This fun treat mixes crunchy cereal and fluffy marshmallows with sweet strawberries. It’s like a dessert party in every bite!
Honestly, I can’t stop snacking on this! Whether I’m watching a movie or hanging out with friends, it always brings a smile. Give it a go—you’ll love how easy it is!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex Cereal: This is the base of your puppy chow. If you don’t have Rice Chex, you can use Corn Chex or even Crispix for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s a cereal that can hold up to coating.
White Chocolate Chips: These give a creamy sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with dark chocolate chips, which will add a richer flavor. Just be aware it will change the sweetness level.
Peanut Butter: I love creamy peanut butter for this recipe, but you can use crunchy peanut butter if you want more texture. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter or a soy nut butter!
Strawberry Cake Mix: This adds amazing flavor and color. If you can’t find strawberry cake mix, vanilla cake mix with some freeze-dried strawberry powder can work well as a substitute. You could also use plain cake mix and add a bit of strawberry extract.
Pink Food Coloring: This is optional, but it adds a fun pop of color. If you prefer not to use food coloring, you can skip it or use a natural option like beet juice for a similar effect.
How Do I Perfectly Coat the Cereal With Chocolate and Sugar?
Coating the cereal evenly is key to making puppy chow that’s delicious all the way through. Here’s a couple of tips to help you succeed:
- When melting the chocolate and peanut butter, do it slowly in the microwave to avoid burning. Stir every 30 seconds until it’s smooth and combined.
- Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex in batches. Start with half the mixture, stir gently, then add the rest. This method helps coat every piece evenly.
- For the sugar and cake mix coating, mix them in a large enough bowl so you have space to toss the cereal without making a mess.
- After coating, spread the mixture on parchment paper in a single layer to cool quickly, ensuring each piece stays crispy.
How to Make Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Puppy Chow:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Additional strawberry cake mix for coating (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful puppy chow will take about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to cool. So, in about 45 minutes total, you’ll have a tasty treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cereal:
Start by adding the 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl. Make sure to set it aside for later, as this will be the base of your delicious puppy chow!
2. Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1 cup of white chocolate chips and the 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until it melts and becomes smooth. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
3. Add Color (Optional):
If you want to make your puppy chow extra pretty, add a few drops of pink food coloring to the melted mixture. Stir it well until the color is evenly mixed in. This step is totally optional but adds a nice touch!
4. Coat the Cereal:
Carefully pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir, making sure all the cereal pieces are evenly coated with the delicious mixture.
5. Mix the Powdered Sugar and Cake Mix:
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 cup of strawberry cake mix. This mixture will give your puppy chow a sweet and strawberry flavor!
6. Coat the Cereal Again:
Once your cereal is well coated, transfer it to the bowl with the sugar and cake mix mixture. Shake the bowl gently or toss the cereal until every piece is covered in that yummy sweetness.
7. Cool the Puppy Chow:
Spread the coated puppy chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it cool for about 30 minutes so it can harden slightly and become perfectly crunchy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, you can serve your fluffy strawberry shortcake puppy chow in a bowl for snacking, or package it in bags for later. If you like, dust some additional strawberry cake mix on top for extra flavor and color before serving. Enjoy your sweet treat!
Can I Substitute the White Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead. Just keep in mind that changing the chocolate flavor will alter the overall taste of the puppy chow slightly.
How Should I Store the Puppy Chow?
Store your Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 1 week. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks, but just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cereal?
Yes! While Rice Chex gives the best texture, you can substitute with Corn Chex or any other similar crispy cereal. Just be mindful that the flavor will vary depending on the cereal you choose!
What If I Don’t Have Strawberry Cake Mix?
No worries! If you don’t have strawberry cake mix on hand, you can use vanilla or another flavored cake mix and add some strawberry extract for flavor. Use about a teaspoon of extract for a similar strawberry flavor profile!
