If you’re looking for a sweet, crunchy, and completely irresistible snack, Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is about to become your new obsession! Imagine all the charm of classic puppy chow, but with the playful, fruity twist of tangy strawberries and creamy white chocolate. Every bite is a little celebration — light, dreamy, and bursting with that nostalgic strawberry shortcake flavor. Whip this up for parties, movie nights, picnics, or just a rainy day treat, and watch it disappear in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Rice Chex Cereal:
5 cups
White Chocolate Chips:
1 cup
Freeze-Dried Strawberries, crushed:
1/2 cup
Strawberry Cake Mix:
1/2 cup
Powdered Sugar:
1/2 cup
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Butter:
2 tablespoons
How to Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prep Your Base
Start by pouring the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside — you’ll want plenty of room to stir everything together gently without crushing those precious squares.
Step 2: Melt and Infuse
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is silky smooth. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract for that classic shortcake flavor boost.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the warm, fragrant chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex. Use a rubber spatula or large spoon to gently fold and coat the cereal — patience is key to make sure every piece gets an even, glossy layer without breaking.
Step 4: Shake in the Flavors
In a large zip-top bag, combine the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, strawberry cake mix, and powdered sugar. Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag, seal it up tight, and shake, shake, shake! This is the magic moment where strawberry sweetness clings to every nook and cranny.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Spread your newly coated puppy chow onto a baking sheet and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the coating set up so every handful stays delightfully crisp and beautifully pink.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, toss in some pink or red sprinkles before the final shake, or add a handful of mini white chocolate chips just before serving. A sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the top makes it even lovelier for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow pairs beautifully with fresh fruit skewers or a platter of vanilla yogurt for dipping. If you’re serving it at a party, a bowl of sweet and salty mixed nuts or a variety of mini cookies makes a fun snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour individual portions into colorful cupcake liners for party-ready servings, fill clear treat bags and tie them with ribbon for a sweet gift, or heap the puppy chow in a big glass jar for a pretty centerpiece that doubles as a snack. It’s an instant hit at potlucks and picnics!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay crisp for up to a week — just keep it out of direct sunlight for best flavor and color.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze puppy chow by packing it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It thaws quickly at room temperature, but the texture is best enjoyed within one month of freezing to maintain the cereal’s signature crunch.
Reheating
This treat is best enjoyed at room temperature! If it’s been in the freezer or fridge and seems a bit clumpy, simply let it warm for 15 minutes, then give it a gentle shake or stir before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use regular dried strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
It’s best to stick with freeze-dried strawberries because they’re crisp and dry, which lets them blend in beautifully without making the mix soggy. Regular dried or dehydrated fruit adds extra moisture and can make the cereal chewy.
What’s the purpose of the strawberry cake mix?
The cake mix brings that unmistakable, nostalgic strawberry shortcake flavor and a pop of color! It’s the secret to getting the true “dessert” vibe, blending seamlessly with the powdered sugar to coat every piece.
Can I make Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a certified gluten-free Rice Chex and double-check the cake mix and all other ingredients for any gluten-containing additives. There are gluten-free strawberry cake mixes available in most grocery stores.
Is this safe for people with nut allergies?
This recipe itself doesn’t include nuts, but always check your specific brands of cereal, cake mix, and chocolate for cross-contamination or allergy warnings if you’re preparing for someone with allergies.
How can I add even more strawberry flavor?
If you want things punchier, add a few extra tablespoons of crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or a tiny drop of strawberry extract to the melted chocolate mixture for an even bigger berry flavor blast!
Final Thoughts
Every batch of Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow brings a little joy and a lot of flavor to any occasion. It’s simple, playful, and downright delicious — the perfect snack to make and share (or hide away for yourself). Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back for “just one more handful!”
Print
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow. This no-bake snack mix combines the flavors of strawberries, white chocolate, and cake mix for a heavenly treat.
Ingredients
Rice Chex Cereal:
5 cups
White Chocolate Chips:
1 cup
Freeze-Dried Strawberries, crushed:
1/2 cup
Strawberry Cake Mix:
1/2 cup
Powdered Sugar:
1/2 cup
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Butter:
2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal: Place Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
- Coat with Strawberry Mix: Combine crushed freeze-dried strawberries, strawberry cake mix, and powdered sugar in a bag. Add cereal, seal, and shake to coat.
- Cool and Serve: Spread on a baking sheet to set for 10–15 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour over cereal and mix gently.
Notes
- Use freeze-dried, not dehydrated strawberries.
- Add pink or red sprinkles for extra color.
- Perfect for parties or holiday gifts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
