Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow

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There’s no easier way to bring color and crave-worthy crunch to a party snack table than with this Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow. With bold red hues, a white chocolate drizzle, and a sweet vanilla aroma, this festive treat is perfect for holidays, movie nights, or just when you need a no-bake snack everyone will devour.

Made with crunchy cereal squares coated in a creamy red velvet blend and tossed in powdered sugar, this version also sneaks in a few mini pretzels for a salty twist. It’s as addictive as it is simple to make, and the best part? No oven required!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow

• No-bake and only takes minutes to prepare
• Colorful, festive, and fun to customize
• A balanced sweet-salty combo thanks to mini pretzels
• Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or game day snacks
• Great for gifting in jars or treat bags

Can I Use Any Cereal for Puppy Chow?

For the best results, stick with rice or corn square cereal (like Chex). These varieties are sturdy enough to hold the coating without going soggy and offer a great crunchy texture that holds up well when mixed with melted chocolate and powdered sugar. Avoid puffed or flaked cereals—they won’t deliver the same crispy bite.

Ingredients

• Rice or corn square cereal – the classic base for structure and crunch
• White chocolate chips – melts smoothly and offers sweet, creamy flavor
• Cream cheese baking chips – adds a tangy twist that mimics red velvet frosting
• Red gel food coloring – creates that vibrant red hue with minimal moisture
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – adds the chocolate note needed for red velvet flavor
• Vanilla extract – enhances sweetness and depth
• Powdered sugar – coats the cereal for that classic puppy chow finish
• Mini pretzels – add saltiness and extra crunch

How To Make the Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Base

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and cream cheese chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, vanilla, and red food coloring until the mixture is velvety and vibrant.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the red velvet chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Add the Sweet Finish

Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag with powdered sugar. Seal and shake vigorously until all pieces are coated in sugar and no longer sticky.

Step 4: Toss in the Crunch

Spread the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set. Once dry, gently mix in the mini pretzels for that salty contrast.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Pour into a serving bowl or pack into treat bags for gifting. Make sure it’s fully cooled before storing!

How to Serve Red Velvet Puppy Chow

This recipe yields about 6 cups of puppy chow, feeding 6 to 8 people depending on portion sizes. Serve it in a party bowl with a scoop, or portion into cups or bags for individual snacking. It’s great for school treats, party favors, or dessert tables!

Storing Red Velvet Puppy Chow

Store this snack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re in a warmer climate or your house runs hot, you can refrigerate it to prevent the chocolate from melting. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

You can also freeze the mix for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe zip-top bag, press out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of chips?
No—regular cream cheese adds too much moisture. Stick with cream cheese-flavored baking chips for a smooth, dry coating.

What kind of food coloring works best?
Gel food coloring is ideal because it’s concentrated and won’t make the mixture too runny like liquid dyes might.

Can I add mix-ins like M&M’s or nuts?
Absolutely! Red, white, or pink candies are great for a themed twist. Just add them after the mix is fully cooled.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be—use gluten-free cereal and pretzels. Always double-check labels to be sure.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to coat the cereal in batches so everything mixes evenly.

Want More Dessert Snack Ideas?

If you love this Red Velvet Puppy Chow, check out some other delicious snack treats:

• Brownie Puppy Chow for a fudgy, extra chocolatey twist.
• Candy Cane Cookies for a festive minty bake.
• Mini Pecan Pies for a rich, nutty holiday bite.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies to double down on the red velvet goodness.
• No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls for easy dessert bites without the oven.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra toppings? Try a different flavor combo? I love seeing your twists!

Looking for more recipes like this? Check out my Life With Livia Pinterest page for new ideas shared daily!

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