lemon blueberry puppy chow, cheesecake puppy chow

If you love a zesty twist on classic snack mixes, Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is your new obsession. Bursting with the bright flavor of lemon, the sweetness of blueberries, and the creamy decadence of cheesecake, this puppy chow is a snack, dessert, or party treat all in one. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon treats, or a spontaneous snack attack, it’s easy to make, irresistibly crunchy, and totally shareable.

Not only is this recipe simple, but it also combines pantry staples with fresh ingredients for a sophisticated flavor profile. Crunchy cereal coated in tangy lemon cheesecake goodness, dotted with juicy blueberries, makes this a snack you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Ingredients

• Cereal Base:
  • 6 cups crispy rice cereal or corn squares
• Cheesecake Coating:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or cream, to adjust consistency
• Flavor Add-Ins:
  • 1 cup freeze-dried blueberries or fresh blueberries
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp lemon extract for extra zing
• Finishing Touch:
  • Additional powdered sugar for dusting
  • Extra lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Measure out cereal into a large mixing bowl.
2. Make Cheesecake Coating:
   In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and optional lemon extract. Mix until creamy. Adjust thickness with milk or cream until spreadable but not runny.
3. Coat the Cereal:
   Pour cheesecake mixture over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until each piece is lightly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
4. Add Blueberries:
   Sprinkle freeze-dried or fresh blueberries over the coated cereal and fold gently to distribute evenly.
5. Chill to Set:
   Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes, allowing the coating to firm up.
6. Final Touches:
   Once firm, break into bite-sized clusters. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and sprinkle extra lemon zest for presentation.
7. Serve & Store:
   Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Tips & Tricks

• Prevent sogginess: Use freeze-dried blueberries for long-term storage—they won’t release moisture like fresh ones.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet snack, reduce powdered sugar in the coating by 1/4 cup.
• Extra crunch: Toss a handful of chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) into the mix for additional texture.

Variations

• Chocolate Lemon Blueberry: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished puppy chow.
• Mini Muffin Cups: Portion puppy chow into mini cupcake liners for single-serve treats.
• Berry Medley: Swap blueberries with a mix of freeze-dried raspberries and strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for afternoon snacks, tea parties, or as a dessert topping for ice cream bowls.
• Pack in small mason jars or treat bags for gifts or party favors.

Fun Facts

• Puppy chow originated in the Midwest and is often called “Muddy Buddies.” Traditionally made with chocolate, this version reinvents it with cheesecake and fruity flavors.
• The combination of lemon and blueberries is not only delicious but also high in antioxidants, making this snack a slightly healthier indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick to assemble with minimal baking.
2. Combines tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors in one snack.
3. Eye-catching and perfect for entertaining.
4. Adaptable for various dietary preferences—can be made gluten-free with gluten-free cereal.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Puppy Chow

A zesty and sweet snack combining lemon, blueberries, and creamy cheesecake coating over crunchy cereal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Spring

Servings 6 cups

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Ingredients

  

Cereal Base

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal or corn squares

Cheesecake Coating

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp lemon zest freshly grated
• 2-3 tbsp milk or cream to adjust consistency

Flavor Add-Ins

• 1 cup freeze-dried blueberries or fresh blueberries
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp lemon extract optional

Finishing Touch

• powdered sugar for dusting
• extra lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

 

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure cereal into a large bowl.
• Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, and optional lemon extract. Mix until creamy, adding milk to adjust consistency.
• Pour cheesecake mixture over cereal. Fold gently until evenly coated.
• Add blueberries and fold gently to distribute.
• Spread mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet. Chill 30–45 minutes until firm.
• Break into bite-sized clusters. Dust with powdered sugar and extra lemon zest.
• Serve immediately or store in airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or in fridge for up to a week.

Notes

For longer storage, use freeze-dried blueberries to avoid moisture.

Keyword cheesecake puppy chow, easy cheesecake treats, fruity puppy chow recipe, lemon blueberry puppy chow, lemon dessert snack