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Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Strawberry shortcake puppy chow is a sweet snack mix of golden-coated Chex cereal pieces tossed in melted white chocolate, then dusted in a pink-and-white powdered coating. Expect crunchy squares coated evenly with strawberry flavor and a cake-mix hint, with a quick cool step for best texture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cereal coating
  • 3 cup Chex cereal
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 0.25 tsp strawberry extract
Pink powdered coating
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
  • 1 tbsp vanilla cake mix powder

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Melt the chocolate coating
  1. Melt the butter and white chocolate chips together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
  2. Stir in the strawberry extract until fully incorporated and glossy.
Coat the cereal
  1. Add the Chex cereal to the chocolate mixture and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Spread the coated cereal on a parchment-lined sheet pan to cool for 2-3 minutes, until slightly set and less glossy.
Dust and finish
  1. Combine the powdered sugar, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and vanilla cake mix powder in a small bowl.
  2. Transfer the warm cereal to a large zip-top bag, add the powdered sugar mixture, seal, and shake until all pieces are evenly coated.
  3. Spread on parchment paper to cool completely before serving so the coating firms up and stays powdery.

Notes

For the most even pink coating, let the chocolate-coated cereal rest on the tray for the full 2–3 minutes before bag-shaking—too-hot chocolate can turn the powder pasty. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; freezing isn’t recommended because the powdered coating can soften. For a lighter option, use sugar-free powdered sugar and a reduced-sugar white chocolate chip substitute (texture may vary slightly).