Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining tangy lemon and sweet blueberry flavors with creamy white chocolate and cheesecake notes. It’s a perfect treat for gatherings or a fun homemade snack.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries, crushed
• 3/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries (whole or lightly crushed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or a food processor. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips, unsalted butter, and softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm cheesecake mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Add 3/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries to the coated cereal and gently fold them in.
6. Step 6: Transfer the coated cereal to a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add powdered sugar and the crushed freeze-dried blueberries. Seal the bag and shake until all pieces are thoroughly coated and dry.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor, and consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle warmth.
• Swap white chocolate chips for white almond bark if you prefer a sweeter coating.
• For added texture, toss in chopped nuts or mini marshmallows after coating.

Storage

Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it dry to maintain crunchiness. If it softens, bake briefly at 250°F (120°C) for 5 minutes to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or fresh blueberries instead of freeze-dried?

Freeze-dried blueberries are best as they don’t add moisture, keeping the puppy chow crunchy. Fresh or frozen blueberries will make the mixture soggy and are not recommended.

How do I soften cream cheese quickly?

To soften cream cheese faster, leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it in short 10-second bursts until just soft but not melted.

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 129 reviews

This Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful, tangy-sweet snack mix featuring Rice Chex cereal coated in a creamy white chocolate and cream cheese mixture, infused with fresh lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Enhanced with the tartness of freeze-dried blueberries and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s a perfect treat for parties, snack time, or any occasion craving a flavorful, easy-to-make dessert mix.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cereal Mix

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal

Cheesecake Coating

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Additional Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries, crushed
• 3/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries

Instructions

1. Crush freeze-dried blueberries: Place 1/3 cup of freeze-dried blueberries into a zip-top bag and crush them finely with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until broken down. Set aside for use later in coating.
2. Melt white chocolate, butter, and cream cheese: In a small saucepan set over low heat, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. Stir constantly to ensure the mixture melts smoothly without burning.
3. Add lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated for a creamy, tangy cheesecake flavor.
4. Pour mixture over cereal: In a large mixing bowl, place 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal. Pour the warm cheesecake mixture evenly over the cereal and gently fold using a spatula, ensuring all the cereal pieces are coated well with the creamy mixture.
5. Add freeze-dried blueberries: Sprinkle 3/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries over the coated cereal and fold gently once again to distribute the berries evenly throughout the snack mix.
6. Add powdered sugar and crushed blueberries: Transfer the coated cereal and blueberry mixture into a large gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add 1 cup powdered sugar along with the crushed freeze-dried blueberries reserved earlier. Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously until the entire mixture is coated and dry, creating a sweet, flavorful finish.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor and aroma.
• Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the melted mixture.
• Be gentle when folding to prevent crushing the cereal pieces.
• Crushing the freeze-dried blueberries releases concentrated blueberry flavor and adds color to the coating.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crunch.

Keywords: Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix Dessert, Lemon Cheesecake Snack Mix, Freeze-Dried Blueberries, White Chocolate Snack