Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation: This treat can be made in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute parties or when you’re craving something sweet.
Minimal ingredients: You only need four simple ingredients – cereal, white chocolate, strawberries, and powdered sugar – to make this irresistible snack.
No-bake: There’s no need to turn on the oven, which is perfect for warm days or when you’re pressed for time.
Kid-friendly: The fun process of shaking the cereal in powdered sugar is an activity kids love, and the pink color adds extra appeal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ounce package freeze-dried strawberries (or dried strawberry powder)
4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup icing sugar

Directions

Prepare Strawberry Powder: Place freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine powder. Alternatively, you can use pre-packaged strawberry powder.
Mix Powder with Sugar: In a bowl, mix the strawberry powder with powdered sugar until fully combined. Transfer this mix into a large freezer bag and seal it.
Melt White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Once melted, pour the chocolate over the cereal in a large bowl and gently mix until the cereal is evenly coated.
Toss with Strawberry-Sugar Mix: Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the freezer bag with the strawberry powder mixture. Seal the bag and shake gently to coat all the cereal pieces evenly.
Set and Store: Lay the coated cereal on a baking sheet to set for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator. Once set, store in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

Preparation Time: 10-20 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15-30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings (depends on portion size)

Variations

Fruit Swap: Try using other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries or mixed berries for a different flavor profile.
Cereal Variety: Use Crispix or plain rice squares cereal if you can’t find Chex.
Chocolate Options: Swap the white chocolate chips for vanilla candy melts or white almond bark for a similar flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store your strawberry shortcake puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 1 week. Avoid refrigerating, as the moisture can affect the texture of the coating. Shake the container gently every couple of days to keep the powdered sugar from settling.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cereal from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, ensure the chocolate is fully melted but not overheated. Also, avoid using fresh or regular dried fruit, as they can introduce moisture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. It stores well in an airtight container for up to a week.

What other types of chocolate can I use?

While white chocolate chips give the perfect strawberry-and-cream flavor, you can substitute with vanilla candy melts or white almond bark for a similar taste.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?

It’s best to use freeze-dried strawberries for the best texture. Fresh strawberries have too much moisture, which can affect the coating’s consistency.

What’s the best cereal to use for this recipe?

Both rice and corn Chex work great, but Crispix cereal, which combines both types, is also an excellent choice. Just make sure your cereal is fresh for the best texture.

How can I make this recipe more colorful?

You can add a few drops of red food coloring to the white chocolate to give it a more vibrant pink color if desired.

Can I substitute the icing sugar?

Powdered sugar is crucial for creating the signature texture in puppy chow, so it’s best not to substitute it in this recipe.

How long will the strawberry shortcake puppy chow last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this treat will last for up to one week.

Can I make this recipe without using a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can crush the freeze-dried strawberries in a plastic bag with a rolling pin until they are finely powdered.

Can I freeze this treat?

While it’s not recommended, you can freeze it if you need to store it for a longer period. Just be aware that freezing may affect the texture of the powdered sugar coating.

Conclusion

This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a simple, fun, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients, no baking, and the irresistible combination of white chocolate and strawberries, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a quick snack or a party treat, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand!

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 15-30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6-8 servings (depends on portion size)
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy flavor of white chocolate. It’s a quick, no-bake treat that requires only four ingredients. Perfect for parties, gifts, or as a fun snack, this colorful and tasty treat is sure to delight kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

1 ounce package freeze-dried strawberries (or dried strawberry powder)

4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal

1 cup white chocolate chips

1/3 cup icing sugar

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Instructions

Prepare Strawberry Powder: Place freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine powder. Alternatively, use pre-packaged strawberry powder.
Mix Powder with Sugar: In a bowl, combine the strawberry powder with powdered sugar. Transfer this mixture to a large freezer bag and seal it.
Melt White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Once fully melted, pour the chocolate over the cereal in a large bowl. Gently stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Toss with Strawberry-Sugar Mix: Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the freezer bag with the strawberry-sugar mixture. Seal the bag and shake gently to coat all the cereal evenly.
Set and Store: Lay the coated cereal on a baking sheet to set for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator. Once set, store in an airtight container.

Notes

Fruit Swap: You can use other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries or mixed berries for different flavors.

Cereal Variety: Crispix or plain rice squares cereal are also great alternatives if you can’t find Chex.

Chocolate Options: If you prefer, you can swap the white chocolate chips for vanilla candy melts or white almond bark.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can affect the coating.

Prep Time: 10-20 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack, Treat
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American