This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is my go-to crunchy-sweet treat when I want something festive and totally irresistible. I first made this version one February for a small Galentine party and the bright cherry color combined with the subtle cheesecake tang stole the show. The snack balances crisp rice cereal coated in a white vanilla candy melt with a powdery cherry-cheesecake dusting that tastes like tiny bites of dessert. It is light, crunchy, and dangerously easy to eat by the handful.

I discovered the combination when I had leftover white coating and a box of cheesecake pudding mix after baking a cheesecake. Mixing the two turned an ordinary party snack into something more sophisticated yet still nostalgic. Texture is a big part of its charm: the airy rice squares stay crisp under a smooth candy coating while the powdered sugar and dry mixes form a fine, slightly tangy shell. This is ideal when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that looks like you fussed for hours.

Ingredients

• Rice square cereal (8 cups): I use a plain rice Chex or generic rice squares for the best crisp texture. Look for a neutral, unsweetened variety to let the coating shine. Measure by cups and gently level to avoid crushing the squares.
• Vanilla bark (1 pound): Also called white candy coating or white melts; brands I rely on are Merckens or Wilton. This melts smooth and sets shiny. Avoid pure white chocolate bars which can seize easier; candy melts are more forgiving.
• Cheesecake pudding mix (3.4 ounce): A small box of instant cheesecake-flavored pudding gives that creamy tang without adding liquid. Jell-O cheesecake pudding is a reliable choice and blends into the powdered coating for flavor.
• Cherry gelatin mix (3 ounce): Use a good quality cherry gelatin like Jell-O cherry. It adds both color and a bright fruit note that lifts the sweet white coating and complements the cheesecake mix.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup plus 3 tablespoons): This is the structural base of the dry coating and provides the classic melt-in-your-mouth finish. Sift if lumpy for an even dusting. Measure carefully for the right balance of sweetness and texture.
• Optional decorations: Red and pink sprinkles or sanding sugar for a festive finish. These are added to the dry coating mix or sprinkled over the top before the bark fully sets for visual appeal.

Instructions

Line the pan: Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment and set aside. The lining protects the pan and makes it easy to move the finished mix and clean up. Choose a rimmed sheet to catch any stray pieces. Mix the dry coating: In a large zip-top bag combine the cheesecake pudding mix, cherry gelatin mix, and powdered sugar. Add the sprinkles if using. Seal and shake briefly to distribute. This dry blend will coat the cereal and deliver both the cherry color and the cheesecake tang. Measure the cereal: Pour 8 cups of rice square cereal into a large mixing bowl. Inspect for large clusters and gently break them apart so the coating reaches individual squares. Keeping the pieces separate ensures an even candy coating. Melt the vanilla bark: Place the 1 pound vanilla bark in a microwave-safe bowl or in its melting tray. Microwave for 1 minute, stir thoroughly, then microwave an additional 30 to 60 seconds as needed until completely smooth. If the candy becomes too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon of neutral oil to loosen. Coat the cereal: Pour the melted white coating over the cereal and fold gently with a spatula until every piece is glossy and evenly covered. Work quickly while the coating is warm and fluid so it spreads thin and even rather than clumping. Bag and shake: Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal into the prepared zip-top bag with the dry coating mixture. Seal and shake vigorously until every piece is dusted and there are no visible white spots. Rolling the bag on the counter between shakes helps separate clumps. Set and store: Spread the coated mixture in a single layer on the foil-lined baking sheet and let it cool until the coating firms, about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature. Once set, break apart any large clusters and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Storage Tips

Store the finished mix in a sealed container at cool room temperature away from direct sunlight. A glass or airtight plastic container works well. If humidity is high, place a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage freeze in a heavy-duty resealable bag up to three months; thaw at room temperature to maintain texture. Avoid refrigeration which can introduce moisture and soften the coating. If any pieces lose crunch, re-crisp briefly in a low oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, then cool fully before storing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a dairy-free variation choose vegan white melting wafers and dairy-free cheesecake pudding alternatives where available. Substitute the rice cereal with corn-based squares if you need a different texture, keeping in mind the flavor and crunch will change slightly. For vegetarian eaters replace the cherry gelatin with a powdered fruit drink mix like freeze-dried strawberry powder combined with a touch of citric acid for tang. Adjust ratios carefully: use a direct 1:1 substitution for the gelatin powder by volume and taste the dry mix before coating to ensure desired sweetness and tartness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in a large festive bowl for parties or portion into small clear bags tied with ribbon for favors. The pink cherry color suits Valentine or baby showers beautifully. Pair alongside salty snacks like mixed nuts to balance sweetness, or with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream as a crunchy topping. Garnish with extra sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar for presentation. For a dessert board include fresh berries and shortbread for complementary textures and flavors.

Cultural Background

Puppy chow, sometimes called muddy buddies, is a nostalgic American party snack dating back to mid-20th century convenience cooking when candy melts and instant mixes became popular. This cherry-cheesecake variation borrows from classic American dessert flavors, marrying the convenience of packaged dry mixes with the homey charm of an old-fashioned treat. It showcases how small ingredient swaps can modernize a familiar snack while keeping the playful spirit intact.

Seasonal Adaptations

This mix adapts easily by swapping the gelatin and sprinkles: use lime gelatin and green sprinkles for St. Patrick’s Day or orange and black sanding sugar for Halloween. At Christmas add crushed peppermint after coating for a minty crunch. For summer celebrations replace cherry with freeze-dried raspberry powder for a brighter, fresher fruit note and lighter presentation that pairs well with outdoor gatherings.

Meal Prep Tips

Make a double batch and portion into single-serving snack bags for grab-and-go treats during the week. Use clear mason jars with ribbon for quick hostess gifts. When prepping ahead, wait to add the sprinkles until just before serving to keep them crisp. Keep the dry coating mix ready in a sealed jar and melt the vanilla bark quickly when you need a fresh batch; the dry mix will stay fresh for several weeks.

Whether you make it for a crowd or a quiet night in, this Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is one of those simple pleasures that brings people together. Share it, gift it, and don't be surprised when your friends ask for the secret to those little bites of cherry-cheesecake joy.