Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining crispy cereal with sweet white chocolate and a tangy strawberry coating. It’s a simple, no-bake treat perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime you want a fruity, crunchy bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended)
• 1 oz freeze-dried strawberries (ground into a fine powder)
• 4 cups rice or corn Chex mix cereal (such as Chex or Crispix)
• Powdered sugar (quantity to be mixed with strawberry powder; amount as needed for coating)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and chop until they become a fine powder. Alternatively, use pre-packaged strawberry powder. Make sure the powder is evenly processed for a smooth mix.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the strawberry powder with powdered sugar, mixing until the color is uniform. Pour the mixture into a 1-gallon freezer bag and seal securely. Set aside for later use.
3. Step 3: Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each to avoid overheating. Once melted, gently fold the chocolate into a large bowl of cereal, coating each piece without crushing the cereal.
4. Step 4: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the sealed bag with the strawberry-sugar mixture. Seal the bag and carefully toss to evenly coat all cereal pieces without crushing them.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated cereal evenly on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Once set, store in an airtight container to keep fresh. Enjoy your sweet and crunchy treat!

Tips & Variations

• For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of salt to the white chocolate before melting to balance the sweetness.
• Substitute frozen-dried raspberries for strawberries to create a tart variation.
• Use corn Chex for a thicker crunch or rice Chex for a lighter texture, depending on your preference.
• If you don’t have a food processor, crush the freeze-dried strawberries in a sealed bag using a rolling pin.

Storage

Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep the coating crisp, avoid storing in humid areas. If the mix softens, you can re-crisp it briefly by spreading on a baking sheet and warming in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes. Let cool before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh strawberries contain moisture, which will make the coating soggy. Freeze-dried strawberries or dried strawberry powder are best to keep the cereal crisp and coated evenly.

What if I don’t have a food processor to make the strawberry powder?

You can place the freeze-dried strawberries in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or heavy pan until finely ground. This works well for small batches.

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 62 reviews

This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a delightful, sweet snack mix featuring crispy cereal coated in melted white chocolate and dusted with a homemade strawberry powder and powdered sugar blend. It’s perfect for a quick dessert or an anytime treat, combining sweet, fruity, and creamy flavors with a fun, crunchy texture.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Strawberry Powder Mix

• 1 oz freeze-dried strawberries (ground into a fine powder)
• powdered sugar (quantity not specified, estimated about 1 cup to mix with strawberry powder)

Cereal Mix

• 1 cup white chocolate chips (preferably Ghirardelli brand)
• 4 cups rice or corn Chex mix cereal (such as Chex or Crispix)

Instructions

1. Prepare Strawberry Powder: Place freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and pulse until they become a fine powder. If using pre-packaged dried strawberry powder, skip this step. Ensure the powder is evenly processed for a smooth texture.
2. Mix Strawberry Powder with Sugar: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the strawberry powder with powdered sugar until the mixture is uniform in color. Transfer this blend into a 1-gallon freezer bag and seal tightly. Set aside for later use.
3. Melt and Coat Cereal with White Chocolate: Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time to prevent overheating and uneven melting. Once melted, gently fold the white chocolate into the cereal in a large bowl, ensuring each piece is coated without crushing the cereal.
4. Toss Cereal with Strawberry-Sugar Mix: Pour the chocolate-coated cereal into the prepared freezer bag containing the strawberry-sugar powder. Seal the bag and gently toss it to evenly coat each piece with the strawberry mixture. Handle carefully to avoid breaking the cereal.
5. Set and Store the Cereal Mix: Spread the coated cereal mix evenly on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Once set, transfer the mix to an airtight container to keep fresh. Serve and enjoy as a sweet and crunchy snack.

Notes

• Use freeze-dried strawberries for the most intense strawberry flavor and a natural powder.
• Do not overheat the white chocolate to avoid burning or seizing.
• Handle the cereal gently to maintain its shape and crunchiness.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure to use certified gluten-free cereal.

Keywords: strawberry puppy chow, white chocolate snack mix, strawberry shortcake snack, sweet cereal mix, easy no-bake treat