If you’re looking for a quick, fun, and irresistible dessert, this strawberry shortcake puppy chow is the perfect treat. A playful twist on the classic “muddy buddies,” this version combines the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the bright, fruity flavor of freeze-dried strawberries. Crunchy Chex cereal completes the mix, creating a dessert that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new. This recipe is simple to make, naturally gluten-free, and can even be enjoyed by those with nut allergies if you use allergen-free white chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: Ready in less than 20 minutes.
- Kid-friendly: Sweet, crunchy, and fun to eat.
- Allergen-conscious: Can be made nut-free and gluten-free.
- Perfect for gatherings: Makes a tasty snack or dessert for parties, family movie nights, or casual get-togethers.
- Versatile: Adjust sweetness or strawberry intensity to taste.
The combination of powdered freeze-dried strawberries and creamy white chocolate coating makes this puppy chow irresistible. Each bite delivers a sweet, slightly tangy, crunchy experience reminiscent of strawberry shortcake in bite-sized form.
Ingredients
- 1 (1-ounce) bag freeze-dried strawberries
- 4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal (gluten-free if desired)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (allergen-free optional)
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Tip: For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can increase the amount of freeze-dried strawberries or combine with freeze-dried strawberry powder if available.
Instructions
1. Prepare Strawberry Powder
Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until they become a fine powder. If you have pre-packaged freeze-dried strawberry powder, you can skip this step.
2. Mix Strawberry Sugar
In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry powder with the powdered sugar, mixing until evenly blended. Transfer this mixture to a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag and set aside. This will coat your cereal later, giving each piece a sweet, fruity finish.
3. Melt White Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave—30-second intervals work best—stirring between each until fully melted. Be careful not to overheat, as white chocolate can seize. You may also melt the chocolate using a double boiler over low heat if preferred.
4. Coat the Cereal
Gently fold the Chex cereal into the melted white chocolate in a large mixing bowl. Stir carefully to coat each piece without breaking the cereal. The goal is a uniform, creamy coating around every piece.
5. Combine with Strawberry Sugar
Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the prepared bag with the strawberry sugar mixture. Seal the bag and gently shake to coat all pieces evenly. This step ensures that every bite has the signature strawberry shortcake flavor and a touch of powdered sweetness.
6. Set the Chocolate
Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet in a single layer and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. This allows the white chocolate to firm up, giving the strawberry shortcake puppy chow a slightly crisp texture while keeping it creamy inside.
7. Store and Serve
Once set, transfer the puppy chow to an airtight container for storage. It can be enjoyed immediately or kept in the fridge for up to a week. Perfect for snacking, dessert, or adding to party treat tables.
Tips and Variations
- Extra crunch: Add small pieces of freeze-dried strawberries or chopped freeze-dried raspberries for added texture.
- Chocolate twist: Mix in white chocolate and a few dark chocolate chips for a marbled flavor.
- Nut-free option: Use allergen-free chocolate chips to make this safe for those with nut allergies.
- Fun presentation: Serve in a decorative bowl or in individual snack cups for parties.
This recipe is a playful dessert that’s easy enough for kids to help make, yet sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy. The creamy white chocolate and strawberry coating create a nostalgic, indulgent flavor in every crunchy bite.
Yield
Makes approximately 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill/Set Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
