Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow: Irresistible Dish

Some snacks are more than just tasty—they’re tied to memories. I remember the first time I tried classic puppy chow at a sleepover: sweet, crunchy, and just messy enough to make it fun. This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe is a fruity twist on that nostalgic treat, blending crispy Chex cereal with white chocolate, powdered sugar, and freeze-dried strawberries.

Inspired by the beloved flavors of strawberry shortcake, this snack mix delivers a creamy berry sweetness in every handful. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or just treating yourself—no oven required.

Save

📝 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe

• No-Bake Simplicity – Ready in 15 minutes.
• Fruity & Fun – A fresh twist on a classic.
• Perfect for Parties – Great for birthdays, holidays, and pink-themed events.
• Kid-Approved – Sweet, crunchy, and snackable.
• Customizable – Add lemon zest, yogurt chips, or even sprinkles!

🛒 Ingredients (Serves ~8)

• 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1½ cups white chocolate chips or melting wafers
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup crushed golden Oreos or shortbread cookies (optional, for that “shortcake” flavor)

🕒 Prep Time

• Total Time: 15 minutes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Coating

Place the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal and gently stir with a spatula until fully coated.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Add the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and cookie crumbs, if using. Gently mix to combine.

Step 4: Sugar It Up

Transfer the mixture to a large zip-top bag. Add the powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until everything is coated in a sweet, pink dust.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Spread the mix out on a baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes. Then store in an airtight container or serve immediately.

Save

🍰 Flavor Variations

• Lemon-Berry: Add 1 tsp lemon zest or swap in lemon Oreos.
• Yogurt Chips: Replace some white chocolate with yogurt chips for tang.
• Sprinkle Party: Toss in colorful sprinkles before the final shake.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free white chocolate and skip the cookie crumbles.

🥄 Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For extra crunch, refrigerate before serving.
• Avoid moisture—it’ll make the cereal soggy.

🧬 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~260
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.

🌐 External Resources

• Chex Cereal Recipe Inspiration – Chex.com
• How to Use Freeze-Dried Fruit – The Kitchn
• White Chocolate Melting Tips – Serious Eats
• Powdered Sugar Basics – King Arthur Baking

Save

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
No. Fresh strawberries have too much moisture and will make the mix soggy.

What can I use instead of white chocolate?
Try yogurt chips, vanilla chips, or almond bark. You could even do a mix!

How do I crush freeze-dried strawberries?
Pulse them in a food processor or seal in a bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Can I freeze this snack?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to a month. Let it sit at room temp for 5 minutes before serving.

Is this gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free Chex and cookies—or skip the cookies entirely.

💬 Let’s Talk Snack Time!

Tried this Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe? Tell us your twist! Share in the comments or tag us on Instagram—your version might just be our new favorite.

Print