Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

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You know those times when you want something sweet but can’t decide between your favorite desserts? That’s exactly how I felt when I came up with this strawberry shortcake puppy chow. I’ve always loved the classic puppy chow (or muddy buddies, as some folks call it), but sometimes I get the urge to switch things up a bit.

The idea hit me one afternoon while snacking on some fresh strawberries. Why not combine the creamy, crunchy goodness of puppy chow with the sweet, berry flavor of strawberry shortcake? It’s such a simple twist on the original, but it brings a whole new personality to this beloved snack.

Let me tell you, this is the kind of treat that disappears fast at parties. I usually make a double batch because my kids tend to “sample” quite a bit while I’m mixing it up. And honestly, I can’t blame them – I do the same thing!

What Kind of Cereal Should I Use?

For puppy chow recipes, both Rice Chex and Corn Chex work equally well as your base cereal. Rice Chex tends to have a lighter, more delicate crunch, while Corn Chex offers a slightly heartier texture and more pronounced corn flavor. If you’re having trouble finding either variety, you can also use Crispix cereal, which is actually a combination of both rice and corn. Just make sure whichever cereal you choose is fresh and crispy – stale cereal will result in a less enjoyable snack. And while other square cereals might seem like good substitutes, stick to these classic options since they have the perfect shape and texture to hold onto the coating.

Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up with this sweet snack? Here are some helpful substitution tips:

• Freeze-dried strawberries: If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can use other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries or mixed berries. Just avoid using fresh or regular dried fruit as they contain too much moisture and won’t give you the right texture.
• Chex cereal: Both rice or corn Chex work great, but you can also use Crispix or even plain rice squares cereal. The key is using a cereal that has a similar grid-like shape to hold the coating well.
• White chocolate chips: You can swap these with vanilla candy melts or white almond bark. Regular chocolate chips won’t give you the same strawberries-and-cream flavor, but they’ll work if that’s what you have on hand.
• Icing sugar: Also known as powdered sugar or confectioner’s sugar – they’re all the same thing. There’s really no good substitute for this one since it’s crucial for the classic puppy chow coating.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making puppy chow is ending up with a clumpy, unevenly coated mess – to avoid this, work in small batches when coating your cereal with melted chocolate, gently stirring to ensure each piece gets covered without breaking. Another common mistake is rushing the melting process of white chocolate, which can cause it to seize up or burn – instead, use short 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each until just melted. The powdered sugar coating needs special attention too – shaking the cereal in a paper bag or sealed container works much better than trying to sprinkle it on, and make sure the chocolate coating has slightly cooled first or the sugar will just melt into it. For the crunchiest results, let the coated cereal cool completely on a parchment-lined baking sheet before storing it in an airtight container.

What to Serve With Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow?

This sweet snack mix is perfect for setting out at parties or movie nights alongside other munchies! I like to create a snack board by pairing it with some salty options like pretzels or potato chips to balance out the sweetness. Since this is such a fun dessert-inspired treat, it goes great with cold drinks like milk, strawberry lemonade, or even pink punch for special occasions. You can also serve it as part of a dessert table alongside fresh strawberries and whipped cream to play up the strawberry shortcake theme.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your strawberry shortcake puppy chow stays best in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll keep its crunch and flavor for up to 1 week. I like to give the container a gentle shake every couple of days to prevent the powdered coating from settling at the bottom.

Pack: This snack is perfect for on-the-go treats! Pack individual portions in small zip-top bags or mini containers. Just remember that the freeze-dried strawberries can be a bit delicate, so handle with care to prevent them from turning to powder.

Note: While you might be tempted to refrigerate this treat, it’s best to avoid it. The moisture in the fridge can make the cereal coating get sticky and lose its perfect powdery texture. Room temperature storage is definitely the way to go!

Preparation Time	10-20 minutes
Cooking Time	5-10 minutes
Total Time	15-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1500-1700
• Protein: 10-15 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 230-250 g

Ingredients

• 1 ounce package freeze-dried strawberries
• 4 cups rice or corn chex mix cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup icing sugar

Step 1: Prepare Strawberry Powder

Place strawberries in a food processor and chop them until they become a fine powder.

Alternatively, you can use pre-packaged dried strawberry powder to save time.

Ensure the powder is evenly processed for a smooth mix.

Step 2: Mix Strawberry Powder with Sugar

In a bowl, combine the strawberry powder with powdered sugar and mix until the blend is uniform in color.

Once fully combined, pour the mixture into a 1-gallon freezer bag and seal it securely.

Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Melt and Coat Cereal with White Chocolate

Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave, using 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval to prevent overheating.

Once fully melted, fold the chocolate into a large bowl with cereal, taking care to coat the cereal without crushing it.

This step ensures each cereal piece is covered in chocolate.

Step 4: Toss Cereal with Strawberry-Sugar Mix

Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the prepared bag with the strawberry-sugar powder.

Seal the bag and gently toss it to ensure each cereal piece is evenly coated with the strawberry-sugar mixture.

Handle with care to avoid crushing the cereal.

Step 5: Set and Store the Cereal Mix

Lay the coated cereal mix out on a baking sheet, spreading it evenly.

Refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.

Once set, store the mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Enjoy as a sweet and crunchy treat!