This Valentine’s treat is as easy as it is addictive.
It’s crunchy, sweet, and has that perfect strawberry cheesecake flavor in every bite.
I’ve made this for parties, movie nights, and yep—Valentine’s Day gift bags.
You’ll love how fast it comes together and how fun it is to share (or not share, no judgment).
This version is pink, sweet, and perfectly festive — like a hug in a snack bowl.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe has been in my Valentine’s Day rotation for years. One bowl disappears faster than I can finish pouring it.
- It tastes like strawberry cheesecake, but it’s no-bake and takes under 15 minutes
- You only need a few ingredients
- It’s festive and pretty without any food coloring
- Everyone loves it — it always disappears first
Servings and Time
Servings: 10 cups
Total Time: 15 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered freeze-dried strawberries (about 1 cup whole)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: heart-shaped sprinkles for decoration
Pro Tips
- Use room temp cream cheese so it blends smoothly
- Work quickly after adding melted chocolate so it doesn’t set too fast
- Crush your freeze-dried strawberries into powder using a food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin
- Toss gently when mixing so you don’t crush the cereal
- Store in the fridge if your kitchen is warm to keep everything crisp
Tools Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Gallon-size zip-top bag or large container with lid
- Food processor or rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap Rice Chex with Corn Chex or Crispix
- Use dairy-free white chocolate and cream cheese to make it vegan
- Add mini marshmallows or Valentine’s M&Ms for extra texture
- Skip the graham crackers if you want it gluten-free
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this 1-2 days ahead! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving so it’s not too hard.
How to Make Valentine’s Strawberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prepare the powdered coating
Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup powdered freeze-dried strawberries, and 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers to a gallon-size zip-top bag or large bowl with lid. Shake or stir until mixed well.
Step 2: Prepare the cream cheese chocolate mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Step 3: Pour over cereal
Add 6 cups Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm cream cheese chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a spatula to gently fold it all together until evenly coated.
Step 4: Shake in strawberry cheesecake coating
Transfer the coated cereal into the zip-top bag with the powdered strawberry-sugar mixture. Seal the bag and shake until the cereal is fully coated and dry.
Step 5: Decorate and serve
Pour the finished puppy chow into a serving bowl. Sprinkle on heart-shaped sprinkles if using. Let cool completely before storing.
Leftovers and Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If chilled, let sit out 10 minutes before eating for best texture. Don’t freeze—it’ll get soggy.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The cream cheese melts into the white chocolate, giving it a tangy richness that mimics cheesecake flavor. The freeze-dried strawberries add intense flavor without moisture, so the cereal stays crisp. The powdered sugar and graham cracker coating locks everything in place and gives that classic “puppy chow” texture.
Common Mistakes
- Overheating the chocolate – it can seize and get grainy. Always melt in short bursts.
- Using fresh strawberries – too wet, will make the cereal soggy. Stick with freeze-dried!
- Not mixing fast enough – the chocolate sets quickly, so move fast once it’s poured.
- Overmixing – stirs too hard and the cereal breaks apart. Gentle is the way to go.
What to Serve With
- Cold glass of milk or strawberry milk
- White chocolate hot cocoa
- Fresh fruit platter
- Sparkling pink lemonade
- Simple Valentine’s sugar cookies
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free white chocolate and vegan cream cheese.
Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free graham crackers or skip them.
Can I use regular strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Nope—too much moisture. Stick with freeze-dried for that crisp coating.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just split the batch into two bags for coating so it mixes evenly.
Does this need to be refrigerated?
Not unless your kitchen is warm. It stays fresher longer in the fridge.
