Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow Snack

Strawberries + cream puppy chow snack is a delicious variation of a childhood classic snack mix you will love.

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Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow Snack is so easy to make. You can quickly render a batch using only five ingredients. It’s a perfect snack to pull out when you have company. It’s also ideal for filling treat bags and giving as gifts.

What Is Puppy Chow Snack?

Puppy chow is an all-time favorite snack mix that many many of us have grown up eating. There are many variations of this favorite classic snack mix. It starts out with cereal that has been coated in some kind of gooey goodness and then tossed in powdered sugar.

Why Is It Called Puppy Chow?

The snack mix’s main ingredient is Chex cereal. The cereal first appeared in 1937 as wheat Chex. In 1950 rice Chex was introduced, and eight years later in 1958 corn Chex was introduced. Chex was originally produced and owned by Ralson Purina of St. Louis, Missouri. See where I’m going with this?

The “Chex” name reflects the “checkerboard square” logo of Ralston Purina’s brand at the time. The puppy chow snack name is based upon its look and consistency which resembles Purina’s Puppy Chow and Dog Chow brands of dog food. In 1997 General Mills purchased the product line that included Chex cereals.

Strawberries and Cream Puppy Chow Snack Ingredients

• Chex cereal ( In my experience, corn is a little more sturdy.)
• White chocolate or melts (I used these.)
• Strawberry cake mix
• Powdered sugar
• Pink or red food coloring – I use this all-natural food coloring.
• M&M’s (optional)

I chose to use the route of food coloring because I can use one that’s all-natural and feel good about my family (especially my little grandchildren) consuming it. I am not a fan of Red Dye 40 aka Allura Red AC. I have seen this recipe made with cinnamon candies and while I’m sure it’s yummy, I also know it’s full of red dye.

I chose to use Valentine’s M&M’s in this batch since it’s Valentine’s, but you can change that up anytime. For example, at Easter, you can use the pastel M&M’s to change it up, or you can leave them out entirely.

How to Make Puppy Chow Snack

1. Equally, divide the cereal into two large bowls and set aside.
2. Measure out and mix the cake mix + powdered sugar in a gallon ziplock bag.
3. Add plain powdered sugar to another gallon ziplock bag.
4. Equally, divide the chocolate or wafers into two microwave-safe bowls and melt in a microwave, stirring in thirty-second intervals until melted and smooth.
5. Add drops of food coloring until chocolate is nice and pink.
6. Pour half of the melted chocolate over the first bowl and gently stir. Repeat with the other half and second bowl. (If the chocolate starts to firm before getting to the second bowl, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.)
7. Add one bowl of coated cereal to the bag of cake mix and shake until cereal is coated, and then add the second bowl to the powdered sugar.

Is Puppy Chow Muddy Buddies?

Yep, they are the same. Some of us grew up calling it puppy chow while others were calling it muddy buddies. General Mills started making and selling the snack in stores and Muddy Buddies is their official name for it. And here are a few other names people have called it:

• Monkey Munch
• Monster Munch
• Reindeer Chow
• Muddy Munch

Regardless of what you call it, it’s a classic snack that has been a treat to many generations throughout the years.

How Long Will Puppy Chow Stay Fresh?

Puppy Chow will stay fresh in an airtight container or a ziplock bag for 1-2 weeks. It’s kind of doubtful it’ll last that long though.

Can Puppy Chow Be Frozen?

Yes! I will often double or triple the recipe when I make it and freeze most of it. It’s great to pull out for a snack when all of our family is together or when company shows up. It’s the perfect thing to make ahead for a large gathering. You can set them on the counter to thaw or even eat them cold.

Here are some more party food ideas:

Sweet + Sour Meatballs
Green Chili Pimento Cheese
Hot Buffalo Wings
Restaurant Style Salsa