If you love the classic puppy chow (or muddy buddies) but want a fruity twist, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Puppy Chow is the perfect treat! This sweet and crunchy snack combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the fruity sweetness of strawberry cake mix and sugar wafers. It’s a delightful no-bake recipe that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun snack at home.
Why You Will Love Chocolate Covered Strawberry Puppy Chow
- No-Bake Convenience: Perfect for quick preparation without needing an oven.
- Fun and Festive: The combination of chocolate and strawberry creates a playful and colorful snack.
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavors or add extras like sprinkles for a personalized touch.
- Kid-Friendly: Easy to make and fun for kids to help mix and stir.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, movie nights, or edible gifts.
Ingredients Notes for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Puppy Chow
- Rice Chex (6 cups): The light, crunchy base that holds all the flavors. Corn Chex can also work as a substitute.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Strawberry Cake Mix (1 ½ cups): Adds a fruity, vibrant flavor. Be sure to use a dry mix straight from the box.
- Powdered Sugar (¼ cup): Helps coat the cereal evenly and balances the strawberry flavor.
- Chocolate Sugar Wafers (6–8): Adds a crunchy chocolate element. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Strawberry Sugar Wafers (6–8): Adds a burst of strawberry flavor and a fun texture.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Ziplock bag or bowl with a lid
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Puppy Chow
- Prepare the Chex: Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl with a lid or a large ziplock bag.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate over the Rice Chex. Shake the bowl or ziplock bag to evenly coat the cereal with chocolate.
- Add the Strawberry Mix: Sprinkle the strawberry cake mix and powdered sugar over the chocolate-coated cereal. Stir or shake gently to ensure every piece is well-coated.
- Add the Wafers: Chop the chocolate and strawberry sugar wafers into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the cereal mixture and gently stir to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the puppy chow to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container for later.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve in a large bowl at parties, or portion into smaller bags for an on-the-go snack.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Extra Chocolatey: Drizzle additional melted chocolate over the finished puppy chow before serving.
- Sprinkle Fun: Add colorful sprinkles or mini marshmallows for a festive touch.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Mix ¼ cup melted peanut butter with the chocolate for a richer flavor.
Helpful Notes
- For best results, make sure the chocolate-coated cereal is still slightly warm when adding the powdered sugar and cake mix; it helps the coating stick better.
- Avoid overmixing when adding the sugar wafers to prevent them from breaking apart.
- If using a ziplock bag, seal it well and shake gently to avoid spills or breaking the cereal.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): “Use a large bowl with a lid for mixing—it makes shaking easier and less messy.”
- Alton Brown: “Microwave chocolate in short intervals and stir often to avoid scorching.”
- Ina Garten: “Always use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in no-bake recipes.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes! White chocolate adds a sweeter, creamier twist that pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavors.
Is it safe to use dry cake mix?
If you’re concerned, heat the cake mix on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to kill any potential bacteria. Let it cool before using.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Check the ingredients on your cake mix and sugar wafers to ensure they are nut-free.
What if I don’t have strawberry cake mix?
You can substitute with vanilla cake mix and add a few drops of strawberry extract for flavor.
How do I prevent clumps when mixing?
Shake gently and make sure the chocolate is evenly melted to avoid uneven clumps during coating.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Puppy Chow is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic snack, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing with loved ones. Get creative and enjoy this easy, no-bake recipe!
