Easy Strawberry Shortcake Chow

This strawberry shortcake puppy chow transforms classic Chex cereal into a sweet, berry-infused treat that tastes just like its namesake dessert. The combination of freeze-dried strawberries, white chocolate, and powdery sugar creates an irresistible snack that disappears quickly at parties or movie nights.

I first made this puppy chow for my niece's birthday party and it vanished before the cake was even cut. Now I keep the ingredients stocked because my family requests it for every movie night and road trip.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce package freeze dried strawberries: These provide intense strawberry flavor without the moisture of fresh berries which would make the cereal soggy
• 4 cups rice or corn chex mix cereal: The grid pattern perfectly catches all the delicious coating while maintaining its crunch
• 1 cup white chocolate chips: Choose high quality chips that melt smoothly for the best results
• 1/3 cup icing sugar: Also called powdered sugar it creates that classic puppy chow coating and balances the sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Strawberry Powder:

Process the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until they become a fine powder with no visible chunks. Take your time with this step as larger pieces won't blend as evenly with the sugar. The finer the powder, the more even your flavor distribution will be throughout the final product.

Mix Strawberry Powder with Sugar:

Combine the strawberry powder with the powdered sugar in a medium bowl, stirring until you achieve a uniform pink mixture. The sugar helps carry the strawberry flavor and creates that signature powdery coating. Make sure there are no clumps before transferring to a gallon-sized freezer bag.

Melt and Coat Cereal:

Melt the white chocolate chips slowly in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth but not hot. Pour over the cereal in a large bowl and gently fold with a silicone spatula until every piece is coated. Work carefully to maintain the cereal's structure while ensuring complete coverage.

Toss with Strawberry Sugar:

Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to your bag with the strawberry-sugar mixture. Close the bag securely, removing excess air, then gently roll and shake the bag to coat each piece. The warm chocolate will help the sugar mixture adhere properly, creating that perfect sweet shell.

Set and Store:

Spread the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, then refrigerate for 15 minutes until the chocolate sets. Once firm, break apart any clusters and transfer to an airtight container. This cooling step prevents the pieces from sticking together.

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The freeze-dried strawberries are truly the magic ingredient here. I discovered them while trying to create a strawberry shortcake flavor that would actually taste authentic. The intensity of flavor from these berries far surpasses what you can achieve with extracts or other strawberry products.

Choosing the Right Cereal

While both Rice and Corn Chex work wonderfully, I find Rice Chex creates a more delicate bite that really lets the strawberry flavor shine through. Corn Chex provides a sturdier base and a slightly more pronounced flavor that some family members prefer. For a truly unique texture, try mixing half Rice and half Corn Chex in the same batch.

Quick Flavor Variations

For a chocolate-covered strawberry version, substitute milk or dark chocolate chips for the white chocolate. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the strawberry powder and creates a whole new snack experience. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted white chocolate for a more pronounced shortcake flavor, or mix in some crushed freeze-dried vanilla wafers with the sugar coating for extra authenticity.

Making It Party-Ready

This puppy chow makes a beautiful display when served in clear glass bowls or mason jars. For special occasions, package individual servings in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or create a snack bar with this strawberry version alongside traditional chocolate puppy chow. I often serve it alongside fresh strawberries for parties, creating a playful strawberry-themed snack station that guests love.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cereal works best?

Rice Chex and Corn Chex are ideal for their sturdy, grid-like texture. Crispix cereal also works well as a substitute.

→ Can I use fresh or regular dried strawberries?

No, fresh or regular dried strawberries contain too much moisture and won’t provide the desired texture.

→ What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?

You can substitute vanilla candy melts or white almond bark. Regular chocolate chips can work but won’t provide the same flavor.

→ How can I prevent clumpy, uneven coating?

Work in small batches when coating the cereal with melted chocolate and stir gently to evenly coat each piece without breaking them.

→ What are the storage instructions?

Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration to prevent the sugar coating from becoming sticky.