Devilish Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in 20 Minutes

Name: Devilish Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in 20 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ounce package freeze-dried strawberries (or dried strawberry powder); 4 cups rice or corn chex mix cereal; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1/3 cup icing sugar

by Jannet Lisa

3 de July de 2025

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Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow—talk about a flavor explosion! I whipped up this crazy-delicious snack mix last summer when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to bake a whole cake. I was playing around with freeze-dried strawberries (because, obsessed!) and boom, this magic happened. This isn’t your grandma’s puppy chow; the burst of strawberry with the creamy white chocolate is seriously addictive. It’s crunchy, sweet, and has that melt-in-your-mouth thing going on. I always add a little extra strawberry powder, because why not? It’s perfect for an easy homemade strawberry dessert or even just Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow for movie night. Ready to dive in?

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

It tastes like summer in every bite! The strawberry flavor is seriously intense.
Prep is ridiculously easy—we’re talking 20 minutes max.
No baking required! Just melt, mix, and chill.
It’s way more affordable than buying pre-made snack mixes.
You can customize the sweetness to your liking. Add more or less powdered sugar!
The texture is amazing: crunchy cereal, smooth chocolate, and a little bit of powdery goodness.
It’s the perfect treat to make with kids; they’ll love helping!
This homemade puppy chow is a total crowd-pleaser. Watch it disappear at parties!

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

1 ounce package freeze-dried strawberries: These are key for that intense strawberry flavor! If you can’t find them, use dried strawberry powder, but the freeze-dried kind really packs a punch.
4 cups rice or corn Chex mix cereal: I usually go for rice Chex because it’s a little lighter, but corn Chex works great too! Either way, this is the base of our crunchy, sweet snack mix.
1 cup white chocolate chips: Go for a good quality white chocolate; it makes all the difference. Trust me, the cheap stuff just doesn’t melt as nicely.
1/3 cup icing sugar: This adds sweetness and helps the strawberry powder stick to the cereal. Don’t skip it!

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Step 1: First, grab those freeze-dried strawberries. We’re turning them into a flavor bomb! Toss them into your food processor and pulse until they’re a super-fine powder. It should smell amazing—like a field of fresh strawberries. Seriously, if you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries, you can also use a dried strawberry powder.
Step 2: Now, in a small bowl, whisk together that strawberry powder with the icing sugar. This is our coating, so make sure it’s evenly mixed. The color should be a beautiful, even pink.
Step 3: Pour the pink mixture into a 1-gallon freezer bag. Seal it up tight—we don’t want any of that goodness escaping! Set it aside for now.
Step 4: Time for the white chocolate! Pop those white chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until they’re completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn them! Nobody wants grainy chocolate.
Step 5: In a large bowl, gently fold the melted white chocolate into the Chex cereal. Coat the cereal evenly, but be gentle—we don’t want to crush it. Every piece should be glistening with white chocolatey goodness.
Step 6: Transfer the chocolate-covered cereal into the freezer bag with the strawberry-sugar powder. Seal that bag up tight and gently toss, toss, toss! Make sure every single piece of cereal is evenly coated in that pink strawberry deliciousness. It should look like a winter wonderland, but pink and strawberry-flavored.
Step 7: Lay the coated cereal mix on a baking sheet in a single layer, spreading it out evenly. This helps it set properly.
Step 8: Pop the baking sheet into the fridge for about 15 minutes. This lets the chocolate set and everything gets nice and firm.
Step 9: Once chilled, break up any clumps and store your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in an airtight container. Now, try not to eat it all at once!

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

These little tweaks will take your puppy chow to the next level. Trust me, I’ve made batches and batches to perfect this! Here are my secrets for seriously addictive strawberry goodness:

Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It’s crucial for setting the chocolate and preventing a melty mess.
Taste as you go! Adjust the amount of strawberry powder and powdered sugar to your liking. Some like it sweeter, some like it more tart.
Use a large enough bowl when mixing the cereal and melted chocolate. You want plenty of room to toss without crushing the cereal.

What’s the secret to perfect Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow?

It’s all about the strawberry powder! Using high-quality freeze-dried strawberries that are ground super fine makes a huge difference in the flavor and texture. You want that intense strawberry flavor in every single bite of this strawberry dessert!

Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often do. This homemade snack mix keeps really well. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week. Perfect for parties or just a sweet treat whenever the craving hits!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow?

The biggest mistake is not melting the white chocolate properly. Microwave in short bursts and stir frequently to prevent burning. Burnt chocolate is a no-go! Also, make sure the cereal is fully coated with the chocolate mixture before adding the strawberry powder. This helps the powder stick evenly for that perfect strawberry shortcake flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of this amazing strawberry snack mix—now what? First off, presentation matters! Pile it high in a cute bowl for parties, or portion it out into little baggies for an on-the-go treat. It’s fantastic on its own, but if you want to get fancy, try sprinkling it over vanilla ice cream for a strawberry shortcake sundae vibe. I also love adding it to a yogurt parfait for a little extra crunch and sweetness in the morning. Honestly, this puppy chow is so versatile, it’s perfect anytime you need a little something sweet!

Nutrition Facts for Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s what you can expect in each serving of this delightful snack. Keep in mind, I’m a home cook, not a scientist, so these are just estimates. A ½ cup serving of Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow contains approximately:

Calories: 250
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg

This is an estimate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients you use!

How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Okay, so you’ve managed *not* to eat the entire batch in one sitting? Impressive! To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow fresh and crunchy, storage is key. I always use an airtight container; it’s a must! This keeps out moisture and prevents the cereal from getting soggy. At room temperature, it’ll stay perfect for about a week—if it lasts that long! For longer storage, you *can* freeze it, but the texture might change slightly. I recommend freezing in small portions for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature; no need to reheat—it’s best enjoyed cold and crunchy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Got questions about this awesome homemade snack mix? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about my Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow recipe—plus a few extra tips and tricks to make sure yours turns out perfect!

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! While white chocolate gives that classic strawberry shortcake vibe, you can totally experiment. Milk chocolate would add a richer, sweeter flavor, while dark chocolate would offer a more intense and slightly bitter contrast. What about peanut butter chips for a strawberry-peanut butter twist? The possibilities are endless! Just make sure to use a good quality chocolate that melts smoothly. Will it still be Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow? Maybe not, but it will be delicious!

What if I can’t find freeze-dried strawberries?

No freeze-dried strawberries? No problem! You have a couple of options. First, check the baby food aisle—sometimes you can find pure freeze-dried strawberry powder there. Alternatively, you can use strawberry-flavored gelatin powder (like Jell-O), but be aware that it will add a *lot* of extra sweetness, so you might want to reduce the amount of icing sugar. Can I use fresh strawberries? I don’t recommend it, as they’ll add too much moisture and make the puppy chow soggy. But if you’re set on a fresh strawberry flavor, maybe consider making a strawberry glaze to drizzle over the finished product instead. Is strawberry extract a good choice? It can be! Just add it sparingly to the melted white chocolate.

How do I prevent the cereal from getting soggy?

Soggy cereal is the enemy of all good puppy chow! The key is to make sure the chocolate is fully set before storing it. That’s why the refrigeration step is so important. Also, store the puppy chow in an airtight container to keep out moisture. Is there a specific type of container that works best? Glass or plastic both work well, as long as they seal tightly. What if I live in a humid climate? You might want to add a desiccant packet to the container to absorb any extra moisture. Can I revive soggy puppy chow? Sadly, no. Prevention is key!

Variations of Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow You Can Try

Vegan: Swap the white chocolate chips for a vegan white chocolate alternative, and make sure your icing sugar is vegan-friendly (some brands use bone char in processing). The rest of the recipe is already naturally vegan! This way, everyone can enjoy this strawberry snack mix.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free Chex mix or another gluten-free crispy rice cereal. This simple swap makes it safe for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing any of the crunch or flavor.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry: Use a mix of milk chocolate and freeze-dried strawberries. Drizzle some melted white chocolate on top for that classic chocolate-covered strawberry look and flavor. It’s like a fancy strawberry dessert, but way easier!
Lemon Strawberry: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the melted white chocolate and a pinch of citric acid to the strawberry powder mixture. This adds a bright, tangy twist that complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly. You won’t believe how much this elevates the old-fashioned puppy chow!