Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy treat that brings together the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake in a fun, snackable form. This easy-to-make recipe combines white chocolate, strawberry cake mix, and freeze-dried strawberries for a colorful and delicious twist on traditional puppy chow.

Ingredients

• 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup strawberry cake mix
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
• 1/4 cup crushed golden Oreos (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, measure out 5 cups of Rice Chex cereal and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
3. Step 3: Stir in vanilla extract and strawberry cake mix until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the white chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir to coat all the pieces evenly.
5. Step 5: In a large zip-top bag, combine powdered sugar and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
6. Step 6: Transfer the coated cereal into the bag, seal it tightly, and shake well until each piece is thoroughly coated.
7. Step 7: Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet to cool and allow the coating to set.
8. Step 8: Once cooled, stir in mini marshmallows and crushed golden Oreos if using, for added texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger strawberry flavor, increase the amount of freeze-dried strawberries or use strawberry-flavored white chocolate chips.
• If you prefer a nutty twist, add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans after coating.
• Gluten-free? Ensure the cake mix and Oreos used are gluten-free varieties.
• Mini marshmallows add a lovely chewiness, but you can leave them out if you want a crunchier snack.

Storage

Store the strawberry shortcake puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness. If it loses crunch, you can revive it briefly in a low oven or eat it as is. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the coating to become sticky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the white chocolate chips and butter with dairy-free alternatives or use vegan white chocolate chips and a plant-based butter.

How do I prevent the coated cereal from clumping together?

Make sure to stir the cereal gently when coating with the melted chocolate mixture, and shake the powdered sugar and freeze-dried strawberries coating thoroughly in the bag to separate pieces. Spreading the coated cereal out on a baking sheet to cool also helps prevent clumps.

Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 56 reviews

Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a delightful, no-bake snack mix featuring crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious white chocolate and strawberry cake mixture, dusted with powdered sugar and freeze-dried strawberries for a sweet and fruity twist. Perfect for a quick treat or a party snack.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup strawberry cake mix
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Mix-ins

• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
• 1/4 cup crushed golden Oreos (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Cereal: In a large mixing bowl, measure out 5 cups of Rice Chex cereal and set aside to be coated later.
2. Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted thoroughly and smooth.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in vanilla extract and strawberry cake mix to the melted chocolate and butter mixture until well combined.
4. Coat Cereal: Pour the strawberry white chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and gently stir to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
5. Prepare Coating Bag: In a large zip-top bag, combine the powdered sugar and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
6. Coat with Sugar Mixture: Transfer the coated cereal into the zip-top bag, seal it tightly, and shake well until each piece is thoroughly coated with the powdered sugar and freeze-dried strawberry mixture.
7. Cool and Dry: Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly on a baking sheet and allow it to cool completely to let the coating set and dry.
8. Add Optional Mix-ins: Once cooled, gently mix in mini marshmallows and crushed golden Oreos if desired for extra texture and flavor.
9. Store Properly: Store the finished Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Notes

• You can substitute mini marshmallows and crushed Oreos according to your preference or omit them completely.
• Use freeze-dried strawberries for the best texture and flavor; fresh or dried strawberries won’t provide the same effect.
• Be careful stirring the white chocolate mixture to avoid overheating and burning the chocolate.
• Spread the coated cereal on wax paper or parchment for easier cleanup.
• Store in a cool, dry place to keep the coating from melting or getting sticky.

Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, White Chocolate Snack, Chex Mix Dessert, No Bake Snack