Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow

Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow is a sweet and addictive snack mix that’s the perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and fruity. This playful twist on the classic puppy chow combines crisp rice cereal coated in a creamy white chocolate and strawberry mixture, then tossed with powdered sugar for that signature sweet coating. The result is a sweet, berry-infused treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

I first made this snack for a spring celebration when I wanted something easy, delicious, and festive. The combination of strawberries and white chocolate was a hit, and the crunchy texture of the cereal paired beautifully with the smooth coating. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add extra berries, use milk or dark chocolate for a twist, or even sprinkle in a little freeze-dried strawberry powder for extra flavor. Whether packed into snack bags or served in bowls, Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow is a fun and irresistible treat for any occasion!

Perfect for:

• Parties
• Movie nights
• Holidays
• Summer gatherings
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow will become your go-to snack:

• Sweet and Fruity Flavor: The combination of strawberries and white chocolate creates a deliciously fruity and creamy treat.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, making it a great last-minute snack.
• Perfectly Crunchy: The Chex cereal adds the ideal crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy coating.
• No Baking Required: There’s no oven needed—just a few simple steps for a fast and fuss-free snack.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun treat that kids will love to help make and enjoy.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack it in a cute jar or bag for an easy homemade gift.
• Make-Ahead Snack: It stores well, making it great for prepping ahead of time for busy days.
• Customizable Flavor: Add extra mix-ins like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for more variety.
• Creamy Coating: The white chocolate and peanut butter coating creates a smooth, irresistible texture.
• Vibrant Color: The strawberry flavor adds a lovely pink hue, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 10-12 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Puppy Chow:

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon pink sprinkles (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Rice Chex Cereal: Offers a crunchy, light base that soaks up the creamy coating.
• White Chocolate: Provides a smooth, sweet finish with a creamy texture.
• Peanut Butter: Adds richness and a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.
• Strawberry Extract: Gives the puppy chow its signature fruity flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates the perfect sweet coating to complete the snack.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Puppy Chow:

1. Melt White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and melted.
2. Add Strawberry Extract: Stir in the strawberry extract until well combined.
3. Coat the Cereal: Pour the Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl and pour the melted mixture over it. Stir gently to coat each piece of cereal evenly.
4. Add Powdered Sugar: Once the cereal is fully coated, add powdered sugar to the bowl and toss until all pieces are evenly covered.
5. Chill and Set: Transfer the puppy chow to a parchment-lined tray or plate and allow it to chill for 5 minutes to set.
6. Optional Garnish: If desired, sprinkle pink sprinkles over the top for extra color and fun.

Serve:

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled and set, serve the puppy chow in a bowl or package it in treat bags for a fun snack.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow:

• As a Party Snack: Serve it in bowls at your next gathering for guests to enjoy.
• For Movie Night: Pair it with a movie for a sweet treat while watching.
• As a Gift: Package it in a cute bag or jar for a homemade gift that anyone will love.
• With Ice Cream: Top your favorite ice cream with a sprinkle of puppy chow for an extra crunchy bite.
• As a Treat for Kids: Kids will love munching on this during playdates or after school.
• For Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for Easter, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day when you want a sweet, festive treat.
• At a Picnic: Pack it in a sealed container for an easy snack on the go.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or other berries for a fruity, fun combo.
• In Dessert Parfaits: Layer it with whipped cream and fruit for a quick and tasty parfait.
• With Hot Chocolate: Pair it with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

Additional Tips

• Coat Well: Make sure each piece of cereal is thoroughly coated with the white chocolate mixture for the best texture and flavor.
• Chill to Set: Allow the puppy chow to chill before serving to ensure the coating sets and stays crisp.
• Adjust Sweetness: You can add more powdered sugar for a sweeter treat or less for a more balanced flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh peanut butter and high-quality white chocolate will enhance the flavor of this snack.
• No Strawberry Extract? You can substitute strawberry-flavored candy melts or freeze-dried strawberry powder for a different strawberry kick.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate-Covered Puppy Chow: Swap the white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter or another nut-free butter in place of peanut butter.
• Tropical Puppy Chow: Add coconut flakes and dried pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Mint Chocolate Puppy Chow: Replace the strawberry extract with mint extract for a refreshing flavor.
• Cinnamon Roll Puppy Chow: Add ground cinnamon to the powdered sugar for a spiced variation.
• Peanut Butter Cup Puppy Chow: Add chopped mini peanut butter cups for an extra layer of flavor.

Special Equipment

• Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the white chocolate and peanut butter.
• Large Mixing Bowl: To coat the cereal with the chocolate mixture.
• Parchment Paper: For lining trays to prevent sticking.
• Treat Bags or Jars: For gifting or storing the puppy chow.
• Spatula: For stirring and scraping down the sides of the bowl.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cereal?
   Yes, you can swap in Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, or another crunchy cereal for variety.
2. How long will this puppy chow last?
   Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
3. Can I freeze puppy chow?
   Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I substitute the peanut butter?
   Yes, almond butter or sunbutter works well as a substitute for peanut butter.
5. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   It’s best to use fresh strawberries for the extract, but freeze-dried strawberries can also be used for flavor.
6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes, you can use dairy-free white chocolate and peanut butter for a dairy-free option.
7. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
   Yes, chopped almonds, walnuts, or pistachios would add a nice crunch to the puppy chow.
8. What if I don’t have strawberry extract?
   You can use strawberry-flavored candy melts or freeze-dried strawberry powder for a similar flavor.
9. How do I keep the puppy chow from becoming too sticky?
   Make sure the white chocolate and peanut butter mixture isn’t too warm before mixing it with the cereal, and chill it quickly to set.
10. How do I make it more festive?
    Add colorful sprinkles, holiday-themed candies, or mix in different types of chocolate for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic puppy chow (also known as muddy buddies), bringing together the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberries with a creamy, indulgent coating. This no-bake snack is perfect for parties, movie nights, or any time you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and irresistible.

Made with Chex cereal, powdered sugar, and a mix of strawberry-flavored chips and white chocolate, this treat has a lovely balance of creamy sweetness and fruity flavor. The strawberries add a fresh, summery taste, while the white chocolate creates a smooth, rich coating that sticks to each piece of cereal. Tossed together and coated in powdered sugar, this puppy chow is easy to make and fun to eat, with the perfect combination of textures and flavors.

I can’t wait to see how your Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your adorable creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this treat your own!