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- 9 cups rice chex cereal - 1 cup cherry-flavored candy melts - 1 cup cream cheese-flavored candy melts - 1/2 cup unsalted butter The main ingredients are simple and easy to find. Rice chex cereal serves as the base. The cherry-flavored candy melts add a sweet cherry taste. Cream cheese-flavored candy melts give it that classic cheesecake flavor. Unsalted butter helps to create a smooth blend. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers - 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped - 1 cup mini chocolate chips (for garnishing) To make it even better, we add some extra flavors. Vanilla extract brings warmth to the mix. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and a nice finish. Crushed graham crackers give a crunch, just like a cheesecake crust. Chopped dried cherries enhance the cherry taste. Finally, mini chocolate chips are for garnishing, adding a fun touch. You can find the full recipe to make this treat perfect! Start by measuring out 9 cups of rice chex cereal. Place it in a large mixing bowl. This cereal gives our puppy chow its crunch. Next, grab a microwave-safe bowl. Combine 1 cup of cherry-flavored candy melts and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter into the bowl. Microwave the candy melts and butter. Do this in 30-second intervals. After each interval, take it out and stir. Stirring is key! It helps create a smooth and creamy mixture. Once melted, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a flavor boost. Next, pour the melted cherry mixture over the rice chex cereal. Gently fold it together. Be careful not to crush the cereal. You want each piece to get coated evenly. After that, melt 1 cup of cream cheese-flavored candy melts using the same method. Drizzle this over the coated cereal. Fold again to ensure everything is covered. Now, grab a gallon-sized resealable bag. In it, mix 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers, and 1/2 cup of chopped dried cherries. Transfer the coated puppy chow into the bag. Seal it tightly and shake it well. This helps coat every piece. Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Once cool, you can sprinkle 1 cup of mini chocolate chips on top for some extra fun. To melt candy melts, use a microwave-safe bowl. Start with 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir the mixture. This helps it melt evenly and prevents burning. If you don’t have a microwave, use a double boiler. Just place a heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth. Coating your cereal is key to the right texture. Make sure each piece gets a good layer of candy. After coating, let it cool on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This allows the candy to set. To avoid clumping, mix gently. If you notice clumps forming, use your hands to break them apart. For a fun display, serve your puppy chow in a decorative bowl. You can line the bowl with parchment paper for a nice touch. To make it easy to share, pack the treat into individual snack bags. Tie each bag with a bright ribbon. This makes it a perfect gift or party treat. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow easily. Try using different fruit-flavored candy melts. You might enjoy strawberry, blueberry, or even orange. Each option will give you a new taste experience. Mix-ins can also add fun. Consider adding nuts like chopped almonds or walnuts. You can even drizzle some caramel over the mix for a sweet surprise. This will make your puppy chow even more special. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this treat. Look for gluten-free rice chex cereal and candy melts. There are many brands that make gluten-free options that taste great. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. You can also find vegan chocolate and candy melts. This way, everyone can enjoy the yummy flavors of puppy chow without worry. To keep your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow fresh, use an airtight container. A glass jar works well, or you can use a plastic food storage container. This helps to keep the puppy chow crunchy. Store it in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. A pantry shelf is a perfect spot. You can store your Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow for up to two weeks. After that, it may start to lose its crunch. Watch for signs of spoilage, like a stale smell or off taste. If you notice any clumps or moisture, it's best to throw it out. Enjoy it fresh for the best flavor! Yes, you can make Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow ahead of time. It stays fresh for several days. To prepare in advance, follow these steps: - Make the puppy chow as directed in the Full Recipe. - Allow it to cool completely before storing. - Place it in an airtight container. - Store it at room temperature. This keeps it crunchy and tasty. If you need a substitute, try these cereals: - Corn Chex - Honeycomb - Crispix These options work well. Each cereal will change the taste a bit. Corn Chex adds a sweet note, while Crispix has a nice crunch. Using fresh cherries is not ideal for this recipe. Fresh cherries add moisture. This can make the puppy chow soggy. If you want to use fresh cherries, chop them very finely. Drain any excess juice first. This way, you can keep a good texture. Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a fun and tasty treat you can make easily. We covered the main ingredients like Rice Chex and candy melts, plus tips to get the best results. Remember to store it properly to keep it fresh. You can even try different flavors or make dietary swaps. Experimenting can lead to new favorites! Enjoy crafting this snack, and share it with friends for added joy!

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

Indulge in the delightful world of Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow with this easy dessert recipe that's perfect for any occasion! This fun treat combines crunchy Rice Chex with sweet and tangy flavors that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you'll have a mouthwatering snack ready in no time. Let's make something special together! Click to explore the full recipe and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth!
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Ingredients
  

9 cups rice chex cereal

1 cup cherry-flavored candy melts

1 cup cream cheese-flavored candy melts

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup crushed graham crackers

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped

1 cup mini chocolate chips (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, measure the rice chex cereal and set aside.

    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cherry-flavored candy melts and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

      Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

        Pour the melted mixture over the rice chex cereal. Gently fold until evenly coated.

          In another bowl, melt the cream cheese-flavored candy melts following the same method as before.

            Drizzle the melted cream cheese-flavored mix over the coated cereal and fold gently again until all the cereal is covered.

              In a gallon-sized resealable bag, combine the powdered sugar, crushed graham crackers, and chopped dried cherries.

                Carefully transfer the coated puppy chow into the bag, seal it, and shake well until all pieces are coated with the sugar mixture.

                  Spread the puppy chow onto a large baking sheet in an even layer and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

                    Once cool, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for added garnish, if desired.

                      Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 8-10

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve in a decorative bowl lined with parchment paper or in individual snack bags tied with a ribbon for a fun treat!