Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Introduction
Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful, no-bake snack that combines tangy cheesecake flavors with a burst of blueberry goodness. This crunchy treat is perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime you crave a sweet and fruity snack.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries, crushed
- 3/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries (whole, for folding in)
Instructions
- Step 1: Crush the freeze-dried blueberries by placing 1/3 cup in a zip-top bag and gently crushing with a rolling pin, or pulse in a food processor. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips, butter, and softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Step 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 evenly coated.
- Step 5: Add the whole freeze-dried blueberries and fold gently into the coated cereal.
- Step 6: Transfer the coated cereal into a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar and the crushed freeze-dried blueberries. Seal the bag and shake until everything is coated and dry.
- Step 7: Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet and let it cool completely for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use crushed freeze-dried blueberries instead of fresh to keep the puppy chow crispy.
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing to avoid clumps and ensure smooth coating.
- Melt white chocolate gently over low heat to prevent burning.
- Try using Crispix or Corn Chex cereal as an alternative for a different texture.
- For a lighter flavor, low-fat cream cheese can be used but expect less richness.
Storage
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the snack soft. For easy portion control or gifting, store in small snack bags.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal?
Yes, Crispix or Corn Chex cereals work well as flavorful alternatives.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but it will result in a less rich texture and flavor compared to full-fat cream cheese.
Does this need to be refrigerated?
No, keep it sealed in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispiness.
How long will this last?
It stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored properly in a cool, dry place.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture becomes soggy when thawed.
PrintBlueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe
Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful no-bake snack mix combining the tangy cream cheese and lemon flavors of cheesecake with the crispiness of Rice Chex cereal. It’s coated with melted white chocolate and a powdered sugar blueberry blend for a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for snacking or parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus cooling
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries, crushed
- 3/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries (whole, for folding in)
Wet Ingredients
- 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 extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Crush freeze-dried blueberries: Place 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries into a zip-top bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor. Set aside.
- Melt white chocolate, butter, and cream cheese: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until smooth and fully melted to create the cheesecake coating.
- Add lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until fully combined to enhance the cheesecake flavor.
- Pour mixture over cereal: Place 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm white chocolate and cream cheese mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Add freeze-dried blueberries: Sprinkle in 3/4 cup whole freeze-dried blueberries and carefully fold them into the coated cereal for bursts of berry flavor and texture.
- Add powdered sugar and crushed blueberries: Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and the crushed freeze-dried blueberries from step one. Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously until all pieces are well coated and dry, preventing stickiness.
- Cool and serve: Spread the puppy chow out on a baking sheet to cool completely for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy this sweet, tangy snack.
Notes
- Do not use fresh blueberries as they add moisture and make the snack soggy.
- Always soften cream cheese before melting to avoid clumps and ensure smooth coating.
- Melt the white chocolate slowly on low heat to prevent burning.
- Add powdered sugar only after the cereal is evenly coated to maintain dry texture and avoid stickiness.
- Crush freeze-dried blueberries finely so they adhere well without large chunks.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; avoid refrigeration to preserve crispness.
- Freezing is not recommended as thawing causes sogginess.
Keywords: Blueberry lemon cheesecake puppy chow, no bake snack, gluten free snack, white chocolate puppy chow, freeze-dried blueberry treats, lemon cheesecake snack mix
