Ingredients
Scale
- 9 cups of Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal (or a combination of both)
- 10 oz. white chocolate chips
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed into a powder or left as small pieces)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (like Jell-O)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt (optional for added flavor)
Ingredient Highlights
- Rice Chex or Corn Chex Cereal: These provide the perfect base for the puppy chow. They’re light and crispy, holding the coating without becoming soggy.
- White Chocolate Chips: These creamy chips coat the cereal with a sweet, smooth texture that blends beautifully with the strawberry flavor.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These give the puppy chow its signature strawberry shortcake flavor, adding a fruity kick without the moisture of fresh strawberries.
- Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This ingredient adds an extra punch of strawberry flavor, helping to intensify the shortcake taste.
- Powdered Sugar: The powdered sugar coats the mixture, providing the sweet dusting that makes puppy chow so irresistible.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds an aromatic sweetness that balances out the strawberry flavor and complements the white chocolate.
Instructions
Prepare the Cereal:
- Measure the Cereal: Pour the Rice Chex (or Corn Chex) into a large mixing bowl. Make sure you have about 9 cups of cereal, as this will be the base of the puppy chow.
- Crush the Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Using a food processor or a blender, crush the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. If you prefer larger strawberry pieces, you can leave them a bit chunkier. Set aside.
Make the White Chocolate Coating:
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the white chocolate is fully melted and smooth. You can also melt the chocolate in a double boiler if you prefer.
- Add Flavor: Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in the strawberry gelatin powder and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.
Coat the Cereal:
- Pour the Coating Over Cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal, stirring gently to coat each piece of cereal evenly. Be sure the cereal is fully covered with the creamy white chocolate mixture.
- Add the Strawberry Powder: Sprinkle the crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the chocolate-covered cereal and stir to distribute it evenly.
Coat with Powdered Sugar:
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar and shake well to coat the cereal evenly. If using a bowl, you can also gently stir to combine.
Chill and Serve:
- Chill the Puppy Chow: For the best results, let the puppy chow chill for about 10 minutes in the fridge to firm up the white chocolate coating. This step is optional but helps the coating set and makes the puppy chow easier to handle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the puppy chow is fully chilled and set, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy the sweet, crunchy, and fruity snack with family or friends!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 2g