Description
Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful no-bake snack featuring crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a creamy white chocolate and cream cheese mixture with fresh lemon zest and juice. The addition of crushed freeze-dried blueberries adds a burst of berry flavor without moisture, keeping the snack perfectly crispy. Finished with powdered sugar for a sweet touch and easy handling, this recipe offers a tangy, sweet, and crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries, crushed
- 3/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries (for folding in)
Instructions
- Crush freeze-dried blueberries: Place 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or pulse briefly in a food processor. Set aside for coating later.
- Melt white chocolate, butter, and cream cheese: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and smooth, taking care to avoid burning.
- Add lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Pour mixture over cereal: Place 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm cheesecake mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated with the white chocolate mixture.
- Add freeze-dried blueberries: Sprinkle 3/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries into the coated cereal and fold gently to disperse them evenly without breaking the cereal.
- Add powdered sugar and crushed blueberries: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and the crushed freeze-dried blueberries you prepared earlier. Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously until all the cereal pieces are fully coated and dry to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Spread the coated puppy chow onto a baking sheet in a single layer and allow it to cool completely for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy your delicious blueberry lemon cheesecake puppy chow.
Notes
- Do not use fresh blueberries; their moisture will make snack soggy.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps and uneven coating.
- Melt white chocolate on low heat to prevent burning.
- Add powdered sugar only after the cereal is evenly coated to avoid clumping.
- Crush freeze-dried blueberries finely so they stick well to the cereal.
- Store puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix Snack, No-Bake Dessert, Blueberry Snack, Lemon Cheesecake Snack
