Oh, friends — I’m so excited you’re here because this recipe is a total treat for both the eyes and the taste buds! 💕 This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow (also known as “Muddy Buddies”) is the sweetest little snack mix — crunchy, fruity, and coated in creamy white chocolate with a hint of strawberry bliss. It’s one of those easy, no-bake desserts that looks like a party and tastes like pure happiness!
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, summer parties, or just a cozy movie night — it’s as pretty as it is addictive. And if you love fun, no-fuss desserts that make everyone smile, make sure to subscribe below for more quick, colorful recipes like this sent straight to your inbox!
Overview of the Recipe
This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow takes classic Chex mix to a whole new level. It’s coated in sweet white chocolate, tossed with strawberry Jell-O powder and powdered sugar, and finished with a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries for that burst of fruity flavor. It’s crunchy, creamy, and perfectly pink — everything you want in a snack mix!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking needed: Just melt, mix, and shake!
- Fun & festive: Gorgeous pink color and fruity flavor make it party-ready.
- Kid-friendly: Both fun to make and fun to eat!
- Customizable: Swap flavors, mix in candies, or add extra toppings.
What It Tastes Like
Each bite is sweet, crunchy, and lightly fruity with creamy white chocolate coating every piece. It tastes like strawberry shortcake in snackable form — with a touch of nostalgia and a lot of deliciousness!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes.
- Great for gifting or parties.
- No oven, no mess, no stress.
- Stores beautifully for days (if it lasts that long!).
Ingredients
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 large box strawberry Jell-O mix
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (optional but highly recommended!)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Gallon-sized resealable bag
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Base
Add Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Melt the Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and butter. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted mixture over the Rice Chex and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 4: Mix the Sweet Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together strawberry Jell-O mix and powdered sugar.
Step 5: Shake and Coat
Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable bag. Add the strawberry sugar mixture, seal the bag, and shake until every piece is well coated and pink.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Spread the coated cereal on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden.
For extra flavor and color, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the top before it sets.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Once cooled, store your Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in an airtight container — or go ahead and grab a handful (you won’t resist!).
What to Serve With Strawberry Puppy Chow
This pretty pink treat pairs perfectly with:
- Chocolate-covered strawberries for a themed dessert board
- Lemonade or strawberry milkshakes for a refreshing pairing
- Valentine’s Day charcuterie boards or gift jars for friends
Tips for Success
- Melt slowly: White chocolate burns easily — microwave in short bursts.
- Work quickly: Toss the cereal before the chocolate sets.
- Add color: Mix in pink or red sprinkles for extra flair.
- Make it seasonal: Try cherry or raspberry Jell-O for flavor twists!
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Not recommended — it can make the cereal soft.
- Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 1 month; thaw before serving for the best crunch.
General Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~260 kcal per serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other cereals?
A: Yes! Corn Chex or Crispix also work great.
Q: Can I use candy melts instead of white chocolate chips?
A: Definitely — they melt smoothly and come in fun colors!
Q: How can I make this less sweet?
A: Use half the powdered sugar or skip the Jell-O and add a little strawberry extract instead.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is the perfect mix of sweet, fruity, and fun — a no-bake treat that’s sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering. It’s crunchy, colorful, and ridiculously easy to make — truly a snack that makes people smile!
If you loved this, be sure to check out my Birthday Cake Puppy Chow and Cookies and Cream Snack Mix — both are no-bake favorites that are just as addictive!
Interactive Element
Tried this sweet snack? I’d love to see it!
📸 Share your Strawberry Puppy Chow photos on Pinterest or tag me on social media — your creations always make me smile!
⭐ Don’t forget to leave a review below — your feedback helps others find this fun, fruity treat!
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
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