Not long ago, my youngest granddaughter, had a “pink day” at preschool. Everything from her clothes to her lunch had to be some shade of pink. Naturally, she took this challenge very seriously. That morning, as I packed her little lunchbox, she asked if I could make her “something pink and sweet but not messy.” Well, how could I resist a request like that?
I opened the pantry and spotted a nearly full box of Rice Chex and a forgotten bag of strawberry gelatin mix. That got the wheels turning. I’d made classic puppy chow before—always a hit at church potlucks and grandkid sleepovers—but never a strawberry version. The idea of blending that nostalgic cereal crunch with the creamy smoothness of white chocolate and a burst of strawberry sweetness made me giddy.
By the time my granddaughter returned from school, there was a bowl of this Velvety Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow waiting for her—and let me tell you, she took one bite and squealed with joy. “It’s like strawberries turned into candy!” she said, which coming from a four-year-old is about the best review you can get.
Now, this recipe has become a staple at our family gatherings. It’s cheerful, quick to make, and brings a playful touch to dessert tables, especially when you want something that’s easy to nibble on while playing cards or watching a movie. Plus, it’s such a breeze to whip up, you might find yourself making a second batch before the first one’s even cooled.
Short Description
A fun, no-bake treat made with Rice Chex cereal coated in smooth white chocolate and tossed in a strawberry-powdered sugar mix. This crunchy, fruity snack is perfect for parties, gifts, or colorful everyday snacking.
Key Ingredients
Main:
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (for added richness)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered Coating:
- 1 box (large) strawberry gelatin mix
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Optional Topping:
-
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Gallon-sized zip-top bag
- Baking sheet lined with parchment
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Base
Place the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside. This will be the crunchy canvas for your strawberry coating.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine all 1½ cups of white chocolate chips and the unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round, until smooth and fully melted.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Flavor
Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until fully blended and glossy. This adds a subtle, creamy sweetness.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex. Gently fold it in with a spatula, making sure every piece is evenly coated.
Step 5: Mix the Strawberry Sugar
In a separate bowl, whisk together the strawberry gelatin and powdered sugar until evenly combined. This will create the signature pink coating.
Step 6: Shake to Coat
Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag. Add the strawberry-sugar mix, seal the bag tightly, and shake vigorously until all the cereal is covered in pink powder.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Spread the cereal in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden. If desired, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for extra flavor and texture.
Step 8: Store and Serve
Once fully cooled and crisp, transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature and enjoy as a sweet, fruity snack whenever the craving hits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bright & Fruity Flavor: The strawberry gelatin adds a sweet-tart punch that feels like spring in every bite.
Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes with no oven required.
Great for Gifting: Pack it in mason jars or treat bags for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or party favors.
Kid-Approved: It’s colorful, fun to eat, and makes for a delightful surprise in lunchboxes.
Versatile: Easily customizable with different gelatin flavors or additional mix-ins.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using warm cereal: If your cereal has been stored in a warm spot (like over the fridge), it might lose its crispness. Chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before starting for better crunch.
Overheating the chocolate: White chocolate can seize quickly. Always microwave in short bursts and stir well between each.
Not sealing the bag tightly: You’ll end up with powdered sugar all over your kitchen. Double-check the zip before you shake.
Coating while hot: If the cereal is too warm when adding the sugar mix, it can become clumpy. Let it sit for a minute or two before tossing.
Skipping the parchment: The candy coating sticks to surfaces easily, so always use parchment or wax paper when laying it out to cool.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve in colorful paper cups at birthday parties or baby showers.
Include as part of a pink-themed dessert board with strawberry macarons, dipped pretzels, and marshmallows.
Pair with lemonade or strawberry milk for a playful snack.
Add to snack jars alongside granola and dried fruits for a trail mix vibe.
Offer it during movie night for a sweet alternative to popcorn.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer freshness, refrigerate in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 weeks.
Do not freeze, as the coating may become sticky upon thawing.
No need to reheat—serve at room temperature for best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cereal besides Rice Chex?
Yes! Crispix or Corn Chex are great alternatives. Just avoid cereals with coatings or flakes that might become soggy.
2. Can I use red gelatin instead of strawberry?
You can use raspberry or cherry gelatin, though the flavor will shift. Still delicious, just a bit different.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and plant-based butter. Make sure to read ingredient labels carefully.
4. Is this safe for toddlers?
Yes, but keep an eye out for sticky fingers. You can pulse the cereal slightly for smaller bites if needed.
5. Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Make it up to 3 days in advance and store in a tightly sealed container until ready to serve.
Tips & Tricks
For a Valentine’s version, mix in heart-shaped sprinkles just before serving.
If you want bolder flavor, double the gelatin in the coating.
Use gloves when shaking if you don’t want pink-stained hands.
Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
A few drops of strawberry extract in the chocolate mix will enhance the flavor even more.
Recipe Variations
Lemon Raspberry Puppy Chow:
Use lemon gelatin in the sugar coating and mix in crushed freeze-dried raspberries. Swap vanilla for lemon extract.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Version:
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips after the cereal has cooled. The mix of white and dark chocolate is irresistible.
Birthday Cake Style:
Skip the gelatin and use ½ teaspoon almond extract in the white chocolate. Coat with powdered sugar and rainbow sprinkles.
Strawberry Cheesecake Mix:
Add crushed graham crackers with the powdered sugar for a crust-like finish. Pair with a tiny swirl of cream cheese frosting as a dip.
Final Thoughts
This Velvety Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow brought more smiles to my kitchen than I expected from such a simple recipe. My granddaughter now calls it “Grandma’s pink snow snack,” and I think the name might just stick. I’ve shared it at potlucks, passed it around on game night, and even tucked it into goodie bags for the Sunday school kids. It’s sweet without being over-the-top, nostalgic yet fresh, and has that special touch that only comes from homemade snacks.
Food doesn’t always have to be complicated to make people feel loved. Sometimes all it takes is a bowl of cereal, a splash of pink, and a little shake-shake-shake in a plastic bag to make something unforgettable.
If you give it a try, I hope it adds as much joy to your day as it did to ours.
Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Ingredients
Main:
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips for added richness
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered Coating:
- 1 box large strawberry gelatin mix
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Optional Topping:
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries crushed
Instructions
- Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips and butter in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract until fully combined and glossy.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently toss with a spatula until evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix strawberry gelatin and powdered sugar until well blended.
- Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag, add the strawberry-sugar mix, seal, and shake until fully coated.
- Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set. Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries if desired.
- Once cooled, store in an airtight container.
