This Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a fun twist on the classic snack! It combines chex cereal, sweet strawberries, and a creamy coating for a delicious treat.
You won’t be able to stop munching on this yummy mix! I love to share it at parties, but honestly, I sometimes keep it all for myself. Who can blame me? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chex Cereal: I use rice or corn Chex for their crispiness. If you want to switch it up, try using chocolate Chex for a richer flavor or even gluten-free alternatives if needed!
White Chocolate Chips: These are essential for that creamy sweetness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use dairy-free white chocolate chips or enjoy a dark chocolate version instead for a twist.
Strawberry Cake Mix: This adds the lovely strawberry flavor. You can substitute it with vanilla cake mix if strawberries aren’t your thing, and just add fresh or powdered strawberries for flavor.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: They give a burst of real strawberry taste. If you can’t find them, crushed dried strawberries or even raspberry pieces can work nicely too!
How Do I Get the Chex Cereal Fully Coated?
Coating the Chex cereal properly is key to making this treat delicious. It’s all about mixing gently to avoid breaking the cereal while ensuring each piece gets that rich chocolate blend.
- After melting the chocolate and butter, make sure to stir well before adding to the Chex. This keeps it smooth!
- Pour the melted mixture over the Chex in a large bowl. Use a spatula to fold the cereal, making sure every piece has a chance to get covered.
- For the dry mix, it can help to add it in two batches to make sure the Chex get evenly coated without clumping.
With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly coated puppy chow that’s ready to impress!
How to Make Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Puppy Chow:
- 6 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional, for color enhancement)
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for added flavor)
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (for flavor and garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an extra 10 minutes to cool down. It’s a quick and fun recipe that will have you enjoying Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cereal:
Start by measuring out 6 cups of Chex cereal and place it in a large mixing bowl. Set this bowl aside for now; we’ll come back to it later!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of butter. Microwave the mixture on high for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval. Keep going until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
3. Flavor it Up:
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted mixture. If you’re feeling a little fancy, toss in a few drops of pink food coloring and stir it until you have a beautiful pink hue!
4. Coat the Chex:
Now it’s time to bring the Chex into the mix! Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal. Gently fold the cereal with a spatula to ensure all the pieces are coated evenly with the yummy chocolate.
5. Mix the Coating:
In a separate bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, powdered sugar, and if you like, the unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer flavor. Mix this well.
6. Shake It Up:
Once the Chex are coated, transfer them into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the cake mix and powdered sugar mixture to the bag. Seal it tightly and shake gently until all the pieces are covered with the delightful dry mix.
7. Add Some Strawberry Goodness:
For an extra fruity twist, sprinkle the crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the coated puppy chow inside the bag. Gently toss again to combine everything evenly.
8. Cool and Serve:
Finally, spread your Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely. Once it’s cooled down, it’s ready to be served and enjoyed!
Enjoy your delightful treat as a sweet snack or a crowd-pleasing party addition!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cereal?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Chex cereal, you can substitute with similar cereals like Crispix or even a generic puffed rice or corn cereal. Just keep in mind that different cereals may slightly alter the texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store your Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about a week, but it’s so tasty, it might be gone before then!
Can I Substitute the White Chocolate Chips?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can use any chocolate chips you prefer, such as milk or dark chocolate. Just remember that the flavor profile will change a bit; it’ll still be delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free Chex cereal and make sure any other ingredients, like the cake mix and powdered sugar, are labeled gluten-free. Enjoy this delightful treat without worry!
