Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe
If you’re ready to fall in love with a treat that’s bright, berry-packed, and just a little bit magical, you’ll adore this Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow. This playful spin on classic “muddy buddies” combines snappy Rice Chex and nostalgic Golden Oreos with a white chocolate-strawberry coating that is pure joy in every handful. Whether you need a picnic-ready snack, a party-perfect sweet, or just something fun to make with the kids, Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is about to become your next go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of key ingredients for this recipe, but each one brings something special. From the cereal’s crunch to the sweet-tangy burst of crushed strawberries, every component is there for a reason—coming together to make Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow irresistible.
- Rice Chex cereal: The light, crispy base that soaks up all that delicious coating without getting soggy.
- White chocolate chips: Melts to perfection and adds creamy richness to each bite.
- Freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed: This is the secret to a bright, all-natural berry tang with an extra hit of color.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the puppy chow that classic sweet dusting and helps everything stick together.
- Golden Oreos, crushed: A nostalgic cookie that brings in vanilla shortcake flavors and crave-worthy texture.
- Strawberry cake mix: Boosts the pink color and gives a little bakery magic to the party.
- Coconut oil: Just a bit helps the white chocolate melt ultra-smooth for easy mixing.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prep Your Cereal Base
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and pour in the Rice Chex cereal. This step is all about having everything ready to go—spreading the cereal out ensures each piece will get perfectly coated with that dreamy white chocolate-strawberry blend.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate and Coconut Oil
Combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each one, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. The coconut oil helps the chocolate melt evenly and cling beautifully to the cereal.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over your bowl of Rice Chex. Gently fold everything together—you want each crispy square to get a glossy, generous coating but also stay intact. Patience pays off here!
Step 4: Mix Up the Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Powder
Take a large, gallon-size zip-top bag (or a container with a tight lid) and add the powdered sugar, strawberry cake mix, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and crushed Golden Oreos. Seal the bag and give it a quick shake to blend everything together. This is your “shortcake” magic dust.
Step 5: Shake and Coat
Now transfer the white chocolate-coated cereal into the bag with your strawberry shortcake mix. Seal it up tightly, then shake-shake-shake until every piece is lushly coated in that signature blush-pink and covered in vanilla-strawberry goodness.
Step 6: Set and Enjoy
Spread your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow out onto a baking sheet to cool. Give it about 15 minutes to set up—the flavors and textures will meld, and it loads perfectly into snack bowls or airtight jars for storage.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Garnishes
Top your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow with a sprinkle of extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries or a few mini white chocolate chips for a festive look. For something special, finish with a handful of pastel sprinkles—guaranteed to grab attention at any gathering!
Side Dishes
This treat pairs beautifully with chilled fresh berries, lemonade, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Lay it out alongside a fruit platter or pair it with salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn to balance the sweetness for a perfect party or movie night snack board.
Creative Ways to Present
Divide your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow into cute jars or treat bags for gifting. Try layering it in tall glasses with whipped cream and extra strawberries for a parfait-inspired twist. For parties, let guests scoop their own into mini paper cones or cupcake liners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crisp and satisfying for up to a week—if it even lasts that long!
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, pop it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and give it a gentle shake before serving to refresh those lovely coatings.
Reheating
This treat is best served at room temperature, but if it’s gotten a little too chilly or firm from the fridge or freezer, just let it sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave so the chocolate coating stays set and the cereal remains crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal if I don’t have Rice Chex?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex gives the perfect crunch, you can swap in corn Chex, Crispix, or even bite-size shredded wheat for a different base—the flavor will still be delightful.
Is it safe to eat the raw strawberry cake mix?
Most store-bought cake mixes are pasteurized, but for extra safety, you can spread the cake mix out on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria before using.
Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow nut-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally nut-free as long as you use nut-free chocolate chips and check the labels on your cake mix and cookies for any potential allergens.
Why use freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh?
Freeze-dried strawberries deliver intense berry flavor and that beautiful pink color without any sogginess. Fresh fruit would add too much moisture, which can make the cereal go soft and sticky.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Swap the white chocolate chips for a dairy-free or vegan version and use plant-based Golden Oreo alternatives. Also, make sure your cake mix is vegan-friendly, and you’re all set!
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with a batch of Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow—it’s as fun to make as it is to share and eat. Whether you’re treating kids, brightening up a party, or just craving a little nostalgia, whip up a batch and let this berry-bright snack steal the show!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delightful twist on classic puppy chow with the flavors of strawberry shortcake. Crunchy, sweet, and utterly addictive, this Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is perfect for snacking or as a party treat.
Ingredients
- 5 cups
Rice Chex Cereal
- 1 1/2 cups
White Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup, finely crushed
Freeze-Dried Strawberries
- 1 cup
Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 cup, crushed
Golden Oreos
- 1/4 cup
Strawberry Cake Mix
- 1 tablespoon
Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal: Place the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal, stirring gently to coat.
- Prepare Coating: In a Ziploc bag, combine powdered sugar, strawberry cake mix, crushed strawberries, and crushed Oreos.
- Coat Cereal Again: Transfer the coated cereal into the bag, seal, and shake until evenly coated.
- Set and Serve: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet to cool and set for 15 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- This puppy chow can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Feel free to customize by adding sprinkles or extra crushed Oreos for more flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Melting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow Recipe, Strawberry Shortcake Snack, Party Treats
