Introduction

Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining the crunch of cereal with the sweet flavors of white chocolate and strawberries. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for sharing or enjoying as a special snack anytime.

A white bowl filled with many small pillow-shaped pink cereal pieces covered in a light dusting of white powder. The cereal pieces have a soft, textured appearance and are piled up to fill the bowl completely. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a few cereal pieces scattered around it. The lighting is bright and natural, showing the soft pink color clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
1½ cups white chocolate chips
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
¾ cup powdered sugar
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, measure out the Chex cereal and set aside.
Step 2: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth. If using, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal and gently stir until all the pieces are evenly coated.
Step 4: Place the powdered sugar in a large resealable bag or a second large bowl. Add the coated cereal pieces in batches, shaking or tossing gently to coat the cereal well with powdered sugar.
Step 5: Crush the freeze-dried strawberries slightly and fold them into the coated cereal once it’s fully covered with powdered sugar.
Step 6: Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet to cool and set completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For a berry boost, try adding freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries along with the strawberries.
If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, increase the vanilla extract to 1½ teaspoons.
Use white almond bark as a convenient alternative to white chocolate chips for melting.

Storage

Store the Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the coating to become sticky. Enjoy it within a few days for the best crunch and flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with many small, square-shaped pink cereal pieces, each covered with a dusting of fine white powder. The cereal pieces have a soft and slightly rough texture, piled high inside the bowl. A few cereal pieces are scattered around the bowl on a white marbled surface, adding to the casual arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Freeze-dried strawberries are recommended because they add flavor without moisture, which helps keep the snack crispy. Fresh strawberries would make the mix soggy.

Is it necessary to use powdered sugar?

Yes, the powdered sugar helps create the classic sweet, powdery coating that balances the flavors and adds texture. It also helps keep the pieces from sticking together.

Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 108 reviews

A fun and fruity twist on traditional puppy chow, this Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow combines crispy cereal coated in sweet white chocolate and powdered sugar with bursts of freeze-dried strawberries for a delightful snack that’s perfect for gatherings, parties, or anytime you crave a sweet treat.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
1½ cups white chocolate chips
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
¾ cup powdered sugar

Optional Add-ins

1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if using to enhance flavor.
Combine Cereal and Strawberries: In a large mixing bowl, gently break the freeze-dried strawberries into smaller pieces if they are too large, then add them to the cereal and carefully mix to distribute evenly without crushing the berries.
Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal and strawberry mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold and stir until all cereal pieces are evenly coated with the white chocolate.
Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a large resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and shake or stir vigorously to thoroughly coat the cereal with powdered sugar, creating that classic puppy chow texture.
Cool and Set: Spread the coated mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow to cool completely so the white chocolate hardens, about 20-30 minutes at room temperature. Once set, break apart any clusters.
Serve and Store: Transfer the puppy chow to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and crunch.

Notes

Use white chocolate chips of good quality for smooth melting and best flavor.
Freeze-dried strawberries add a crunchy texture and intense strawberry flavor; avoid fresh strawberries as they will make the mixture soggy.
Vanilla extract and a pinch of salt are optional but enhance the overall flavor complexity.
Store in an airtight container to keep the puppy chow crisp and fresh.
This snack is best enjoyed within 5 days for optimal texture and flavor.

Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix Dessert, White Chocolate Snack, Freeze-Dried Strawberry Snack