Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on a classic snack mix, combining the sweetness of white chocolate with the tangy flavor of freeze-dried strawberries. This easy treat comes together quickly and is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a fun snack.
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: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for cooling the snack mix.
- Step 2: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Step 3: Pulse the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until they turn into a fine powder.
- Step 4: Pour the Chex cereal into a large bowl and gently mix in the melted white chocolate, coating the cereal evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the strawberry powder over the coated cereal and mix until evenly distributed.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture into a sealable bag, add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake thoroughly until the cereal is fully coated with the sugar.
- Step 7: Spread the coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the melted white chocolate before mixing.
- Swap freeze-dried strawberries with freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries for a different berry twist.
- Use corn Chex for a naturally gluten-free option.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Storage
Store the Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If it loses some crunch, allow it to sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make the cereal soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred because they provide intense flavor and powdery coating without adding moisture. Fresh strawberries would make the mixture soggy and are not recommended.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This snack can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice or corn Chex cereal. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.
PrintStrawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a sweet and crunchy snack mix featuring crispy Chex cereal coated in smooth white chocolate and dusted with powdered freeze-dried strawberries and powdered sugar. This no-bake treat combines fruity and creamy flavors for a delightful twist on traditional puppy chow, perfect for parties or anytime snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for cooling the puppy chow.
- Melt White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
- Make Strawberry Powder: Put the freeze-dried strawberries into a food processor and pulse until they become a fine powder.
- Coat Cereal with Chocolate: Pour the Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the melted white chocolate, ensuring each piece is evenly coated but not broken.
- Add Strawberry Powder: Sprinkle the strawberry powder over the chocolate-coated cereal and mix gently to distribute the powder evenly.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a sealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, then seal and shake well to thoroughly coat every piece.
- Cool and Serve: Spread the finished puppy chow onto the lined baking sheet and allow it to cool and set for about 10 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- For extra flavor depth, add 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the melted white chocolate before mixing with the cereal.
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense strawberry flavor without moisture, helping keep the cereal crunchy.
- Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness up to one week.
- You can substitute corn Chex for rice Chex based on preference or availability.
- For a festive twist, consider adding pink or red sprinkles after coating with powdered sugar.
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix Snack, No-Bake Snack, White Chocolate Snack, Strawberry Snack
