This sweet little treat is like a bite of summer in every handful.
Orange Creamsicle Puppy Chow is bright, citrusy, creamy, and crunchy all at once.
It’s one of those no-bake, mix-it-up-in-a-bowl desserts that feels nostalgic and totally irresistible.
It’s great for parties, movie nights, or just because you need a pick-me-up.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe reminds me of summers growing up, sitting outside with sticky fingers and orange creamsicle drips running down my hand. But this version is mess-free and way more snackable. I first made this for a beach trip with friends, and by the time we got there, the bag was already half gone. It’s that good.
- It’s no-bake and super fast
- Has a perfect mix of citrus and cream
- Great to pack and share
- Uses simple ingredients
- It feels like a grown-up twist on a childhood treat
Servings and Time
Servings: Makes about 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 1 tablespoon orange extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (dry mix only)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Pro Tips
- Use fresh orange zest — it makes a huge difference in flavor
- Let the coated cereal cool slightly before adding the powdered sugar to avoid clumping
- Shake the coated cereal in a big zip-top bag for even coverage
- You can freeze leftovers for a cool, crunchy snack later
- Don’t over-melt the chocolate — it seizes fast
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or zester
- Large zip-top bag or container with a lid
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap Rice Chex with Corn Chex or Crispix
- Use orange candy melts instead of white chocolate and extract
- Try lemon extract and zest for a lemon creamsicle twist
- Add crushed freeze-dried oranges for extra citrus punch
- If you don’t have pudding mix, add an extra ½ cup powdered sugar and a bit more extract
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If it’s warm, refrigerate it so it doesn’t melt and clump.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Puppy Chow
Step 1: Add cereal to a large bowl
Add 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Melt white chocolate, butter, and orange zest
In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 cup white chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons orange zest. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted (about 1 minute total).
Step 3: Stir in orange extract
Stir 1 tablespoon orange extract into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined and fragrant.
Step 4: Pour over cereal and mix
Pour the warm orange-chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex. Gently fold it together using a rubber spatula until all the cereal is coated evenly.
Step 5: Add pudding mix, powdered sugar, and salt
In a large zip-top bag or container, add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 box (3.4 oz) dry instant vanilla pudding mix, and 1 teaspoon salt. Seal and shake gently to mix.
Step 6: Add coated cereal and shake
Add the coated cereal to the bag with the sugar mixture. Seal the bag and shake well until every piece is fully coated and looks powdery and dry.
Step 7: Let cool and serve
Spread the coated cereal out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a serving bowl.
Macros (Per Serving)
Calories: 280
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 44g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The melted white chocolate acts as a binder, coating the cereal and helping the powdered sugar and pudding mix stick. The fat in the butter smooths the chocolate and helps it coat more evenly. The pudding mix adds vanilla flavor and helps mimic that creamy creamsicle flavor without needing actual dairy or orange juice.
Common Mistakes
- Overheating the chocolate: White chocolate burns easily. Always melt in short bursts.
- Not mixing the sugar coating enough: You want every piece covered — shake that bag well!
- Using bottled orange juice instead of zest/extract: The flavor won’t be strong enough. Stick with zest and extract.
- Skipping the cooling step: This helps the coating set and prevents stickiness.
What to Serve With
- A tall glass of cold milk
- Orange soda or cream soda
- Ice cream as a topping
- Fresh strawberries or grapes for a fruity balance
- Popcorn for a sweet-salty snack mix
FAQ
Can I use another cereal?
Yes! Corn Chex or Crispix work well.
Is this gluten-free?
Check your cereal and pudding mix. Rice Chex is gluten-free, but always double-check labels.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! It freezes great. Just store in a sealed bag and thaw for 10 minutes before eating.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just make sure to mix in batches so everything gets coated evenly.
How long will it last?
It’ll stay fresh in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days. Refrigerate for longer shelf life.
