The Art of Ultimate Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Perfection

Perfect White Chocolate Coating Mastery

Master the technique of melting white chocolate to achieve smooth, creamy perfection.

Cheesecake Flavor Integration Excellence

Learn the skill of incorporating cream cheese elements for authentic cheesecake flavor.

Powdering Technique Perfection

Perfect the method of coating cereal pieces evenly without clumping or sogginess.

Mix-In Balance Technique

Master the art of balancing crunchy, chewy, and creamy elements in perfect harmony.

Assembly Strategy

Learn optimal mixing techniques for maximum flavor distribution and textural variety.

Gourmet Puppy Chow Mastery Secrets for Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Flavor Combination

Chocolate Quality: Use high-quality white chocolate for the smoothest melting and best flavor results.

Cereal Care: Fold gently when coating to prevent cereal from crushing into small pieces.

Cherry Distribution: Chop dried cherries into smaller pieces for better distribution throughout the mix.

Cooling Strategy: Allow proper cooling time between coating and mixing to prevent clumping.

Storage Secret: Add a silica gel packet to storage container in humid environments to maintain crispness.

Gifting Preparation: For gift-giving, portion into clear cellophane bags tied with pink or red ribbon.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow with White Chocolate and Graham Cracker Crumbles

Name: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow with White Chocolate and Graham Cracker Crumbles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 cups
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cereal Base:; 9 cups Rice Chex cereal; 1 cup Cheerios (optional for texture variety); 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs; For the White Chocolate Coating:; 2 cups high-quality white chocolate chips or chopped bars; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the Cheesecake Element:; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; For the Cherry Components:; 1 1/2 cups dried cherries, chopped; 2 tablespoons cherry preserves; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; For the Powdered Coating:; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cheesecake pudding mix (dry); 2 tablespoons freeze-dried cherry powder; For the Mix-Ins:; 1 cup white chocolate chips (additional); 1 cup graham cracker pieces; 1/2 cup vanilla cookie crumbles; For the Gourmet Touches:; 2 tablespoons pink and red sprinkles; 1/4 cup white chocolate drizzle (for finishing); For the Flavor Enhancers:; 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to prevent clumping)

The ultimate cherry cheesecake puppy chow featuring crispy cereal, luscious white chocolate, tangy dried cherries, and buttery graham cracker pieces. This gourmet sweet treat masterpiece combines the creamy richness of premium white chocolate with the bright, fruity complexity of cherry and classic cheesecake flavors, creating an unforgettable snack experience that elevates the classic puppy chow to extraordinary heights perfect for parties, gifting, or any time you crave the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Cereal Base:

9 cups Rice Chex cereal

1 cup Cheerios (optional for texture variety)

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

For the White Chocolate Coating:

2 cups high-quality white chocolate chips or chopped bars

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Element:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Cherry Components:

1 1/2 cups dried cherries, chopped

2 tablespoons cherry preserves

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the Powdered Coating:

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup cheesecake pudding mix (dry)

2 tablespoons freeze-dried cherry powder

For the Mix-Ins:

1 cup white chocolate chips (additional)

1 cup graham cracker pieces

1/2 cup vanilla cookie crumbles

For the Gourmet Touches:

2 tablespoons pink and red sprinkles

1/4 cup white chocolate drizzle (for finishing)

For the Flavor Enhancers:

1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt

1 tablespoon cornstarch (to prevent clumping)

For the Perfect Assembly:

Large mixing bowls

Parchment paper for cooling

For Special Equipment:

Microwave-safe bowl

Airtight storage containers

Gallon-sized zipper bags

Rubber spatula

Instructions

Begin by placing cereal in a very large mixing bowl with enough room to stir without spilling.

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for cooling the puppy chow.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and butter.

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.

In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add powdered sugar and lemon zest to cream cheese and beat until incorporated.

Fold cream cheese mixture into melted white chocolate mixture until smooth.

Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract to the white chocolate mixture.

Add cherry preserves to the white chocolate mixture and stir until incorporated.

Pour the white chocolate mixture over the cereal in the large bowl.

Gently fold with a rubber spatula until cereal is evenly coated, being careful not to crush pieces.

In a large gallon-sized zipper bag, combine powdered sugar, cheesecake pudding mix, and cornstarch.

Add freeze-dried cherry powder to the powdered sugar mixture and shake to combine.

Working in batches, add coated cereal to the powdered sugar mixture and shake until well coated.

Spread coated puppy chow on prepared baking sheets to cool and set for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, chop dried cherries into small pieces for even distribution.

Break graham crackers into small pieces but don't crush them completely.

Once puppy chow has set, transfer to a large clean bowl.

Add dried cherries, additional white chocolate chips, graham cracker pieces, and cookie crumbles.

Sprinkle with sea salt and toss gently to combine all ingredients.

Add sprinkles and toss once more to distribute evenly.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup white chocolate for drizzling.

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the entire mixture for a finishing touch.

Allow to set completely before transferring to airtight containers for storage.

Store at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow with White Chocolate and Graham Cracker Crumbles

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Perfection

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow with White Chocolate and Graham Cracker Crumbles

Ingredients

Instructions