This sweet treat combines crunchy cereal with delicious strawberries and creamy coating, making it a fun snack you’ll want to share (or maybe not!).
Honestly, who can resist the pretty pink color? I love keeping a bag of this puppy chow around for movie nights. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and crunchy—what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex Cereal: This is the base for our puppy chow, giving it a nice crunch. If you can’t find Rice Chex, feel free to swap in Corn Chex or another similar cereal. Just aim for something that will hold up to the coating.
White Chocolate Chips: They add the creamy sweetness to your treat. If you prefer, you can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead. Just remember, they will change the flavor a bit, making it richer or more intense!
Strawberry Cake Mix: This gives a lovely strawberry flavor and sweetness. If you want a lighter option, you could also use vanilla cake mix with some crushed freeze-dried strawberries mixed in for flavor.
Strawberry Extract or Syrup: Strawberry extract really amps up the flavor. If you don’t have it, strawberry syrup works well. Just use a bit less—start with 1/4 cup and add more if you want it sweeter!
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These add a nice touch and extra strawberry flavor. If you can’t find them, you can skip this ingredient altogether, but they do make for a fun garnish.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Coated Puppy Chow?
Coating the cereal is key for a successful puppy chow. You’ll want to make sure everything is evenly coated without breaking the cereal. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Gently pour the melted chocolate and strawberry mixture over the Rice Chex. Make sure to fold it slowly to prevent the cereal from crumbling.
- When transferring to the cake mix and sugar mixture, do it in batches if needed, which allows better coverage and less chance of making a mess.
- Seal the bag tightly if you’re using one, and shake gently—not too hard! This helps the coating stick better.
Patience is key! After coating, let your puppy chow cool, which helps everything set nicely. Enjoy your treat!
How to Make Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Treat:
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup strawberry extract (or 1/4 cup strawberry syrup)
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cool. So, in just 40 minutes, you’ll have a sweet and tasty treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cereal:
Begin by pouring the 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Make sure you set it aside for now, as it will be getting a delicious coating soon!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat in 30-second increments. Be sure to stir after each interval until the mixture is melted and smooth. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes total.
3. Add Strawberry Flavor:
Once your chocolate and butter are melted, add the strawberry extract (or syrup) to the mixture. Stir well until everything is nicely combined and the mixture is a lovely creamy texture.
4. Coat the Cereal:
Now it’s time to pour that delicious chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold the cereal with a spatula or wooden spoon until every piece is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal!
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bag or bowl, mix together the strawberry cake mix and powdered sugar until they’re well combined. This will give our puppy chow a sweet flavor!
6. Coat the Cereal with the Mix:
Transfer the coated Rice Chex cereal into the bag (or bowl) with the cake mix mixture. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and shake it gently until the cereal is completely covered in the mix. You’ll love how colorful and fun it looks!
7. Add Garnish (Optional):
If you want to kick it up a notch, sprinkle the crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the coated puppy chow and toss everything together to combine. This adds a nice fruity touch!
8. Cool the Puppy Chow:
Spread the puppy chow onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it sit and cool for about 30 minutes. This will help it set nicely.
9. Serve and Store:
Once cooled, you can serve your Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in a bowl for everyone to enjoy. If you have leftovers (though we doubt it!), store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Enjoy your tasty Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow as a delightful snack or treat!
Can I Use a Different Cereal for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex gives a great texture, you can swap it for another similar cereal like Corn Chex or even Crispix. Just ensure the cereal you choose is crispy and can hold up to the coating!
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 one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, but be aware that refrigeration may affect the texture slightly.
Can I Make This Puppy Chow Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make gluten-free Puppy Chow, simply use gluten-free Rice Chex and double-check that your white chocolate chips and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free. It’s an easy swap!
What Can I Substitute for Strawberry Extract?
If you don’t have strawberry extract on hand, you can use 1/4 cup of strawberry syrup as a substitute! This will give you a similar flavor profile and add a nice sweetness to your puppy chow.
