This Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a fun treat made with crunchy cereal, powdered sugar, and strawberry flavor! It’s sweet, light, and perfect for sharing with friends.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just mix, coat, and enjoy. Trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one handful—who can resist that fruity goodness? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex Cereal: This is the perfect base for puppy chow. If you can’t find Rice Chex, Corn Chex or other puffed cereals can work too, but they may alter the texture a bit.
White Chocolate Chips: They melt nicely and give a creamy finish. You can substitute with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor, but keep in mind, it will change the sweetness level.
Creamy Peanut Butter: This adds richness and sticks everything together! If you have allergies or want a different flavor, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be great alternatives.
Strawberry Cake Mix: This brings the strawberry flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use strawberry-flavored protein powder, but adjust the sugar amount accordingly to taste.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: They’re great for an extra fruity kick! If you can’t find them, regular dried strawberries work too, but make sure to chop them finely. Fresh strawberries will add moisture, which isn’t ideal for this recipe.
How Do I Get My Puppy Chow Coated Evenly Without Clumps?
Coating puppy chow can sometimes be tricky, but I’ve got you covered! The key is to fold gently and shake well. Here’s how to make it easier:
- When mixing the melted white chocolate and peanut butter with the cereal, use a spatula and fold it carefully; this minimizes breaking the cereal.
- Transfer the coated cereal into the zip-top bag in small batches. This helps the sugar mix coat evenly as you shake.
- Don’t rush! Shake gently and carefully, letting the mix settle before you shake again. It helps distribute the coatings without creating clumps.
How to Make Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Puppy Chow:
- 6 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to cool. In just under an hour, you’ll have a fluffy and sweet snack ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cereal:
Start by measuring out 6 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. This will be the crunchy base of your puppy chow. Set it aside for now.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals. Be sure to stir it after each interval until it becomes smooth and well combined—this is going to be the tasty coating!
3. Coat the Cereal:
Once your chocolate and peanut butter are melted and mixed, pour it over the rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the cereal until every piece is nicely coated with the mixture. It’s okay if it gets a little messy!
4. Mix the Sugar Coating:
In a separate bowl, mix together the strawberry cake mix and powdered sugar. This will give your puppy chow its sweet strawberry flavor.
5. Shake It Up:
Transfer the coated Chex cereal into a large zip-top bag. Add the strawberry cake mix and powdered sugar mixture into the bag. Seal it tightly and shake, shake, shake! This helps coat all the cereal pieces evenly with the sweet mixture.
6. Add Extra Flavor (Optional):
If you want even more strawberry goodness, crush the freeze-dried strawberries and add them to the bag. Shake again to mix everything together so those fruity flavors blend in!
7. Cool the Puppy Chow:
Spread the puppy chow out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help it cool completely and harden a bit. It smells so good—try to let it cool for at least 30 minutes without nibbling!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once your puppy chow has cooled, you can sprinkle it with some colorful sprinkles for a fun touch. Then, serve it in a bowl for sharing (or keep it all to yourself—it’s that good!).
9. Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe!), store them in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy your fluffy strawberry shortcake puppy chow for days to come!
Enjoy this sweet and fluffy treat inspired by the classic strawberry shortcake flavor!
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of White Chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a richer flavor to your puppy chow. Just keep an eye on the melting time, as dark chocolate may behave slightly differently than white chocolate. Mix it with the peanut butter just the same, and enjoy the delicious twist!
What If I Don’t Have Rice Chex Cereal?
No problem! You can substitute with other types of crispy rice cereals or even corn Chex if that’s what you have on hand. The texture will be similar, but make sure to adjust your measurements to keep the coating ratios right.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the white chocolate chips with a vegan alternative and use a plant-based peanut butter. This way, you can maintain the same delightful flavor while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
How Long Can I Store Puppy Chow?
Store your fluffy strawberry shortcake puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature, and it should stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze it, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the ultimate crispiness!
