Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic muddy buddies snack that brings together the nostalgic flavors of strawberries and cream with the irresistible crunch of Chex cereal. This pretty-in-pink treat transforms ordinary cereal into a sweet, strawberry-infused delight that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you need a quick sweet fix.
I created this recipe after reminiscing about those strawberry shortcake ice cream bars from childhood summers. The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate creates that perfect balance of fruity sweetness that coats each piece of cereal for a snack that’s nearly impossible to stop munching on!
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required – just melt, mix, and shake!
- The vibrant pink color makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any celebration
- Uses real strawberry flavor from freeze-dried berries instead of artificial ingredients
- Can be made in under 20 minutes for last-minute gatherings
- Stays fresh in an airtight container for up to a week (if it lasts that long!)
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup strawberry cake mix (dry)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, measure out 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal.
- Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the cereal and gently toss to coat evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix strawberry cake mix and powdered sugar.
- Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the coated cereal and toss again.
- Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries and lightly mix.
- Spread on parchment paper to cool and set. Store in an airtight container and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can substitute with 3 tablespoons of strawberry gelatin powder, though the natural flavor won’t be as pronounced.
- For extra texture, mix in some mini white chocolate chips or shortcake cookie pieces after the coating has set.
- Make it extra decadent by drizzling with additional melted white chocolate after it’s cooled.
- Try using Golden Grahams instead of Chex for more of a “shortcake” flavor base.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar by half and increase the crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in small paper cups or mason jars for individual portions at parties. It pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert experience.
For a complete dessert table, serve alongside fresh strawberries and whipped cream to echo the strawberry shortcake theme. This also makes adorable gifts when packaged in cellophane bags tied with ribbon!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- The coating should be completely set before storing to prevent clumping.
- If your kitchen is warm, you can place the finished puppy chow in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to help the coating set faster.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This puppy chow actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container.
How do I pulverize freeze-dried strawberries?
Place them in a food processor and pulse until they become a fine powder, or put them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free Rice Chex and ensure your cake mix and cookie crumbs are from gluten-free sources.
Why is my coating clumping too much?
If your white chocolate mixture is too hot when added to the cereal, it can cause clumping. Let it cool slightly before coating the cereal, and be gentle when folding it in.
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