Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

$- 9 cups rice Chex cereal - 1 cup cherry-flavored candy melts - 1 cup cream cheese-flavored candy melts - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers - 1/2 cup dried cherries, finely chopped - 1 cup mini chocolate chips - Prep time: 15 minutes - Total time: 30 minutes - Servings: 8-10 When I think about Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, I get excited! This treat blends sweet and creamy flavors. It’s a fun snack for kids and adults alike. You start with rice Chex cereal as your base. It gives a nice crunch. The cherry and cream cheese candy melts add sweetness. The butter adds richness, while vanilla brings warmth. Powdered sugar coats everything in sweetness. Crushed graham crackers add a cheesecake vibe. Dried cherries give a fruity burst. Finally, mini chocolate chips are the perfect touch on top. This recipe is easy to follow and quick to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious snack ready to enjoy. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through each step. - Measure 9 cups of rice Chex cereal. - Set the cereal aside in a large bowl. - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of cherry candy melts and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. - Heat this mix in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well and repeat until melted. - After it melts, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. - Carefully pour the melted mixture over the rice Chex cereal. - Use a spatula to fold gently, ensuring each piece gets coated. - In another bowl, melt 1 cup of cream cheese candy melts, using the same microwave method. - Once melted, drizzle this over the coated cereal and fold gently again. - Take a gallon-sized resealable bag. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers, and 1/2 cup of dried cherries. - Transfer the coated cereal into the bag. Seal it tightly and shake vigorously until fully coated. - Spread the puppy chow on a large baking sheet in an even layer. - Let it cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes. - Once cooled, sprinkle 1 cup of mini chocolate chips on top for a tasty garnish. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. Enjoy making this delightful treat! To get a great texture for your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, make sure you coat the cereal evenly. Pour the melted candy mix over the cereal slowly. Use a spatula to gently fold it. This helps each piece get a nice coat. After mixing, let it cool on a baking sheet. Cooling it helps the candy set better and keeps it crunchy. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding a pinch of salt for balance. You can also mix in some crushed nuts for a crunchy twist. If you love chocolate, swap in chocolate candy melts instead of cherry. Adding sprinkles or mini marshmallows can also change the taste and make it fun. For a pretty display, use a clear bowl lined with parchment paper. It shows off the bright colors. If you’re gifting it, fill small bags with puppy chow. Tie them with ribbon for a cute touch. You can also place the puppy chow in jars. This makes it look fancy and perfect for parties. Check out the Full Recipe for more ways to enjoy your treat! {{image_4}} You can make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow even more fun! Try adding seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries. These fruits will give a fresh twist. For holidays, think about red and green candy melts for Christmas. You could also use pumpkin spice in the fall to make a seasonal treat. Just mix and match your flavors to fit the season! If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free rice Chex cereal. Many brands offer this option. For a vegan treat, swap out candy melts with vegan chocolate. There are many great brands that make plant-based candy melts. This way, everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow! Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow pairs well with many flavors. You can mix in some crushed Oreos for a chocolatey crunch. Or, try adding a touch of almond extract for a nutty flavor. For toppings, sprinkle some coconut flakes or mini marshmallows on top. These extra touches will make your treat even more exciting! For the full recipe, check out the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow recipe. To keep your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow fresh, use an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and keeps it crunchy. Glass or plastic containers work well. If you want to pack it for gifts, use cute jars or snack bags. Make sure they are sealed tight to lock in flavor. Can you freeze Puppy Chow? Yes, you can! To freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you want to enjoy it, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture. How long does it last? When stored properly, Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow lasts about two weeks. Look for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or a change in texture. If it becomes soft or sticky, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your sweet treat while it's fresh! Puppy chow is a classic snack mix. It combines cereal, chocolate, and powdered sugar. People love it because it’s sweet and crunchy. This treat is fun to eat and easy to make. Cherry cheesecake puppy chow adds a fruity twist. You get the flavors of cherry and cream cheese in each bite. Yes, you can use different cereals. While Rice Chex works great, other options are fun, too. You can try Corn Chex or even Cheerios. Each type of cereal gives a different taste and texture. Just remember to choose a cereal that has a good shape for coating. To reduce sweetness, use less powdered sugar. You can also skip the chocolate chips on top. If you want a fruity flavor without the sugar, use fresh fruit instead of dried cherries. Adjusting the candy melts can also help. Choose less sweet flavors or use a smaller amount. Yes, this recipe is very kid-friendly. It’s easy to make with adult help. Kids can help mix and shake the puppy chow. Just be careful with the melted candy. It can be hot, so supervise them during this step. The sweet taste makes it a hit with children. Absolutely! You can personalize the flavors and textures. Try adding nuts or using different candies. You can even use different fruits, like strawberries or blueberries. Mixing in sprinkles can add fun colors. Get creative and make it your own! For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post walks you through making a tasty Puppy Chow. You learned about key ingredients like Rice Chex and candy melts. I provided easy steps, tips for perfecting texture, and fun variations. Remember, you can customize flavors and make seasonal treats. Enjoy storing it right and sharing with others to keep it fresh. Puppy Chow is a delightful snack that's simple to make and hard to resist. Get ready to impress friends and family with your homemade treat!$

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow with this simple and quick recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can create this irresistible treat that combines crunchy Chex cereal, creamy cherry and cream cheese melts, and yummy toppings. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow will satisfy your cravings and impress your family. Click through to explore the full recipe and start making your tasty treat today!

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Ingredients

9 cups rice Chex cereal

1 cup cherry-flavored candy melts

1 cup cream cheese-flavored candy melts

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup crushed graham crackers

1/2 cup dried cherries, finely chopped

1 cup mini chocolate chips (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by measuring 9 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set this aside for later use.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of cherry-flavored candy melts with 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.

After melting, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Carefully pour the melted candy mixture over the rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula to gently fold the cereal until it is evenly coated in the mixture.

In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of cream cheese-flavored candy melts using the same microwave method as in steps 2 and 3.

Once melted, drizzle the cream cheese-flavored candy mixture over the already coated cereal and fold gently until each piece of cereal is thoroughly covered.

Take a gallon-sized resealable bag and add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped dried cherries.

Carefully transfer the coated puppy chow into the bag. Seal the bag tightly, then shake vigorously until all pieces are completely coated with the sugary mixture.

Spread the coated puppy chow onto a large baking sheet in a single, even layer. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes to set.

Once cooled, sprinkle 1 cup of mini chocolate chips on top for a delicious garnish, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 8-10

- Presentation Tips: For serving, consider using a decorative bowl lined with parchment paper for a pretty display, or package the puppy chow in individual snack bags tied with a colorful ribbon for a delightful treat!