Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow combines the sweet flavors of strawberry shortcake with the amazing crunch of puppy chow. A deliciously addictive treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Growing up, I was OBSESSED with puppy chow (aka muddy buddies.) As in my friends and I would make it for every party and sleepover we possibly could. And when we wanted to mix things up? We’d make up different versions of it!

So it’s no wonder that one of my first recipes to ever go viral was my Lemon Bar Muddy Buddies. And it makes sense. Who doesn’t love a classic treat with a twist!? Since then, I’ve shared Scotcheroo Muddy Buddies and Chocolate Covered Cherry Muddy Buddies and even Candy Corn Muddy Buddies.

But there’s something about these Strawberry Shortcake Muddy Buddies that’s extra. Extra delicious, extra special, an extra perfect snack for birthday parties, baby showers, Valentine’s Day, or just because.

what you’ll need for this recipe

Cereal – I used Rice Chex cereal, which is mild in flavor and also gluten-free. You can use Crispix, Corn Chex, or Strawberry Vanilla Chex as a substitute.

White chocolate – I used melted white chocolate chips instead of the chocolate chips that are used in classic puppy chow. Substitute candy melts or vanilla candy coating (omit the butter if you’re using one of these.)

Strawberry jam – In place of the peanut butter that’s used in classic puppy chow, I used strawberry jam. For best results, avoid jam with large chunks of fruit.

Butter – A little bit of butter helps the white chocolate chips melt smoothly. *NOTE: if you substitute white chocolate candy melts or candy coating, you can omit the butter.

Powdered sugar – Powdered sugar is the signature coating on puppy chow. Add more or less to taste!

Dried Strawberries – Dried strawberries add real strawberry flavor to this snack. I used homemade (see below) but store bought freeze dried will also work. Alternately, use a food processor to crush freeze dried strawberries into a fine powder, then mix them in with the powdered sugar before using.

how to make strawberry puppy chow

Melt the chocolate. Combine white chocolate chips, strawberry jam, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stopping to stir, until completely melted. *Be careful not to overheat. White chocolate burns easily!

Combine the chocolate & Chex. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal shake to coat. I’ve found the easiest way to do this is in a brown grocery bag, but you can also use large ziploc bags.

Add powdered sugar. Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the chocolate coated cereal and shake to coat.

Garnish. Garnish with additional white chocolate chips and dried strawberries.

Store. Store puppy chow in a resealable bag or other airtight container at room temperature.

How to Make Dried Strawberries

Pre-heat the oven to 250 degrees. Slice strawberries thinly and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in 1/2 hour increments, rotating the pan every 30 minutes, for 2 or more hours. Flip strawberries after 1 hour. *Strawberries should be dry, no longer moist, when done.

More Strawberry Shortcake Recipes

Strawberry Shortcake is a classic dessert combo, and you can never have too many ways to enjoy it!