Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow – Sweet, Crunchy & No-Bake

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is the perfect no-bake treat when you want something sweet, crunchy, and packed with strawberry flavor. This fun twist on classic puppy chow combines crispy cereal, creamy white chocolate, and bright freeze-dried strawberries for a snack that tastes just like strawberry shortcake in bite-sized form.

Because Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow comes together in minutes, it's ideal for parties, holidays, gifting, or late-night cravings. Plus, you only need a handful of ingredients and zero oven time.

The first time I made Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow, it was for a last-minute get-together. I wanted something festive but simple. Once I saw that pretty pink coating form around each cereal square, I knew it would be a hit. And sure enough, the bowl emptied faster than I expected.

A sweet no-bake snack made with cereal, white chocolate, and freeze-dried strawberries for a crunchy strawberry shortcake flavor.

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Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 160

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 oz freeze-dried strawberries (ground)
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar

Equipment

• Food processor
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Baking sheet

Method

 

1. Pulse freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until finely powdered.
2. Mix strawberry powder with powdered sugar and transfer to a zip-top bag.
3. Melt white chocolate chips in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each.
4. Gently fold melted chocolate into cereal until evenly coated.
5. Transfer coated cereal into the bag and shake until fully coated with strawberry sugar.
6. Spread onto baking sheet and chill 15 minutes to set before storing.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 90mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use freeze-dried strawberries only. Avoid fresh or regular dried fruit due to moisture.

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Why You'll Love Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Quick & No-Bake

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow requires no baking at all. Simply melt, mix, shake, and chill briefly. That means less cleanup and less time in the kitchen.

Because the chocolate sets quickly, you can have this ready in about 20 minutes total.

Only a Few Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses:

• Chex-style cereal
• White chocolate chips
• Freeze-dried strawberries
• Powdered sugar

Each ingredient plays an important role. The cereal provides crunch, the white chocolate adds sweetness and binding power, and the strawberry powder delivers bright berry flavor.

Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

What You Need

• 4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal (or Crispix)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 oz freeze-dried strawberries (ground into powder)
• 1-1½ cups powdered sugar (for coating)

Freeze-dried strawberries work best because they provide strong flavor without adding moisture. Fresh strawberries won't work for this recipe.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow

Step 1: Make Strawberry Powder

Place freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor.

Pulse until they form a fine powder.

Step 2: Combine with Powdered Sugar

Mix the strawberry powder with powdered sugar until evenly blended.

Pour this mixture into a large zip-top bag.

Step 3: Melt White Chocolate

Microwave white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.

Continue until smooth and fully melted. Avoid overheating to prevent seizing.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal

Pour melted chocolate over cereal in a large bowl.

Gently fold until each piece is evenly coated.

Step 5: Shake in Strawberry Sugar

Transfer chocolate-coated cereal into the prepared bag.

Seal tightly and gently shake until fully coated.

Step 6: Set and Serve

Spread coated cereal onto a baking sheet.

Chill for about 15 minutes to set.

Once firm, store in an airtight container.

Substitution Options

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow is flexible.

• Use freeze-dried raspberries or mixed berries instead of strawberries.
• Swap white chocolate chips with vanilla candy melts or almond bark.
• Use rice Chex, corn Chex, or Crispix cereal.

Avoid fresh fruit or regular dried fruit because moisture will ruin the texture.

Storage Tips

Store Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature.

It will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Avoid refrigeration, as fridge moisture can cause the coating to become sticky.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating white chocolate, which causes it to seize.
• Stirring too aggressively and breaking the cereal.
• Using moist fruit instead of freeze-dried.
• Skipping the cooling step before storage.

Taking your time during melting and coating ensures perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use strawberry gelatin mix instead?

No. Gelatin mix adds moisture and artificial sweetness that will change the texture. Freeze-dried strawberries are best.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Simply double all ingredients and work in batches for even coating.

How do I make it more strawberry flavored?

Add an extra tablespoon of strawberry powder to intensify the flavor.

Can I add mix-ins?

Yes. Mini marshmallows or white chocolate chunks work well after the mixture sets.

Is this good for gifting?

Absolutely. Package in clear bags or jars for holidays or party favors.

Conclusion

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow brings together crunchy cereal, creamy white chocolate, and bright strawberry flavor in one irresistible no-bake treat. Because it's quick to prepare and visually fun with its soft pink coating, it's perfect for celebrations, gifting, or simple everyday snacking.

Once you try Easy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow, it will likely become your go-to sweet snack. It's crunchy, fruity, creamy, and impossible to stop eating.