Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Ingredients:
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
A crunchy base that soaks up the flavors beautifully. - 1 Big Box Strawberry Jello Mix
This adds a vibrant color and sweet strawberry flavor. - 1 cup powdered sugar
For that sweet, sugary coating that brings everything together. - 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
Creamy and sweet, these will melt to create a luscious coating. - 1/4 cup butter
Adds richness and helps the chocolate melt smoothly. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enhances the overall flavor profile with a hint of warmth. - 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (optional)
A delightful addition for extra crunch and flavor.
Directions:
- Prepare Your Workspace:
Gather all your ingredients and tools. This will streamline your cooking process. You’ll need large mixing bowls, a microwave-safe bowl, a baking sheet, and a resealable plastic bag. - Combine the Cereal:
In a large mixing bowl, carefully pour in the 5 cups of Rice Chex cereal. This will be the base of your puppy chow, so ensure you don’t crush the pieces too much. - Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each session. Continue until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. This should take about 1-2 minutes total. - Add Flavor:
Once melted, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The aroma will be heavenly! - Coat the Cereal:
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. With a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss the cereal to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Take your time here to avoid breaking the cereal. - Prepare the Sweet Coating:
In a separate bowl, mix together the Big Box of strawberry jello mix and the 1 cup of powdered sugar. This will create the signature sweet and fruity coating for your puppy chow. - Shake It Up:
Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the jello mix and powdered sugar mixture to the bag. Seal it tightly, making sure to remove as much air as possible, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated in the sweet mixture. This is where the magic happens! - Cool and Set:
Spread the coated cereal out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re using freeze-dried strawberries, sprinkle the crushed pieces over the top while the mixture is still warm so they stick. Allow the puppy chow to cool completely; this will help it harden and maintain its crunch. - Store and Enjoy:
Once cooled, transfer the puppy chow to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, but it’s unlikely to last that long! Enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or party treat!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings (or more, depending on how generous you feel!)
Feel free to personalize this recipe with your favorite add-ins or variations! Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow!