cherry gelatin mix. Whisk until fully integrated.
- Transfer coated cereal to gallon-size zip-top bags, divide coating mixture between bags, seal tightly and shake vigorously until every piece is covered.
- Spread coated puppy chow onto parchment paper and let cool and set for at least 30 minutes. Add sprinkles while coating is still tacky if desired.
- Once cooled, transfer to serving bowls or airtight containers for storage.
Notes
- Use fresh cereal for maximum crunch – avoid stale cereal
- Toss gently rather than stirring forcefully to avoid breaking cereal squares
- Divide into two bags for even coating distribution
- Spread out finished puppy chow to allow airflow for proper setting
- Work quickly as melted bark sets fast
- Ensure completely cool and dry before storing to maintain crunch
- Can substitute white chocolate chips for vanilla bark with added coconut oil
- Gluten-free version available using gluten-free cereal and pudding mix
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210-240
- Sugar: 15-18g
- Sodium: 100-150mg
- Fat: 5-7g
- Saturated Fat: 2-4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3-5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fiber: Less than 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Keywords: no-bake, puppy chow, muddy buddies, cherry cheesecake, party snack, easy dessert, kid-friendly, gluten-free option, make-ahead treat