The first time I made Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow, it was for a last-minute girls’ movie night pantry staples, and bam-this Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow stole the whole show. Sweet, creamy white chocolate hugs crunchy cereal, while a dusting of strawberry sugar gives it that tart berry twist. The pink hue? Just adorable. It’s a treat that looks like a party in a bowl and tastes even better.
Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, Valentine’s Day, or just when you need something quick and sweet, this easy no-bake snack mixes nostalgic puppy chow with fruity, summery vibes. Best of all, it comes together in under 15 minutes using just four ingredients!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You only need four easy ingredients, and you don’t even have to turn on your oven. This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow comes together in just 15 minutes—no fancy tools or skills needed.
It’s fun to make with kids (hello, messy hands and sugar clouds) and makes the cutest gift when tucked into jars or treat bags. The pretty pink color makes it feel extra special, whether you’re serving it at a baby shower or enjoying it solo on the couch. Plus, the sweet strawberry-cream flavor is absolutely crave-worthy.
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk through the essentials so you know exactly what you’re working with.
Chex Cereal or Alternatives
Rice Chex gives a light, crispy bite, while Corn Chex adds a slightly sturdier crunch. If neither is in your pantry, Crispix works beautifully too. Just steer clear of flavored varieties.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries vs. Strawberry Powder
Freeze-dried strawberries are easy to blend into powder with a food processor. Or, save a step and buy ready-made strawberry powder. Either option delivers that bright, tart berry flavor without adding moisture.
White Chocolate Options
Use white chocolate chips, vanilla candy melts, or white almond bark. All melt smoothly and coat the cereal nicely. Don’t use regular milk or dark chocolate here—white chocolate helps bring out that “strawberries and cream” flavor we’re after.
The Role of Icing Sugar
Powdered sugar binds the strawberry powder to the cereal. It also gives the final mix that classic, sweet puppy chow finish. No swaps here—this one’s essential.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this quick and easy strawberry shortcake puppy chow, step by step.
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Sugar Mixture
Start by placing the freeze-dried strawberries into a food processor. Blend until you get a fine, pink powder. In a bowl, mix this with the icing sugar until fully combined. Pour the mixture into a large zip-top freezer bag and set it aside.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
Add your white chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each. Continue until smooth. Be patient—rushing this step can lead to burnt chocolate.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the melted chocolate over your Chex cereal. Stir slowly to coat evenly without breaking the pieces.
Step 4: Toss with Strawberry Sugar
Next, scoop the coated cereal into the prepared bag with the strawberry-sugar mixture. Seal it well. Then gently shake and turn the bag until all the cereal is coated in that gorgeous pink dust.
Step 5: Set and Store
Pour the finished puppy chow onto a lined baking sheet. Spread it out and pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. Once it’s set, your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is ready to store or serve right away.
Tips for Best Results
Work in small batches when tossing the cereal. It makes the coating more even. Melt the chocolate slowly and carefully—it’s easy to scorch if overheated.
Also, don’t try to substitute with fresh or regular dried fruit. The moisture will ruin the crisp texture. And don’t skip the powdered sugar—it’s key to getting that classic puppy chow finish.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Need to switch it up? Use vanilla candy melts or white almond bark in place of white chocolate. For a flavor twist, try freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries.
No Chex? Crispix is a great alternative. Just avoid cereals that are too thin or flavored—they won’t hold up as well.
Storage Guidelines
Store your puppy chow at room temperature in an airtight container. Don’t refrigerate it—the moisture can make the coating sticky. If the powder settles, give the container a gentle shake every few days to refresh it.
This treat keeps well for up to a week, but it rarely lasts that long!
Nutrition Estimate (Per Batch)
- Calories: 1500–1700
- Protein: 10–15g
- Fat: 70–80g
- Carbs: 230–250g
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe Card
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Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A sweet, no-bake snack made with Chex cereal, creamy white chocolate, and tangy strawberry-sugar coating. Perfect for parties, gifting, or cozy movie nights.
Ingredients
1 ounce freeze-dried strawberries (or pre-packaged dried strawberry powder)
4 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal (Crispix or plain rice squares also work)
1 cup white chocolate chips (or vanilla candy melts/white almond bark)
1/3 cup icing sugar (aka powdered or confectioner’s sugar)
Instructions
1. Place freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and blend into a fine powder. Alternatively, use dried strawberry powder.
2. Mix strawberry powder with icing sugar until evenly combined. Pour mixture into a 1-gallon freezer bag and set aside.
3. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
4. Gently fold melted chocolate into a large bowl with cereal until evenly coated.
5. Transfer chocolate-coated cereal to the bag with strawberry-sugar mixture. Seal and gently toss to coat cereal evenly.
6. Spread coated cereal on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
7. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
Use Rice Chex for a light crunch or Corn Chex for a heartier texture.
Crispix cereal is a good alternative if Chex isn’t available.
Do not use fresh or dried fruit (with moisture) as it affects texture.
White chocolate may be replaced with candy melts or almond bark, but not regular chocolate if aiming for strawberries-and-cream flavor.
No substitutes for powdered sugar; it’s essential for the classic coating.
Work in batches when tossing cereal for even coverage.
Avoid overheating the chocolate—melt slowly in short bursts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Related Recipes to Try
If you love easy, sweet treats, you’ll also enjoy these:
- Strawberry Lemon Blondies for a chewy, tart twist
- Easy Edible Cookie Dough when you need a no-bake chocolate fix
- Gluten-Free No-Bake Cookies for something cozy and allergy-friendly
- Air Fryer Apples – Quick & Cozy for a warm fall snack
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow brings big flavor in a sweet, bite-sized snack. It’s bright, fruity, and ready in no time—perfect for parties, gifting, or just a fun treat to share. I love keeping a jar of this on the counter. It disappears fast!
If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Snap a photo, tag it, and share it on Pinterest. Happy snacking, friend!
