This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a quick, no-bake snack mix that blends crunchy cereal with creamy white chocolate and bright strawberry flavor. It’s a fun treat for parties, movie nights, or gifting because it comes together in minutes and tastes like a fruity, sweet twist on classic snack mix.

Why You’ll Love It

You get the perfect mix of crunch, sweetness, and berry flavor with almost no effort. Melt, mix, shake, and you’re done — plus freeze-dried strawberries give a natural fruit sweetness without making the mix soggy.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

Rice or corn cereal (about 4 cups) — the crisp base that holds the coating.
White chocolate chips (about 1 cup) — melts smoothly to coat the cereal.
Freeze-dried strawberries (1 oz, ground into powder) — adds real strawberry flavor and color.
Powdered sugar — helps the coating set and gives the traditional puppy-chow finish.

Tools for This Recipe

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Baking pan
Parchment paper
Knife (optional for crushing berries)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

Step Block 1 — Prep & Batter

• Grind freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder.
• Mix the strawberry powder with powdered sugar in a bowl or large bag.
• Melt the white chocolate in short microwave intervals, stirring until smooth.
• Add the cereal to a bowl and pour the melted chocolate over it. Stir gently to coat.

Step Block 2 — Bake & Cool

(No baking required, but follows the structure)

• Transfer the coated cereal into the bag with the strawberry-sugar mixture.
• Seal and shake until every piece is coated.
• Spread the mix on a parchment-lined pan.
• Let it cool completely, about 10–15 minutes, until the coating sets.
• Break into pieces and serve.

Helpful Tips

Melt chocolate slowly — white chocolate scorches easily.
Shake the cereal in batches for the most even coating.
Use freeze-dried strawberries only; fresh or dried berries introduce moisture and soften the mix.
If the mix clumps, spread it out while warm and gently separate with a spatula.

Substitutions & Variations

Use white candy melts instead of white chocolate if preferred.
Swap the strawberries for freeze-dried raspberries for a tarter version.
Add a handful of crushed freeze-dried strawberries at the end for extra flavor.
Mix in mini marshmallows after coating for a strawberry-shortcake twist.

What to Serve With It

Great with iced tea, lemonade, or milk.
Perfect for parties, after-school snacks, lunchbox treats, or holiday dessert boards.
Cute for gifting in jars or treat bags.

Leftovers & Storage

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Fridge: Not recommended — moisture melts the coating.
Freezer: You can freeze for up to 1 month; thaw uncovered so it stays crisp.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe?
Yes — simply double all ingredients and shake in two batches.

Can I use flavored white chocolate?
Yes, as long as it melts smoothly.

Why won’t my chocolate melt evenly?
White chocolate overheats quickly. Reduce microwave intervals and stir frequently.

Can I use a different cereal shape?
Any crisp square or puff-style cereal works as long as it holds the coating.

Is this snack kid friendly?
Yes — it’s sweet, crunchy, and easy to portion.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is a simple, no-bake treat that brings a burst of berry sweetness to any occasion. It’s fast to make, easy to share, and always a crowd favorite. Give it a try the next time you want something fun and flavorful without turning on the oven.

Full Recipe