Valentine’s Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

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Sweet, pink, and irresistibly crunchy, this Valentine’s Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is the ultimate treat for love month—or anytime you’re craving something festive and fun. Think Chex cereal tossed in creamy white chocolate, cheesecake pudding mix, and a hint of strawberry bliss. It’s pretty in pink and dangerously easy to eat by the handful.

Whether you’re prepping cute snack bags for school parties or surprising your sweetheart with a homemade treat, this no-bake dessert is a showstopper. It comes together quickly, requires no oven time, and brings that playful charm only puppy chow can. Bonus points if you toss in some heart-shaped sprinkles or mini marshmallows for extra flair.

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What Kind of Cereal Should I Use for Valentine’s Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow?

Rice Chex or Corn Chex are your best bet here. Their light, crispy texture holds up well to the melted chocolate and absorbs flavor without turning soggy. You can also use a mix of both for added crunch and contrast. Stick with unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties—this mix gets plenty of sweetness from the coatings.

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Ingredients for the Valentine’s Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

• Rice Chex cereal – The base of our mix, perfect for soaking in all the creamy coatings while staying crisp.
• White chocolate chips – They melt into a smooth, sweet coating that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake flavor.
• Strawberry cake mix – Adds that vibrant color and a fruity twist that screams Valentine’s Day.
• Cheesecake instant pudding mix – Gives a rich, creamy tang that mimics real cheesecake in snack form.
• Powdered sugar – Helps everything cling together and adds that classic puppy chow dusted finish.
• Valentine’s sprinkles or heart candies – Optional, but they add sparkle and personality.
• Mini marshmallows or pink candy melts (optional) – Fun mix-ins that add variety and more color.

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How To Make the Valentine’s Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep Your Workstation

Lay out parchment or wax paper on a large baking sheet or your counter for easy cleanup. Have a large mixing bowl ready for the cereal and a zip-top bag or container for coating.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. If using pink candy melts, melt them at the same time in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour the Chex cereal into a large bowl. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cereal and gently stir to coat each piece evenly. You want a glossy finish but not soggy pieces.

Step 4: Add the Flavors

Sprinkle in the strawberry cake mix, cheesecake pudding mix, and powdered sugar. Seal the cereal in a large zip-top bag and shake it up until each bite is fully coated. Add more powdered sugar if needed.

Step 5: Mix in Extras

Once coated and cooled, toss in any extras like heart sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or candy-coated chocolates. Transfer to a serving bowl or store in an airtight container.

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How to Serve and Store This Sweet Snack

Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow in decorative bowls, mason jars, or festive treat bags. It’s perfect for Valentine’s parties, teacher gifts, or simply snacking while binge-watching your favorite rom-coms. To store, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—if it lasts that long!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make puppy chow?

You can make it up to a week ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and crunch.

Can I use other types of cereal?

Absolutely! Crispix, Corn Chex, or even plain Cheerios can work, but Chex holds the coating best.

Do I have to use strawberry cake mix?

Not at all—you could swap in red velvet or vanilla, but strawberry gives that signature pink hue and flavor.

What if I can’t find cheesecake pudding mix?

You can substitute with vanilla pudding mix for a similar creamy flavor. Add a touch of lemon zest or cream cheese powder if desired.

Is this gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free Chex and confirm your other ingredients are gluten-free, then yes!

Can I freeze puppy chow?

Freezing isn’t ideal—it can cause the coating to get sticky once thawed. Best to enjoy fresh.

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Want More No-Bake Dessert Ideas?

If you loved this sweet strawberry twist, you’ll definitely want to explore these other creative no-bake or quick-prep treats:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a snowy, melt-in-your-mouth delight.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for a fruity, creamy layered treat.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies if you want to keep the cheesecake theme going.
• Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow for another variation in flavor and color.
• Winter Brittle for a crunchy-sweet twist with festive flair.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add pink candy melts or stick to just white chocolate? Did the marshmallows make it into the bowl—or did you snack on them early?

I love hearing how you all put your own spin on these recipes. Ask questions, share ideas—let’s spread the sweet love! 💕

👉 Find more of my daily treats over on Pinterest: Life with Jam

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