When you’re a mom of five with a kitchen full of hungry teenagers, a dog who thinks he’s human, and a grocery budget tighter than my favorite jeans after Thanksgiving — you learn a few shortcuts. Especially around the holidays. I remember one particularly chaotic February. The heat was out, the twins had the flu, and my youngest decided to surprise her whole class with “something pink and sweet.”
So I pulled out the only things left in my pantry: a box of rice cereal, half a pack of cherry gelatin, and a stubborn tub of powdered sugar. I got creative. That’s how this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow entered my life — part pantry rescue, part sugar therapy, and now a Valentine’s Day tradition.
What is Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow (also known as muddy buddies) is a no-bake snack mix made with rice cereal tossed in melted vanilla bark and a dreamy combo of cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin, and powdered sugar. It’s crunchy, sweet, a little tangy — and highly addictive.
No, it’s not for dogs (despite the name). This one’s just for the humans. Sorry, Pepper — you get the freeze-dried beef treats.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
- Easy and no-bake — ready in 15 minutes
- Perfectly festive — light pink with sprinkles for Valentine’s Day
- Pantry-friendly — uses shelf-stable ingredients
- Great for gifting — teachers, neighbors, or party favors
Tips for Making the Best Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
- Use vanilla almond bark for the easiest melt-and-coat experience.
- Mix pudding and gelatin powders beforehand with the powdered sugar to prevent clumping.
- Let the coated cereal cool completely before bagging it up.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
This is a no-fuss recipe that even the kids can help with. Here’s everything you need to know to make your own batch.
Ingredients
- 8 cups rice cereal squares (like Chex)
- 1 lb vanilla almond bark
- 1 (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 (3 oz) cherry gelatin powder
- 1 cup + 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- Optional: red or pink sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Mix powders: In a large zip-top bag, combine the pudding mix, gelatin, powdered sugar, and sprinkles.
- Melt candy: Break up the almond bark and microwave in its tray for 1 minute. Stir and heat another 30–60 seconds until fully melted.
- Coat cereal: Pour 8 cups of cereal into a large bowl. Pour the melted bark over it. Use a rubber spatula to gently toss until coated.
- Shake: Add the coated cereal to the bag of powders. Zip and shake until every piece is dusted.
- Cool: Spread onto your baking sheet and let set completely.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
You Must Know
- Makes 8 cups – Perfect for parties or snack jars.
- Shelf-stable – No refrigeration needed.
- Customizable – Add-ins welcome!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
- Split the batch and add red or pink candy melts for a two-tone snack.
- Add cherry chips or white chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Want more crunch? Toss in mini pretzels or salted nuts.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Airtight container at room temp for up to 14 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze for up to 2 months, let thaw at room temp before serving.
- Avoid humidity: Moisture can make it soggy — don’t store in the fridge.
Helpful Notes
- Almond bark is more affordable and beginner-friendly than tempering real chocolate.
- Ghirardelli melts taste better but aren’t necessary here — the cherry and pudding dominate flavor.
- You can find cherry chips online if they’re not available locally.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
“When working with powdered mixes and melted candy, balance is key. Mix your powders evenly first, and toss gently with the coated cereal to avoid breaking it up.” — Claire Robinson
“Let your creativity shine with colors. Puppy chow isn’t just about taste — it’s about joy.” — Molly Yeh
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much melted bark — It gets clumpy fast.
- Skipping the mix step — Always stir powders before coating.
- Over-shaking — Be gentle to preserve texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe tray (included with almond bark)
- Gallon zip-top bag
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper or foil-lined baking sheet
FAQs
Is this safe for dogs?
Nope — it’s for people only.
Can I use real chocolate?
You can, but it requires tempering and isn’t as easy.
How do I make it more festive?
Split the batch and add pink/red candy melts, or toss in sprinkles.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is one of those recipes that turns pantry staples into something magic. Whether you’re short on time, money, or energy — this no-bake treat delivers joy in every pink, powdery bite.
Every Valentine’s Day, my daughter still asks, “Mama, are we doing the pink cereal again?” And every year, I smile and say, “Of course, baby girl.” Because some traditions are worth shaking up.
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun, sweet, and tangy snack mix made with rice cereal, cherry gelatin, cheesecake pudding mix, and powdered sugar. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or gifting.
Ingredients
- 8 cups rice cereal squares (like Chex)
- 1 lb vanilla almond bark
- 1 (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 (3 oz) cherry gelatin powder
- 1 cup + 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- Optional: red or pink sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine pudding mix, gelatin, powdered sugar, and sprinkles.
- Melt almond bark in the microwave for 1 minute, stir, then heat another 30–60 seconds.
- Pour melted bark over cereal and mix gently to coat.
- Add coated cereal to the zip-top bag and shake to coat in powders.
- Spread mixture on the baking sheet and let set completely.
- Store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Try red or pink candy melts for festive color. Add-ins like cherry chips or white chocolate chips can boost texture and flavor. Avoid overmixing to keep cereal whole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, muddy buddies, no bake snack, Valentine’s Day treat, cereal snack mix
