Name: Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups Rice Chex cereal; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed; 1/2 cup Golden Oreos, crushed (about 6 cookies); 1/4 cup strawberry cake mix (heat-treated); 1/4 cup powdered sugar

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If you’re looking for a delightfully nostalgic, sweet, and fruity twist on a classic snack, Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is about to become your new obsession. Imagine crunchy Chex cereal coated in creamy white chocolate, tossed with crushed freeze-dried strawberries, Golden Oreos, and a hint of strawberry cake mix—each bite captures that irresistible strawberry shortcake flavor in a playful, poppable treat. Whether you’re prepping for a party, a picnic, or a night in with friends, this no-bake snack is quick to whip up and always gets rave reviews!

Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real charm of Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow comes from its simple yet powerfully flavorful ingredients. Each component brings something special to the mix, whether it’s crunch, creaminess, or that burst of strawberry flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

Rice Chex cereal: This is our crispy, light base that soaks up all the sweet coatings without getting soggy.
White chocolate chips: Melted white chocolate adds richness and helps all the tasty toppings stick to the cereal.
Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed: These pack a concentrated real-strawberry punch and give the mix a beautiful pink hue.
Golden Oreos, crushed (about 6 cookies): For a cookie crunch reminiscent of shortcake layers, plus a hint of vanilla sweetness.
Strawberry cake mix (heat-treated): Adds a playful, unmistakable strawberry cake flavor—don’t skip the heat-treating for safety!
Powdered sugar: Helps everything coat evenly and adds that classic puppy chow sweetness.
Unsalted butter: A touch of butter melted with the chocolate makes it extra smooth and luscious.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal Base

Start by pouring the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. This will make it easier to coat every piece evenly later. Having the cereal ready in a big bowl means less mess and more fun when you’re mixing everything together!

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring after each session until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This gentle melting process keeps the chocolate silky and prevents burning—trust me, it’s worth the patience!

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm, melted white chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex. Gently stir with a spatula or large spoon, making sure every piece gets a sweet, glossy coat. Be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal—this is what ensures that perfect, light crunch in every bite of your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow.

Step 4: Mix the Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Toppings

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, crushed Golden Oreos, powdered sugar, and heat-treated strawberry cake mix. This magical blend is what gives the snack its signature strawberry shortcake flavor and that pretty, rosy color.

Step 5: Toss and Coat

Sprinkle the strawberry shortcake topping mixture over the chocolate-coated cereal. Gently toss everything together until every piece is well covered. This is the moment where the cereal transforms from basic to utterly irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Set

Spread your finished Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give it about 15–20 minutes to cool and set—this helps the coating harden so you get that perfect puppy chow texture. Once cooled, break up any clumps and get ready to snack!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, try adding a handful of mini marshmallows or a drizzle of extra melted white chocolate on top before serving. You can even toss in a few extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a pop of color and flavor that makes this snack look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a fruity lemonade. For parties, serve it alongside a platter of fresh berries or a creamy yogurt dip for a sweet-and-tangy combo that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting this treat is half the fun! Pile it high in a big glass jar for a pretty centerpiece, or scoop it into individual cupcake liners for grab-and-go snacking. For parties or gifts, spoon portions into cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon, and add a cute label—instant smiles guaranteed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay delicious for up to a week, making it perfect for make-ahead snacking and lunchbox treats.

Freezing

You can freeze Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. Just seal it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it’ll keep for up to two months. Let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving—the flavor and crunch come right back!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this snack, but if your puppy chow feels a bit soft after storage, you can spread it on a baking sheet and let it sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes to crisp up again. Avoid microwaving, as it may melt the coating and turn everything sticky.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Snack

Absolutely! While Rice Chex works beautifully for texture and taste, you can swap in corn Chex or even Crispix if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure the cereal is sturdy enough to hold the coatings without turning soggy.

Do I have to use heat-treated cake mix?

Yes, it’s a good idea to heat-treat the cake mix before using it in no-bake recipes like this. This simple step kills any potential bacteria and keeps your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow safe to eat.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

You can! Substitute the white chocolate chips and butter with dairy-free alternatives, and check that your cake mix and cookies are vegan-friendly. The result will still be delicious and just as fun to eat.

How do I crush the freeze-dried strawberries and Oreos?

The easiest way is to place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass to gently crush them. Aim for small pieces, but don’t worry if there are a few larger chunks—those add great texture!

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Mini marshmallows, extra sprinkles, or even a handful of white chocolate chips tossed in at the end make fun additions. The beauty of Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is how customizable it is to your taste and creativity.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so cheerful and satisfying about sharing a big bowl of Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow with friends and family. With its vibrant flavors and easy prep, this treat is sure to brighten any occasion—so don’t be surprised if it disappears fast! Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite snack.

Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a delightful no-bake snack combining crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in melted white chocolate and butter, then tossed with a sweet mixture of freeze-dried strawberries, crushed Golden Oreos, strawberry cake mix, and powdered sugar. This treat offers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures, making it an irresistible and fun dessert or snack option perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

5 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Coating Mix

1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
1/2 cup Golden Oreos, crushed (about 6 cookies)
1/4 cup strawberry cake mix (heat-treated)
1/4 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the cereal base: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl to ensure enough space for coating.
Melt white chocolate and butter: Combine white chocolate chips and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Coat the cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate and butter mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon to coat all cereal pieces evenly without breaking them.
Mix the dry coating: In a separate bowl, combine crushed freeze-dried strawberries, crushed Golden Oreos, powdered sugar, and the heat-treated strawberry cake mix. Stir to blend the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Combine coating with cereal: Pour the dry coating mixture over the coated cereal. Toss gently but thoroughly until all pieces are well coated with the strawberry shortcake flavor.
Set and cool: Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet to cool and set. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes until fully set.
Storage: Once set, transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature and consume within one week for best freshness.

Notes

Heat-treat the strawberry cake mix by microwaving it in a bowl for 30 seconds, stirring, then microwaving another 30 seconds to ensure any bacteria are killed.
For extra indulgence, add mini marshmallows before mixing or drizzle additional melted white chocolate over the finished mix.
This snack is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to one week at room temperature in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American