If you’re looking for a fun, no-bake treat that’s fruity, crunchy, and covered in powdered sugar goodness, this Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow has your name all over it. It’s a playful twist on the classic chocolate-and-peanut-butter version, but with white chocolate, freeze-dried strawberries, and strawberry cake mix that gives it that sweet shortcake flavor in every bite.
I started making this for spring get-togethers and birthday parties, but it’s quickly become my go-to when I want something fast, easy, and guaranteed to disappear in a flash. Bonus: It makes an adorable homemade gift when packed into jars or treat bags with a ribbon.
Here’s how I whip it up in just about 10 minutes—and how you can tweak it to fit your taste or the season.
Why I Love This Strawberry Puppy Chow
- No oven required: It’s 100% no-bake and done in minutes.
- Tastes like strawberry shortcake: Thanks to the cake mix and crushed strawberries, it’s got that nostalgic flavor.
- Perfect for sharing (or snacking straight from the bowl): It travels well, stores easily, and makes a great edible gift.
- Easily customizable: Want to add sprinkles? Swap the cereal? Go for it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 6 cups | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 minutes | Total Time: 12 minutes)
- 5 cups rice cereal squares (like Chex)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix (dry)
How I Make It Step-by-Step
1. Prep the Cereal
I pour the cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside so it’s ready to go as soon as the chocolate’s melted.
2. Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, I combine the white chocolate chips and butter. I microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each one, until smooth and fully melted. It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 minutes total.
Once melted, I stir in the vanilla extract for a little extra depth.
3. Coat the Cereal
I pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently toss with a spatula or big spoon until all the pieces are evenly coated. Be gentle here—you want to coat without crushing the cereal.
4. Shake It Up
In a large zip-top bag, I combine the powdered sugar, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and dry strawberry cake mix. Then I scoop the coated cereal into the bag, seal it tightly, and give it a good shake until every piece is covered in that sweet, strawberry-flavored powder.
5. Cool and Serve
I spread the mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer to let it cool and set. This helps prevent clumping and keeps the coating from getting sticky. Once it’s cooled completely, I transfer it to a serving bowl or airtight container.
It’s ready to serve right away—or stash for later if you don’t eat it all first.
Tips and Variations
- Add crunch: Mix in mini pretzels or crushed freeze-dried banana chips for texture.
- Add color: Toss in pink sprinkles or candy hearts for Valentine’s Day, or pastel ones for Easter.
- Make it gluten-free: Just be sure to use gluten-free cereal and cake mix.
- Try another flavor: Use lemon cake mix and lemon zest for a zesty spin, or chocolate cake mix and cocoa powder for a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe.
How I Store It
Once cooled, I store this puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to 5 days (though it rarely lasts that long in my house). If I’m gifting it, I portion it into small jars or cellophane treat bags tied with a ribbon—cute, easy, and always appreciated.
What I Serve It With
It’s a snack on its own, but I love adding it to:
- A dessert board with cookies, fruit, and chocolate-covered pretzels
- Movie night spreads alongside popcorn and candy
- Party favors for birthdays, baby showers, or springtime get-togethers
- Brunch buffets for a sweet little grab-and-go treat
FAQs from My Kitchen
Q: Can I skip the cake mix?
A: You can, but it’s what gives this recipe that “shortcake” flavor. If you skip it, consider adding more powdered sugar and a pinch of freeze-dried strawberry powder for balance.
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead?
A: Not for this version. Fresh strawberries add moisture and can make the puppy chow soggy. Stick to freeze-dried for crunch and flavor.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Just use a big enough bowl and zip-top bag, or divide it into batches.
Q: Is it safe to eat dry cake mix?
A: To be extra cautious, you can heat-treat the cake mix in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes before using. Let it cool completely before mixing in.
Why This Treat Is Always a Hit
This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is sweet, playful, and full of berry flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of snack that makes people smile the second they taste it—and that always gets asked about at parties. Whether you’re whipping it up for a celebration or just want to add something special to snack time, this one’s a total winner.
Try it out and let me know how you personalize yours—extra chocolate drizzle? Lemon zest? Crushed cookies mixed in? I love seeing how one simple recipe can turn into something totally yours.
Easy, Fruity, and Totally Addictive: My Favorite Twist on Classic Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cup strawberry cake mix (dry)
Instructions
- Melt the white chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a large bowl, combine the freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry cake mix.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the strawberry mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Add the powdered sugar to the bowl and toss until everything is well coated.
- Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool.
- Once cooled, break into pieces and serve.
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