This Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a super fun snack! Made with Chex cereal, white chocolate, and powdered sugar, it’s sweet and crunchy.
Every bite takes you to summer days with juicy strawberries! I can’t help but munch on it while watching my favorite shows—it’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex Cereal: This is the base of your puppy chow. It’s light and crunchy. If you want a gluten-free option, Rice Chex is a great choice. You could also use Corn Chex or any other similar cereals if you prefer a different flavor.
White Chocolate Chips: They provide a creamy sweetness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, opt for vegan white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chips, which will give a richer flavor.
Strawberry-Flavored Powdered Drink Mix: This adds a nice fruity flavor and color. If you’re not a fan of artificial flavoring, consider using freeze-dried strawberry powder instead, which offers a more natural taste and is equally delicious.
Unsalted Butter: This aids in melting the chocolate smoothly. You can substitute it with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Just ensure you’re using a neutral-flavored oil if you don’t want a coconut taste.
Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that adds depth. If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract can work too, but just use a smaller amount since it’s quite strong.
How Do You Ensure the Chocolate Coats the Cereal Evenly?
Coating the Rice Chex with melted chocolate is crucial for that delicious flavor. It requires a gentle touch. Here are some tips:
- Make sure the cereal is in a large bowl to give you room to fold without breaking it.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal gradually. This helps in even coating.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the mixture. Turn the bowl as you fold to get all the pieces coated.
- Be careful not to stir too vigorously to keep the cereal intact.
Following these steps will give you a beautifully coated puppy chow that’s full of flavor!
How to Make Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Puppy Chow:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup strawberry-flavored powdered drink mix (like Kool-Aid)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Optional Garnish:
- Additional sprinkles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful snack takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs a little bit of time to cool on the baking sheet. You’ll have a sweet and fluffy treat in no time—perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cereal:
Begin by measuring out 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Set it aside for later. Make sure your work area is nice and clean; this will help with the mixing!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add the white chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave the mix in 30-second intervals, stirring gently after each time, until it’s melted and smooth. This will create a creamy coating for the cereal!
3. Add Vanilla:
Once your chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will add a lovely flavor to your puppy chow!
4. Coat the Cereal:
Pour that delicious melted chocolate over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold the cereal with a spatula or spoon until every piece is evenly coated with the chocolate. Be gentle to keep the cereal from breaking!
5. Mix the Sugary Coating:
In another bowl, combine the strawberry-flavored powdered drink mix with the powdered sugar. Mix them together well. This will be the sweet coating for your puppy chow!
6. Shake It Up:
Now, add your coated cereal into the bowl with the powdered sugar and strawberry mix. Cover the bowl with a lid or plate, and give it a good gentle shake until the cereal is beautifully coated in the sugary mixture.
7. Cool and Set:
Spread the coated puppy chow evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This is where it will cool completely. Make sure to spread it out so it doesn’t stick together!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
After it has cooled, serve your fluffy strawberry shortcake puppy chow in a bowl. If you want to make it extra fun, sprinkle some additional sprinkles on top before serving!
9. Store for Later:
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store your puppy chow in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to a week. Enjoy this sweet snack whenever you want!
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of White Chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a richer flavor, feel free to substitute dark chocolate chips for the white chocolate. Just keep in mind that the sweetness of the overall treat may change slightly, so you might want to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to taste.
What If I Don’t Have Strawberry-Flavored Powdered Drink Mix?
No worries! You can use regular powdered sugar and add a few drops of strawberry extract to achieve a similar flavor. Alternatively, strawberry cake mix can also be used; just replace the powdered drink mix with the same amount of cake mix for that lovely strawberry taste.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This puppy chow can be made a few days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep it extra crispy, avoid sealing it until it’s completely cooled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps keep the puppy chow crunchy. If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze it, but make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It should last up to a month in the freezer—just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
