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Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow: A Delicious Treat for Your Furry Friends

Enjoy a sweet and crunchy treat with Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow! This delightful mix features Rice Chex cereal coated in a creamy white chocolate and peanut butter blend, enhanced with crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Perfect for parties or as a tasty snack, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
  • 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Make sure to measure everything out beforehand.
  2. Crush the Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Take your freeze-dried strawberries and place them in a zip-top bag. Using a rolling pin or your hands, crush them into small pieces. You want them to be fine enough to coat the puppy chow but still have some texture. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Cereal: In a large mixing bowl, add the 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal. This will be the base of your puppy chow, so make sure it’s in a bowl that’s big enough to allow for mixing later on.
  4. Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes total, depending on your microwave.
  5. Add Vanilla Extract: Once melted, stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will enhance the flavor of your puppy chow and give it a lovely aroma.
  6. Pour the Mixture Over the Cereal: Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the mixture into the cereal. Be patient and make sure all the cereal is coated evenly.
  7. Add Strawberry Cake Mix (Optional): If you want to amp up the strawberry flavor, sprinkle in the strawberry cake mix at this stage. Gently fold it in until it’s well incorporated.
  8. Prepare for Coating: In a large zip-top bag or a clean bowl, add the powdered sugar and the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. If you’re using the strawberry cake mix, you can add it here as well for an extra layer of flavor.
  9. Coat the Cereal: Once the cereal is well-coated with the chocolate mixture, transfer it to the zip-top bag or bowl with the powdered sugar and strawberry mixture. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and shake gently until all the pieces are coated.
  10. Add Mini Marshmallows and Sprinkles (Optional): If you want to make your puppy chow even more festive, now is the time to add mini marshmallows and sprinkles. Gently fold them into the coated cereal mixture.
  11. Let It Cool: Spread the puppy chow out on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to cool and set.
  12. Store or Serve: Once cooled, you can either serve it immediately or store it in an airtight container. If you’re planning to serve it later, make sure it’s completely cool before sealing it up to prevent any moisture from forming.
  13. Serving Suggestions: This puppy chow is perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Serve it in small cups or bowls for individual servings, or place it in a big bowl for everyone to dig in.
  14. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

  • For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding the optional strawberry cake mix.
  • Mini marshmallows and sprinkles are great for garnishing and adding a fun touch.
  • Ensure the puppy chow is completely cool before storing to maintain its crunchiness.