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Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow featured

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow

A crunchy, creamy, fruity, and lemony snack mix inspired by classic muddy buddies.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 10 cups
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

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 bean paste
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries crushed
  • 3/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries

Method
 

  1. Place 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely powdered, then set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan over low heat, add the white chocolate chips, softened cream cheese, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla bean paste, and salt until evenly combined.
  4. Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm cheesecake mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
  5. Add the 3/4 cup whole freeze-dried blueberries to the coated cereal and gently fold to distribute them evenly.
  6. Transfer the coated cereal mixture to a gallon-size zip-top bag. Add the powdered sugar and the crushed freeze-dried blueberry powder, seal the bag, and shake until all pieces are dry and evenly coated.
  7. Spread the puppy chow in a single layer on a baking sheet and let cool at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

- Do not use fresh blueberries; their moisture will make the snack soggy.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened so it melts smoothly into the white chocolate.
- Keep the heat low and stir constantly when melting the white chocolate mixture to prevent scorching or seizing.
- Add powdered sugar only after the cereal is evenly coated with the warm mixture.
- Crush the freeze-dried blueberries finely to help them adhere well and color the coating.
- Store the cooled puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Do not refrigerate; refrigeration causes the mix to soften.
- Portion into small snack bags for easy serving or gifting.