Okay, let’s be real—puppy chow (a.k.a. muddy buddies) is already peak snack material. It’s crunchy, chocolatey, sweet, and has that dangerously addictive “I’ll just have one more handful” energy. But what if I told you there’s a version that combines all of that snacky goodness with the creamy, fruity magic of cherry cheesecake?

Yeah. I went there.

Welcome to your new obsession: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow. It’s no-bake, it’s insanely easy, and it tastes like your favorite dessert collided with your go-to Netflix snack—in the best way possible. Ready to get messy (in the kitchen, I mean)? Let’s go.

What Is Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow Anyway?

Great question, my snack-loving friend. If you’ve had traditional puppy chow before, you already know the deal: crunchy cereal coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter, tossed in powdered sugar like it’s going out of style.

But in this version, we’re ditching the peanut butter (gasp!) and leaning into white chocolate, cheesecake flavoring, and cherry pie vibes. Basically, it’s what would happen if a cheesecake got tired of being fancy and decided to chill in sweatpants. 🙂

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

You don’t need to be a baking wizard or have a pantry that looks like a contestant on The Great British Bake Off to pull this off. Just grab the following:

Main Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal – Corn Chex works too, but Rice Chex = best texture IMO.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips – The base of all the creamy magic.
• 4 oz cream cheese – Softened. Yes, actual cream cheese. Trust me.
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter – Because everything’s better with a lil’ butter.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Just a splash to round things out.
• 1 box (3.4 oz) cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix – No need to prepare it; we’re using it as a powder.
• ½ cup powdered sugar – For that signature snowy finish.
• ½ cup cherry pie filling (or freeze-dried cherries) – Go with pie filling for gooey vibes, or freeze-dried for crunch.
• 1–2 tbsp milk – To help blend things smoothly.

Optional Extras (But Highly Recommended)

• Graham cracker crumbs – Because what’s cheesecake without a crust?
• A pinch of salt – To balance the sweet. Always underrated.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Let’s break this down so it’s actually easy to follow. Because no one wants a meltdown over melted chocolate.

Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate & Cream Cheese

• In a microwave-safe bowl, toss in the white chocolate chips, cream cheese, and butter.
• Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between until smooth.
• Add a splash of milk to help it come together if it’s being stubborn.
• Stir in the vanilla extract. Take a sniff and try not to drool.

💡 Pro tip: White chocolate can be temperamental. Don’t walk away from the microwave unless you want a burnt mess and a tiny chocolate funeral.

Step 2: Pour It on the Cereal

• Dump your 6 cups of Chex cereal into a big mixing bowl.
• Pour the melty white chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir with a spatula. Try not to crush the cereal unless you like powdery sadness.

Step 3: Add the Cherry

• Stir in your cherry pie filling (or toss in freeze-dried cherries for a lighter texture). Both are solid choices—it just depends on your cherry mood.
• Don’t overmix. Just coat everything enough to spread that flavor.

Step 4: Shake It Like You Mean It

• Toss the cheesecake pudding powder and powdered sugar into a large zip-top bag (or paper bag if you’re old-school like me).
• Dump in the cereal mixture.
• Seal it up tight, then shake the heck out of it until everything is beautifully coated in sugary, creamy bliss.

Step 5: Sprinkle in Extras (If You’re Feeling Fancy)

• Add in graham cracker crumbs for that crusty cheesecake edge.
• A tiny pinch of salt? Chef’s kiss.👌

Why This Recipe Totally Slaps

Still wondering if it’s worth the effort (which, tbh, is minimal)? Let me break it down for you:

• No baking required – Zero. Nada. Perfect for when the oven already has trust issues.
• Sweet + tangy combo – That cheesecake tang + cherry fruitiness = flavor bomb.
• Perfect party snack – Or, you know, just for you. No judgment here.
• Totally customizable – Wanna add mini marshmallows? Go for it. Crushed pretzels? Heck yes.

Storage Tips (Assuming It Lasts That Long)

So, technically, this stuff stays good for up to a week in an airtight container. But let’s be honest—you’re gonna finish it in two days, max. FYI: If you used pie filling, it might shorten the shelf life slightly, so maybe store it in the fridge just to be safe.

Planning to gift it? Bag it up in cute little treat bags, tie with a ribbon, and boom—you’re the favorite human at every gathering.

Fun Twists to Try Next Time

Can’t leave well enough alone? SAME. Here are some remix ideas:

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Chow

• Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle with milk chocolate.
• Use chocolate Chex cereal if you’re feeling rebellious.

Strawberry Cheesecake Version

• Swap cherry pie filling for strawberry and boom—brand new flavor.

Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow

• Use lemon pudding mix and add a touch of lemon zest. So zingy, so good.

Things That Might Go Sideways (Let’s Prevent the Chaos)

I’m not gonna lie, white chocolate can be a diva. It seizes up if you overheat it or add too much liquid.

Avoid this by:

• Melting slowly in short intervals.
• Stirring constantly.
• Adding a tiny bit of milk (not water!) if it starts clumping.

Also: Go easy on the cherry pie filling. Too much = soggy cereal. And soggy cereal? That’s a crime against snacks.

Related Recipes

• Irish Potato Candy Recipe
• Clothespin Cookies Recipe
• Pecan Cobbler Recipe

Final Thoughts about Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Look, I’ve made a lot of snack mixes in my day. But this one? Total showstopper. It’s like someone bottled up the flavor of cherry cheesecake and made it portable and snackable and covered in powdered sugar. I mean, come on. What’s not to love?

It’s easy. It’s indulgent. It’s ridiculously addictive. And the best part? You don’t even have to turn on your oven. That’s a win in my book any day.

So the next time you’re craving something sweet and totally different—give this cherry cheesecake puppy chow recipe a go. You’ll thank me later. Or curse me for how often you make it. Either way, I’ll take it as a compliment. 😎