Irresistible Strawberry Puppy Chow: Your Perfect Sweet Treat!
Get ready to fall in love with our Strawberry Puppy Chow – a gloriously sweet, incredibly crunchy, and utterly addictive snack that’s sure to capture your heart! Whether for a special occasion or just a delightful everyday indulgence, this vibrant treat promises pure joy in every bite.
Celebrate the Sweetest Moments with Strawberry Puppy Chow
Hello, wonderful foodies! I hope your weekend was filled with joy and perhaps a little bit of early Valentine’s Day celebration. My husband and I opted for a Friday night dinner to avoid the Valentine’s Day rush and the hassle of reservations, and it truly was perfect. As I shared in a previous post featuring our delightful White Chocolate Cranberry Shortbread Heart Cookies, the in-laws graciously took the kids for the weekend. This allowed us to enjoy a much-needed quiet dinner, just the two of us. It felt wonderful and long overdue. Of course, our conversations eventually drifted to our children, but that’s perfectly fine – they are our world, after all. What about you? How did you spend your weekend?
Now, the children are back home, and our plans for today involve ordering a heart-shaped pizza and settling into our cozy house. The snow has been falling steadily since early this morning, painting our world in white with no end in sight. Since the kids have a snow day from school tomorrow, we might let them pick out a movie and stay up a little later than usual. We’ll pop some fresh popcorn, and undoubtedly, we’ll finish off the rest of this amazing Strawberry Puppy Chow! Truly, this sounds like my ideal Valentine’s Day celebration.
Why This Strawberry Puppy Chow Is Simply The Best!
I must apologize for sharing this incredible recipe right on Valentine’s Day, but please, do not let that deter you from making it! I genuinely believe this is the best puppy chow I have ever tasted. I’m completely serious, folks. It’s so good that I had to literally throw the bag on top of the refrigerator to stop myself from devouring the entire batch. (For context, I’m 5′ tall – despite what my husband might say – so reaching the top of the fridge is an impossible feat for me. It’s my go-to hiding spot when my self-control goes out the window.) And with this Strawberry Puppy Chow, my self-control was non-existent. It’s that unbelievably delicious.
I’ve often mentioned my lifelong love for puppy chow; it’s a snack I grew up with. My mother always kept a bag of it in our freezer, ready for us to grab a handful whenever the craving struck. There’s something inherently delightful about this simple, crunchy snack. What could possibly be better than crispy Chex cereal coated in rich peanut butter and dusted with powdered sugar? While this particular recipe doesn’t feature peanut butter, it certainly doesn’t need it. The vibrant, sweet strawberry flavor truly shines through. However, for those adventurous souls, you could absolutely add a touch of peanut butter and perhaps call it PB & J Puppy Chow… I think I’m onto something exciting there – keep an eye out for that variation someday!
(Isn’t that little heart-shaped freeze-dried strawberry just precious? It adds such a charming touch to this already delightful treat!)
Exploring the World of Puppy Chow (and a Crucial Warning!)
For those who love this type of snack, you might also enjoy my recipe for Puppy Chow Truffles, which are delightful bite-sized versions of our beloved Puppy Chow. These truffles were actually the second most popular recipe on my blog last year, making them definitely worth a try! And who doesn’t love a no-bake treat? They require virtually no time to prepare, meaning you’ll be enjoying a sweet snack almost instantly.
Some people affectionately refer to Puppy Chow as Muddy Buddies, but rest assured, they are one and the same delicious thing. When I was growing up, we always called it Puppy Chow, and that name has stuck with me ever since. However, it’s incredibly important for me to mention this: PLEASE DO NOT FEED THIS TO DOGS! When I first posted the Puppy Chow Truffles recipe, I received numerous comments and emails from concerned readers letting me know that I shouldn’t be feeding “Puppy Chow Truffles” to actual dogs. While I appreciate the concern, it’s a common misconception due to the name. So, here is your explicit warning: this is a human treat only. If I receive a comment or email about feeding this to dogs, I’ll know you skipped over this crucial part of the post! End of rant, but seriously, keep it for yourself!
Crafting Your Own Addictive Strawberry Puppy Chow
This Strawberry Puppy Chow is truly a marvel of addictive deliciousness. For this particular recipe, I’ve used Vanilla Chex Mix, strawberry cake mix, freeze-dried strawberries, powdered sugar, vibrant candy melts, and M&M’s. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. It essentially involves gently mixing the crispy Chex cereal with the melted chocolate and dry powdered ingredients, and that’s practically it! While I might be sharing this recipe later than ideal for Valentine’s Day, please remember it’s a treat that can be made and enjoyed at any time of year. The festive heart-shaped bowl simply makes it look extra appropriate for a romantic holiday!
I actually doubled this recipe to ensure we had plenty at home for our cozy weekend, and then I sent the rest to my husband’s workplace. Seriously, thank goodness his coworkers are always willing to help us clear out the abundance of sweets that come out of my kitchen, otherwise, all these treats would definitely send me straight to the dentist! But it’s Valentine’s Day, after all, and isn’t that what it’s all about – indulging in a little sweetness and sharing treats with those you care about?
Strawberry Puppy Chow
Prep
Total
Author
Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield
12
Strawberry Puppy Chow is deliciously sweet, crunchy and highly addictive. A tasty and sweet snack your sweetheart is sure to love!
Ingredients
- 5 cups Vanilla cereal, divided into 2 bowls
- 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
- 4 oz pink candy melts
- 4 oz red candy melts
- 1/2 cup M&M’S (I used Strawberry Chocolate)
Instructions
- In a large Ziploc bag combine cake mix, sugar and freeze dried strawberries, mixing to combine. Set aside.
- Microwave 4 ounces of candy melts(red or pink) in the microwave in 30 second intervals until melted.
- Once melted pour over the first bowl Chex mix. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Measure out 3/4 cup of dry ingredients and add into the bowl with the chocolate covered Chex. Mix to combine. Set aside.
- Microwave the remaining 4 ounces of candy melts in the microwave in 30 second intervals until melted.
- Pour melted chocolate over the second bowl of Chex. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Add in the remaining dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- In a large bowl, combine both bowls of colored Chex Mix and add in your M&M’S.
- Stir to combine and enjoy!
Cuisine
Snack
Effortless Deliciousness: The Joy of a No-Bake Treat
Did I forget to mention that this glorious treat is completely no-bake? YES! That’s right, no oven required, which means there’s truly no excuse not to whip up a batch of this fantastic snack. I promise you, it’s not only absolutely delicious but also incredibly addictive. You will likely lose all self-control, just as I did. But fear not! The perfect solution is to send any remaining Strawberry Puppy Chow to work with your significant other or bring it to your best friend. Share the love, and share what I confidently declare to be the BEST puppy chow ever!
Tips for Perfect Puppy Chow Every Time
Achieving that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and coating is key to an unforgettable batch of Puppy Chow. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your Strawberry Puppy Chow turns out flawlessly:
- Gentle Mixing is Key: When coating the Chex cereal, use a large spoon or spatula and mix gently. This prevents the cereal from crumbling too much, preserving that satisfying crunch.
- Even Coating: Make sure each piece of cereal gets a good coating of the melted candy melts. This ensures consistent flavor and texture throughout. Working in batches, as outlined in the recipe, helps achieve this.
- Sifting Dry Ingredients: For a smoother, lump-free coating, consider sifting your powdered sugar and strawberry cake mix together before adding them to the Ziploc bag. This step can make a noticeable difference.
- Quality Freeze-Dried Strawberries: The quality of your freeze-dried strawberries will impact the overall flavor. Look for ones that are vibrant in color and easily crushable for optimal integration.
- Speed is Your Friend: Once the candy melts are warm, work relatively quickly to coat the cereal before the chocolate begins to set.
Storage and Gifting Your Strawberry Puppy Chow
This Strawberry Puppy Chow is fantastic for making ahead and stores wonderfully. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for an even longer lasting, chilled treat. For those who enjoy a firmer snack, storing it in the freezer for up to a month is also an excellent option. When it comes to gifting, this vibrant treat makes an excellent present for friends, teachers, or family. Simply package it in a decorative bag or a cute tin, add a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful, homemade gift that will surely be appreciated!
Wrapping Up Our Sweet Celebration
I truly hope you all had a wonderfully sweet Valentine’s Day, whether celebrated with grand gestures or quiet, cozy moments. As for me, it’s now time to settle in and truly enjoy our heart-shaped pizza, some freshly popped popcorn, and what’s left of our delightful Strawberry Puppy Chow. The perfect end to a perfect day will be snuggling up with my three favorite Valentines! Happy Valentine’s Day once again, and remember that every day is a good day for a little sweetness. ❤️
If you decide to make this incredibly easy and delicious recipe, please don’t hesitate to share a photo of your creation on social media! Tag me and use the hashtag #strawberryblondiekitchen. I absolutely love seeing what culinary delights you whip up!
