Here’s a Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow (aka Muddy Buddies) recipe! This treat is a fun twist on the classic Puppy Chow and combines the flavors of strawberries, white chocolate, and crushed shortbread or golden Oreos. It’s perfect for parties, gifting, or just a sweet snack.
🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow Recipe
✅ Yield:
About 7–8 cups
⏰ Time:
15–20 minutes
🧺 Ingredients:
Dry Mix:
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6 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex)
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10 golden Oreos or shortbread cookies, crushed (about 1 cup)
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1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (not fresh or frozen!)
Coating:
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1 cup white chocolate chips (or white candy melts)
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1/4 cup strawberry cake mix or strawberry Jell-O powder (for flavor & color)
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2 tbsp butter (optional, helps smooth chocolate)
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Powder Coating:
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3/4–1 cup powdered sugar
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Remaining crushed freeze-dried strawberries and cookies for garnish/mix-in
🍴 Equipment:
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Large mixing bowl
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Microwave-safe bowl
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Large Ziploc bag (or bowl with lid)
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Spatula
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Parchment paper
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the Dry Mix:
In a large mixing bowl, add:
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6 cups Rice Chex
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Set aside
Crush:
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10 golden Oreos or shortbread cookies in a food processor or Ziploc bag (you want small crumbs, not dust).
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Crush 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries.
Reserve some crumbs/strawberries for topping if you like.
2. Melt the Coating:
In a microwave-safe bowl:
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Add 1 cup white chocolate chips + 2 tbsp butter (optional for smoother melt)
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Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted
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Stir in 1/4 cup strawberry cake mix or Jell-O powder
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Add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
💡 Note: If the mix thickens too much (from the cake mix), add a few drops of vegetable oil or milk to loosen it up.
3. Combine with Cereal:
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Pour the warm strawberry-white chocolate mixture over the cereal
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Gently fold with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated
4. Shake It Up:
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In a large Ziploc bag, combine:
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3/4–1 cup powdered sugar
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Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
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Crushed cookie crumbs
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Add coated cereal into the bag
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Seal and shake until everything is well coated
5. Cool & Set:
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Spread the mix out on a parchment-lined baking sheet
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Let it cool and harden for about 10–15 minutes
6. Serve or Store:
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Add extra crushed cookies or strawberries on top if desired
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
🍓 Optional Add-Ins:
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Mini marshmallows
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Strawberry yogurt-covered pretzels
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White chocolate chips
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Dried strawberries (not freeze-dried, for chewier bites)
💡 Tips:
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Don’t use fresh strawberries—they’ll add moisture and ruin the texture.
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Want it pinker? Add a drop of pink or red gel food coloring to the chocolate before mixing.
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For a birthday version, add rainbow sprinkles!