If you’re craving a sweet, crunchy treat that tastes just like your favorite summer dessert, then strawberry shortcake puppy chow is about to become your new addiction. This colorful, no-bake snack is bursting with strawberry flavor, creamy white chocolate, and a touch of nostalgic charm—perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Keep reading to discover how easy (and irresistible) it is to make!
| Servings: | 10 |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 5 minutes |
| Total Time: | 15 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 cup |
Description
Strawberry shortcake puppy chow is everything you love about the classic summer dessert transformed into a sweet and snackable treat. Each bite combines crisp vanilla cereal coated in creamy white chocolate and strawberry powder, all blanketed in powdered sugar for a dreamy crunch that melts on your tongue. Imagine the sweet nostalgia of fresh strawberries and whipped cream, but with the satisfying crisp of a snack mix. It is like your favorite childhood memory in a bowl — only better, because now you can grab it by the handful.
This pink-hued treat is perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, summertime picnics, or just curling up on the couch for a movie night. The light berry flavor paired with the rich white chocolate delivers a balanced sweetness that keeps you going back for another handful. It smells like strawberry fields and tastes like sunshine. One crunch and you are whisked away to a classic American summer fair, minus the mess and with way more convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry shortcake puppy chow is fast to make and incredibly customizable. It takes only a few ingredients and comes together in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute potlucks or weekday cravings. You do not need an oven or any fancy equipment — just a microwave, a bowl, and a spoon.
The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and vanilla candy melts creates a flavor-packed coating that makes this snack unforgettable. Plus, it is completely no bake and easy to make ahead. It can even be portioned out into gift bags or stored for spontaneous snacking throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice Chex cereal
- 10 ounces white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1 half cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon strawberry gelatin powder
- 1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Blender or food processor
- Gallon-size zip-top bag
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Pulse the strawberries: Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until they form a fine rosy powder. Set aside, and try not to snack on it — it smells amazing.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Be patient here to avoid scorching the chocolate. It should flow easily off the spoon when ready.
- Add vanilla: Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate. This simple touch boosts the shortcake flavor and ties everything together.
- Coat the cereal: Pour the rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Gently drizzle the melted chocolate over the cereal. Use a spatula to fold and coat without crushing the cereal. Slow and steady wins the pudding prize here.
- Mix your coating: In a gallon-size zip-top bag, combine the powdered sugar with the strawberry powder, strawberry gelatin powder, and crushed graham crackers. Shake gently to mix. This step adds that signature strawberry cream color plus a hint of shortcake crunch.
- Shake it up: Transfer the coated cereal into the prepared sugar bag. Seal tightly and shake vigorously until the cereal is cloaked in sweet strawberry goodness. Kids absolutely love this part, by the way.
- Cool and set: Spread the mixture on parchment paper or a lined baking sheet. Let cool and set for 10 minutes. Try not to nibble while it cools — I always cheat and sneak a warm bite.
- Store or serve: Once cool and crisp, transfer the puppy chow to a serving bowl or airtight container. It stays fresh for up to one week, but mine never lasts more than two days.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Fat | 13 grams |
| Sugar | 27 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 120 milligrams |
Recipe Notes
For extra strawberry burst, increase the freeze-dried strawberry powder and skip the gelatin for a more natural version. Swap graham crackers for gluten-free if needed.
Serving and Storage Tips
Strawberry shortcake puppy chow is best served at room temperature in a large bowl where folks can enjoy it by the handful. For parties, I like to spoon servings into mini cupcake liners or treat bags — they make adorable little favors.
To store, let the mix fully cool and then place it in an airtight container. It keeps its lovely crunch for up to seven days at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze, as moisture will ruin the crisp cereal texture and melt the sugar coating. If you are prepping ahead, go ahead and make it three days in advance with zero loss of flavor or crunch.
Course, Cuisine
Snack, American, strawberry dessert, puppy chow, muddy buddies, strawberry shortcake
FAQ
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries contain moisture that will make the cereal soggy and prevent proper coating. Stick with freeze-dried for intense flavor and crisp texture.
What if I do not have strawberry gelatin powder?
You can skip it completely and add an extra tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder for a more natural flavor. The gelatin powder just helps with color and fruity sweetness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be. Use gluten-free rice cereal and swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free brand or leave them out entirely. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
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Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice Chex cereal
- 10 ounces white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon strawberry gelatin powder
- 1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender and blend until they become a fine powder. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the rice Chex cereal. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cereal and gently stir with a rubber spatula to coat all pieces evenly.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine the powdered sugar, strawberry powder, strawberry gelatin powder, and crushed graham crackers. Shake to mix.
- Add the coated cereal mixture to the bag. Seal and shake vigorously until all cereal is well coated with the sugar mixture.
- Pour the puppy chow onto a baking sheet or parchment paper to cool and set for 10 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
