Chef Sarah Mitchell - Dessert & Party Treat Specialist
👨‍🍳 Dessert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Pastry Arts Graduate ⏰ 12+ Years Experience 🍽️ Party Dessert Expert

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe was created for my daughter's birthday party when she requested something that tasted like cheesecake but was easy to share. The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet cherries, and crunchy cereal became an instant hit with kids and adults alike."

Sarah specializes in fun, shareable desserts that bring joy to celebrations. She believes that the best treats are those that create happy memories and bring people together, whether it's for parties, holidays, or simple family moments.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Colorful cherry cheesecake puppy chow in a large glass bowl, showing the white powdered coating with pink cherry pieces and red strawberry bits

Creating the Perfect Coating

The secret to exceptional puppy chow lies in achieving the perfect balance between the chocolate-cream cheese coating and the powdered sugar finish. The cream cheese adds tangy richness that mimics cheesecake flavor while helping the coating adhere better to the cereal.

Temperature control is crucial when melting the chocolate mixture. Overheating can cause the cream cheese to separate or the chocolate to seize. Use gentle heat and stir frequently to maintain a smooth, creamy texture that coats evenly.

💡 Professional Tip

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before melting - this prevents lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth coating. Work quickly once the mixture is ready, as it will begin to set as it cools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chex cereal works best due to its shape and texture, but you can substitute with similar square cereals. Avoid cereals that are too sweet or have coatings that might interfere with adhesion.

You can substitute with freeze-dried raspberries, or simply omit them and add a few drops of red food coloring to the powdered sugar for the pink color.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The coating may soften slightly over time, but it will still taste delicious.

Absolutely! This actually improves after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. Make up to 3 days ahead and store in airtight containers.

Add a tablespoon of warm cream or milk and stir vigorously. If it's still lumpy, strain the mixture before using, though it may be slightly thinner.

Dried cherries work best as fresh ones add too much moisture. If using fresh, pat them very dry and expect a shorter shelf life.

Ensure the chocolate coating isn't too warm when adding to the bag, and shake immediately. If it clumps, break apart gently with your hands after it sets.

Yes, but you may need to work in batches when coating with powdered sugar. Use two large bags or a very large container to ensure even coating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Coating Won't Stick

Problem: Chocolate coating slides off the cereal

Solution: Ensure the chocolate mixture is warm but not hot, and that cereal is completely dry. Mix thoroughly and work quickly before coating sets.

✅

Lumpy Chocolate

Problem: Chocolate and cream cheese mixture is lumpy

Solution: Cream cheese wasn't room temperature, or mixture overheated. Start over with room temperature cream cheese and lower heat.

✅

Too Sweet

Problem: Final product is overly sweet

Prevention: Reduce powdered sugar slightly, or add more salt to the coating mixture to balance sweetness.

✅

Not Enough Cherry Flavor

Problem: Cherry taste is too mild

Recovery: Use more dried cherries, chop them finer for better distribution, or add a few drops of cherry extract to the chocolate mixture.

✅

Soggy Texture

Problem: Puppy chow becomes soft or soggy

Prevention: Ensure mixture is completely cool before storing, use airtight containers, and avoid humid environments.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more salt or a touch of lemon zest to the coating

Too Salty: This shouldn't occur with proper measurements

Bland: Increase vanilla extract, add more cherries, or include cherry extract

Chex cereal, white chocolate chips, cream cheese, dried cherries, and powdered sugar arranged on a marble counter with measuring cups

Selecting Quality Ingredients

High-quality white chocolate makes a significant difference in both flavor and texture. Look for white chocolate that contains cocoa butter rather than vegetable oils for the best melting properties and richest taste.

Dried cherries should be plump and slightly soft, not hard or overly dry. Tart cherries work particularly well as they provide a nice contrast to the sweet coating, mimicking the tangy-sweet balance of traditional cheesecake.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • White Chocolate: Choose quality white chocolate chips or bars with cocoa butter. Avoid white coating chocolate which doesn't melt as smoothly.
  • Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for best flavor and texture. Bring to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before using.
  • Dried Cherries: Look for tart dried cherries without added sulfites if possible. They should be pliable, not hard or overly sweet.
Hands coating Chex cereal with melted white chocolate and cream cheese mixture in a large mixing bowl

Mastering the Technique

The key to perfect puppy chow is working efficiently while the chocolate coating is still warm and pliable. Once you pour it over the cereal, mix quickly and thoroughly to ensure every piece gets coated before the mixture begins to set.

The shaking technique in the powdered sugar bag is crucial for even coverage. Use vigorous shaking motions and don't be afraid to really work the mixture around. The more thoroughly coated each piece is, the better the final texture and appearance will be.

The Perfect Shake

Use a large bag with plenty of room for movement. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly coated with the powdered sugar mixture.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Prep 15 min
Cook 5 min
Serves 12 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 340g white chocolate chips
    Quality chocolate for smooth melting
  • 115g cream cheese, softened
    Creates tangy cheesecake flavor
  • 30ml butter
    Helps smooth melting process
  • 5ml vanilla extract
    Enhances overall flavor
  • 480g powdered sugar
    Creates signature coating
  • 30g graham cracker crumbs
    Mimics cheesecake crust
  • Red food coloring (optional)
    For extra color appeal

Coating & Flavoring

  • 270g Chex cereal (9 cups)
    Rice or corn Chex work best
  • 150g dried cherries, chopped
    Tart cherries provide best flavor
  • 60g freeze-dried strawberries
    Crushed for color and flavor
  • Pinch of salt
    Balances sweetness

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base

    Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Chop dried cherries into smaller pieces for better distribution.

  2. Melt Coating

    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, softened cream cheese, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract.

  3. Coat Cereal

    Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and mix thoroughly until every piece is well-coated. Add chopped dried cherries and mix to distribute evenly.

  4. Add Powdered Sugar

    In a large resealable bag, combine powdered sugar, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, graham cracker crumbs, and a pinch of salt. Add the coated cereal mixture and shake vigorously until completely coated.

  5. Set and Serve

    Spread the puppy chow on the prepared baking sheet to cool and set for 10-15 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Serve in bowls or gift bags.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Gift Ideas

Package in clear cellophane bags with colorful ribbons for party favors or holiday gifts. Mason jars also make beautiful presentation containers for gift-giving.

Variations

Try different dried fruits like cranberries or blueberries. You can also add chopped white chocolate pieces or mini marshmallows for extra texture and sweetness.