Craving a sweet, fruity snack that’s super simple to make? This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is the perfect crunchy treat! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a deliciously addictive snack that’s great for parties, lunchboxes, or a fun kitchen project.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
- Perfect balance of fruity, creamy, and sweet flavors
- Kid-friendly and great for parties
- No-bake recipe—perfect for any season!
- Stores well for snacking all week long
Ingredients
– 1 ounce package freeze-dried strawberries (or dried strawberry powder)
– 4 cups rice or corn Chex mix cereal
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/3 cup icing sugar
Instructions
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!
Tips
- For an extra flavor twist, add a pinch of lemon zest to the strawberry-sugar mix.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the smoothest melt.
- Make it festive! Add colorful sprinkles for special occasions.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week to keep it fresh and crunchy.
FAQ
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
White chocolate gives it the classic “shortcake” vibe, but you can absolutely experiment with milk or dark chocolate for a twist!
How do I prevent the cereal from getting soggy?
Make sure to let the chocolate set completely before storing the mix, and always keep it in an airtight container.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and you’ll have a completely dairy-free snack.
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 15-30 minutes
Description
Craving a sweet, fruity snack that’s super simple to make? This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is the perfect crunchy treat! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a deliciously addictive snack that’s great for parties, lunchboxes, or a fun kitchen project.
Ingredients
– 1 ounce package freeze-dried strawberries (or dried strawberry powder)
– 4 cups rice or corn Chex mix cereal
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/3 cup icing sugar
Instructions
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!
- Prep Time: 10-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes