Go Back
Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow recipe card

Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Sweet strawberry shortcake-flavored snack mix made with Rice Chex, white chocolate, and freeze-dried strawberries.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup strawberry cake mix dry
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 cup mini vanilla marshmallows optional
  • 1/4 cup crushed golden Oreos optional

Method
 

  1. Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. Add the white chocolate chips and butter to a microwave-safe bowl.
  3. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
  4. Stir in the vanilla bean paste and strawberry cake mix until completely combined and evenly colored.
  5. Pour the warm strawberry–white chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex.
  6. Gently fold the cereal with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
  7. Add the powdered sugar and crushed freeze-dried strawberries to a large zip-top bag.
  8. Transfer the coated cereal to the bag, seal it, and shake until every piece is well coated and no shiny spots remain.
  9. Spread the mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet and let it cool completely.
  10. Once cooled and dry, sprinkle the mini marshmallows and crushed golden Oreos over the cereal and gently toss to combine.
  11. Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

- Use unsalted butter to keep the flavor sweet and avoid oversalting the snack mix.
- Crush the freeze-dried strawberries into small bits and fine dust so they distribute evenly over the cereal.
- Do not overheat the white chocolate; short microwave bursts with stirring help prevent scorching.
- Let the mixture cool completely on the baking sheet so it sets crisp and does not clump in storage.