introduction
Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a fun, crunchy snack that turns classic puppy chow into a pink, fruity treat perfect for parties, gift jars, or after-school munching. This recipe captures the sweet, nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake in a quick, no-bake mix you can make in under 15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow:
- Fast to make — no oven, no baking sheets, no fuss.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor — white chocolate + strawberry + a hint of vanilla.
- Great for make-ahead snacks and party bowls.
- Kid-friendly to help assemble and shake in a bag.
- Easy to customize with sprinkles or extra crunch.
If you love those shortcake flavors, try pairing this with homemade sweet shortcake biscuits for a full strawberry-inspired spread.
Ingredients Needed :
- Base (cereal):
- 4 cups Chex cereal
- Chocolate & binder:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed into powder)
- Optional toppings:
- Sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- In a large bowl, measure the Chex cereal and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the melted mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir to coat.
- In a gallon-sized zip-top bag, combine the powdered sugar and freeze-dried strawberries.
- Add the coated Chex cereal to the bag and shake until well coated.
- Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet to cool completely.
- Optionally, add sprinkles before serving.
- Enjoy your treat!
Serving Suggestions Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Serve this sweet puppy chow in small paper cones, mason jars, or a big party bowl. It’s perfect next to cupcakes or a light fruit salad for a strawberry-themed dessert table. For a show-stopping combo, add a slice of layered strawberry shortcake cake to your dessert spread for guests who want a plated option.
Tips for Success Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for a smooth coating — melting consistency matters.
- Crush freeze-dried strawberries finely for even color and flavor in the powdered coating.
- Work quickly when coating cereal so the chocolate sets evenly across pieces.
- Shake gently in the bag to avoid crushing the cereal.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; refrigerate if your kitchen is very warm.
- For mini gift packs, portion into small cellophane bags and tie with ribbon — they make great favors. For ideas, see the mini strawberry shortcakes inspiration.
variation (if any)
- Chocolate strawberry: swap half the white chocolate for milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Nut-free: use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Extra crunch: fold in 1/2 cup chopped freeze-dried strawberries or toasted coconut after coating.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
A: Fresh strawberries contain moisture and won’t coat into the powdered mix. Stick with freeze-dried for the best texture and shelf life.
Q: How do I crush the freeze-dried strawberries?
A: Pulse them in a food processor or place in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin until powdery.
Q: Will the peanut butter flavor come through?
A: Yes — peanut butter helps the chocolate stick and adds a subtle nutty note that complements the strawberry and white chocolate.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely. Make up to 2–3 days in advance and store airtight; add sprinkles just before serving for best appearance.
Ingredients
Base (cereal)
- 4 cups Chex cereal
Chocolate & binder
- 1 cup white chocolate chips Use high-quality for best results.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter Can be substituted with sunflower seed butter for nut-free.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed into powder) Crush finely for even color and flavor.
Optional toppings
- Sprinkles Optional, for decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, measure the Chex cereal and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Coating
- Pour the melted mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir to coat.
- In a gallon-sized zip-top bag, combine the powdered sugar and freeze-dried strawberries.
- Add the coated Chex cereal to the bag and shake until well coated.
- Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet to cool completely.
- Optionally, add sprinkles before serving.
- Enjoy your treat!
