Description
Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful gluten-free snack combining crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated with a creamy white chocolate and cream cheese blend infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. Enhanced with bursts of freeze-dried blueberries and dusted with powdered sugar, this sweet treat offers a tangy cheesecake flavor with a crunchy texture perfect for parties or an anytime snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex gluten-free cereal
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries, crushed
- 3/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries (whole, for folding)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Crush blueberries: Place 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or use a food processor until finely crushed. Set aside.
- Melt mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth.
- Add flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Coat cereal: Place 6 cups Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm cheesecake mixture evenly over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all pieces are coated well.
- Fold in blueberries: Sprinkle in 3/4 cup whole freeze-dried blueberries and gently fold them into the coated cereal to distribute throughout.
- Add powdered sugar and crushed blueberries: Transfer the coated cereal into a gallon-sized zip-top plastic bag. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and the crushed freeze-dried blueberries. Seal the bag securely and shake vigorously until the cereal is completely coated and dry.
- Cool and serve: Spread the coated puppy chow out on a baking sheet or large plate and allow to cool completely for about 10 minutes, which helps set the coating. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Using fresh blueberries is not recommended as they add moisture and make the puppy chow soggy.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid clumps and to ensure even mixing.
- Melt the white chocolate mixture on low heat to prevent burning.
- Do not add powdered sugar until the cereal is fully coated with the chocolate mixture to avoid clumping.
- Crush the freeze-dried blueberries finely to ensure they stick well to the coating.
- This puppy chow does not require refrigeration; store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Best consumed within 5 days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing is not advised as it causes sogginess when thawed.
- Can substitute Rice Chex with Corn Chex or Crispix cereal for variation.
- Low-fat cream cheese can be used but will alter flavor and texture slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow, gluten free puppy chow, white chocolate puppy chow, lemon cheesecake snack, freeze-dried blueberries, easy party snacks
